We have now arrived back in Brazil after our very short visit to Paraguay. It was really not long enough to be able to make any sort of assessment, except to say that it arouses great curiosity.
It is a country on the edge of change it feels, with the new President Lugo just beginning to try and do some different things. There seem to be the usual extremes of wealth and poverty, especially visible in Asuncion where very posh shops and restaurants are just around the corner from the shanty town. So maybe a place to return to in a few years?
We had a bit of a shock yesterday at the end of our bus ride across Paraguay to Iguacu in Brazil, when the bus proceeded to leave Iguacu behind and gather speed across the countryside. We went to enquire of the conductor what was happening as we were supposed to get off there and a bit of a furore ensued. The upshot was though, that they had to turn round (it had been heading to San Paulo) and take us back. So here we are in this very hot place.
Today we went to the famous Iguacu Falls. The name is Guarani Indian for big water, and once upon a time they had this place to themselves. However, now it is the tourists, including us, who flock there. I am so lucky for this to be my second time, so I will leave it to Sue to tell you about it.
Sue:Iguacu is the nearest I have been to paradise.You reach the falls through rainforest,abundant butterflies,all sizes and colours,racoons hustling through the undergrowth,vultures wheeling overhead,lizards making a mad dash for cover as one approaches,and then there are these massive falls,all 275 of them,over a mile wide.Before this there are rapids for 3 km.You hear the falls before you see them,an enormous roar,it takes your breath away,the sheer power.I feel so priviledged to see them and experience such amazing nature.We are returning there tomorrow,this time to the Argentinian side,to get up very close to them,on walkways and in the forest.It will be difficult to leave.
We have decided to end our trip in style and been out and bought flights back to Rio,rather than take the bus for 23hours.Who can blame us.
1 comment:
Hi Girls!! i've just caught up with your travels (on my sofa) and am still overwhelmed with the experiences you are having. I mean REALLY overwhelmed! you must be knackered but buzzing. This trip is the most amazing I have ever experienced. Oh, I didn't go with you did I? - Feel as if I have though. Sue - bit of home news - Mark has had his hip done and his Mum and Dad are here looking after him. All is well on the home front and your return will be perfectly timed for an English springtime. Lots of Love - Sue B xxxx
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