Iguazu – Brazil view

We left very early, at 7:15 a.m. today, not because of how hot it might get, but it will be hot.  We left because Leandro collected our passports on the bus and, for those who did not have actual Visas in their passports, then also their E-Visas. These were only $40 and good for maybe two years.  I paid $250, I think, for a ten year Visa and it still has two to go.  I definitely had wanted to see the Falls from both sides.We are leaving Argentina for the day and driving to Brazil.  At passport control it took some time for them to process all seventeen entry documents.  Locals can freely cross with no stamping but all carry their papers.  Of course we were not the only bus full of tourists going across the border.  At border patrol, Leandro had to leave us in a parking lot with our driver and go into the Argentina exit post.  Then we drove a very short distance and the process was repeated at the passport control for Brazil.  This naturally took about twice as long.  So although we left promptly it was almost two hours before we covered the few miles, about 15 from one country to the next.  Interesting to me was that as we crossed the bridge we could see Paraguay just at the curve of the river.  Oh how I wished we could have popped over there to another country and one I have not visited - yet!

I am so very glad I had the Visa and didn't have to give it another thought. Just like you must see both sides of Niagara to appreciate Mother Nature this is a must do.  Even more so!  SPECTACULAR!   It was easy walking, handrails, elevator back up and this!  At the very end of our walk I went out on the catwalk that was closest to Garganta el Diablo.  I couldn’t believe that yesterday I had walked over this!  It is 262 feet high.  Not the highest falls, nor the most water every minute.  Only a little over 54 million gallons a minute!  Niagara does more.  But American sensibilities and litigiousness prevent you from perching on a metal grate above that!  Today I was simply soaked practically as wet as from the boat!  LouAnn’s DSLR bit the dust or shall I say drowned?  After two days of wet shots it could do no more!

Devil's Throat!

The elevator to the top was this close.  But you can see we had been even closer!

Yep!  This close.  The wooden walkway curved even closer at the right end!  Just standing up was a challenge!  The downdraft could knock you over.  A man was dragging his little girl who appeared to be about two out on the walk.  I think she was smarter than him! 

People who are not intent on suicide don't mess with this treacherous falls!

We had a lunch break when everyone had exhausted themselves with the overwhelming beauty.  The raccoon tailed Coati are everywhere. I opened my sandwich bag and before I could take it from the Baggie there was one on my table.  I waved my napkin at it saying “schwah, schwah” like I had heard the young man trying to keep the tables clean do. It jumped down.  Later one startled me by running over my foot! 

The Coati is not afraid of walking on the open grating but then again, he isn't over the water right here.

I didn't notice that the little critter smelled bad so maybe the guy is just wiping his nose.

Look at that tongue trying to get into the soda can.

Success!  He almost looks like he is smiling.

"Thanks for lunch!"  I will take my ringed tail and pointy nose and sharp claws and go take a nap now.

There were only 17 of us that did this, sadly my friends did not.  Maybe next time.  I was glad we did the boat ride on the Argentine side as from the Brazilian side the boats cannot cross the invisible borderline mid-stream.  From here you cannot go into or under the Falls.   But to not see it from this side would be an equal loss.

When we left the Falls the immigration process reversed but soon we were heading to the small airport.  We had extra time so we voted to visit a bird park.  Sandy and LouAnn wanted to do a helicopter tour but they didn’t take reservations so there was a long wait making it not doable.  Two people declined the walk and the extra $25 fee.  I was so glad I went to the park.  It was a sanctuary that was beautiful, lush tropical, rain forest gardens with carefully designed enclosures, although old style in some areas.  Leandro walked with us answering questions a giving good descriptions of the birds and other creatures.

Leandro was great.  I would have missed out on a lot if not for him.

 This sweet little girl was getting tired of holding this butterfly so passed it to me.

Never saw a Scarlet Ibis before.

This I love.  Mom is so ready for a day in the tropical bird park.  And I am pretty certain she bought the bag at the passport control parking lot.  The bus stopped and the ladies came prepared to sell!

The coloring on these flamingos is beautiful.  I think they may not get enough brine shrimp to be super pink but maybe they just like to keep it under wraps - or should I saw under wing!  Also, please notice that there are mirrors all around the enclosure.  Seems flamingos like to be in close company so mirroring expands the flock visually.

Never have I ever seen one rest this way!..At first glance you think he is headless!

Tiki, tiki, tiki birds!

And just what are these two up to?

 
When the flight time was approaching we left to go to Iguazu International.  Who knew it would have an international airport but I am pretty sure it is for just South American flights. The rest of the group had left right from the hotel this morning and had a free afternoon in the city.  But ours was a once in a lifetime experience for sure.  I owuld not hae missed it for the world!

We practically walked right onto the plane.  Ticketing was fast.  I found a seat and about fifteen minutes later we went through security.  My usual pat down and then a short wait in a line divided by rows: 3 -15 and 16 – 29.  I had a window at 26 F.  No one sat in the other two seats so I put my feet up, leant against the window as we were flying through the high clouds and actually enjoyed the trip.

By the time we got to the hotel there was only 15 minutes to the Farewell Dinner.  It was in the hotel lobby by the elevator.  White chair covers and tablecloths lent an air of elegance.  Then off to be ready for a 9:30 tour and ride to the ship!  Yea.  Rest at last!