iguazu falls

[original post June 29, 2007]

Sorry for the lack of updates! I've been going from place to place--very exciting but it makes for a lot of catchup!

Iguazu Falls was absolutely fantastic. This is one of the most incredible natural wonders I have ever seen. There was so much water! What a wonderful, natural border between three countries! I've never seen Niagra Falls, but perhaps viewing Iguazu has ruined that for me--it will probably pale in comparison.

It was incredible--you could see the mist from the falls from far away. The falls actually consist of almost 300 different falls. You can view them from either Argentina or Brazil. The view from Argentina is closer, bringing you right up to the falls. The Brazilian view is more panoramic---great for pictures!

The biggest is known as "Garganta del Diablo," or the Devil's throat. It certainly lived up to it's name!

The falls are also a national park on both sides, which made for some beautiful scenery. I saw wild monkeys and birds! All around the park were coatis, which are like a mix between a monkey and a raccoon, only related to bears. These little guys have learned to beg for food from humans. (I avoided that strong temptation because I know, deep down, that it's bad for them). They are rather funny about obtaining their food. I saw about 15 jump onto a lady's lap--she must have had some food in her purse. I'm pretty sure that is the funniest mugging that I will ever witness.

I also took a trip to Itaipu, a gigantic hydroelectric dam on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. It's actually the largest operational one in the world. Nonetheless, I was a little jaded by the beauty of the Iguazu "cataratas" and wasn't as impressed with human craftsmanship as I should have been.