1. Iguazu Falls (Misiones, Argentina)
Last year I was offered the generous opportunity to tag
along with Learn Serve* however, due to Peace Corps policy that prohibits
traveling within the first and last 3 months of service, I was not able to.
Given permission this visit and with the offer still good, I didn’t hesitate to
take it up. In spite of my unsteady nausea (the chipa asador from the night before upset a few of our stomachs;
mine included :/), I packed a bag a boarded the “sick van” as it was deemed
with a third of the Learn Serve group. I nursed my Sprite and drifted in and
out of sleep for the majority of the five-hour ride, and wasn’t feeling much
better when we stopped midway for lunch. However, I started to feel the slight
ping of hunger (a good sign) when we finally reached Ciudad del Este (City of
the East). Determined to not miss out on the big trip the following day, I ate
some crackers and later half a sandwich and was able to hold both down. The
next morning I felt significantly better and only got nauseous once more while
we were taking the ferry ride over to Argentina. Luckily, one of the group
leaders had a mint and surprisingly it helped. The rest of the day, I was able
to enjoy the scenery. The park is divided into three parts providing a view of
the waterfalls from different levels: above, below, and behind. Unfortunately
we were unable to see each side, but the section known, as “The Devil’s Throat”
was my personal favorite and by far the most breathtaking. In order to reach
it, you must take a train ride constructed alongside a butterfly sanctuary that
drops you off near a winding bridge that you must walk onto until it stops.
Once it does, you are overlooking the top of the Iguazu Falls in all of its
ferocious wonderment and beauty. The end of the bridge was packed with people
and I didn’t expect to not hear myself think amid the noise, but I was still able
to take it all in. How land can be perfectly constructed then taper off so
severely (this baffled me and still does). Random butterflies fluttering amongst
the wind and spritzing water. How we all looked like ants standing beside
skyscrapers. Rainbows danced to absorb sunlight in between the shadows cast. It
felt unreal in more ways than one; a scene from a movie or a little slice of
heaven depending on your views (literal and spiritual). Either way you feel a
presence and that is why I believe so many tourists flock to see it. This is a
case where pictures simply do not do something justice. It is much more than
mighty streams of water indeed, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to
witness it for myself. Words hardly describe it (even my own), so I recommend
to any and all to go and see it as well. Oh! I almost failed to mention the
additional perks of possibly having your food stolen by a Coati (local animal;
imagine an opossum mated with a raccoon), or for the true adrenaline junkie
riding the waves of the Falls in a raft for a few extra pesos (Argentinian
money) is another option. Neither of these appealed to me, but my point is
there is much to be seen and something for everyone. It is most definitely a trip
you’ll eagerly share the details of and likely carry with you forever. I know I
will! J
*(Refer to post “LSP 12’ “ for further explanation/more
details)
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| Signs for those pesky Coatis! |
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