We have experienced another 8th wonder of the world, Iguassu Falls (termed by the Guaranies 2500 years ago meaning ‘Great Water’). We are staying at the Sheraton located in the Argentine Park overlooking the beautiful falls. While it should be extremely peaceful, the construction in and out of the hotel is quite a deterrent. Yesterday afternoon we were picked up by our tour guide at the airport and taken with 2 other gentlemen, Michael and Jose direct to our hotel. Promptly after change of clothes, suntan, bug spray, we were swept off for our walk, stairs galore, and boat with baptism in the waterfalls, 4x4 jungle ride through the Yacaratia trail, and train ride to the catwalk overlooking the falls. After about 4 hours we returned to the hotel exhausted. Our guide, Alex then had to take Michael and Jose to their hotel on the Brazilian side. We were happy to plop on the bar patio, have a drink and appetizer and watch the sun set over the Devil’s throat area of the waterfalls. We were unable to observe the falls from Brazil as we did not have visas for that country. We were told and later saw in a book that that falls are even more spectacular from the Brazilian side (apparently like Niagara Falls and the Canadian side). Anyway, as you all can see from the photos, we saw plenty of beautiful falls and scenery.

Depending on water levels there are between 150 to 250 waterfalls in total, estimated to be 150 million years old. The subtropical climate is hot and humid, and while the jungles originally occupied 386,000 square miles, only 22,390 remain today, and the Unesco site and parks represent 5.7% of it. Legend tells of the snake-shaped God (MBoi) who ruled the world and maintained balance, selected the daughter of an Indian Chieftain to be consecrated. When the ceremony began with caium and mandioca (corn brandy and bitter cassava), the Indian girl ran away with a young warrior in a canoe. The disappointed God squeezed the earth which created an insurmountable canyon opening hundreds of cracks for the lovers to fall in. Legend keeps their names, Naipi, Taroba. She was turned into a rock ever lashed by the waters and he was turned into a palm tree always stretching outward to reach her. And thus, during times of Guaranies and Caiguaes, the falls were born. The center of the park is where the Iguassu and Parana rivers meet. Nine miles up on the Iguassu River is where the great amphitheatre (semi-circular front 8858 feet long) is where it runs down an abyss of up to 295 feet. The park was created in 1934 based on 290 square miles acquired in 1928 from Senior Domingo Ayarragaray for 3.2million pesos. In 1984, it became a Unesco site. Over a million people visit each year.

Had an early afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires for just one night as early travel next day. Evening dinner at La Posada de 1820, recommended to us by our friends Suzanne and Jim in Riverwoods. We had an excellent steak dinner again, with of course Argentinean wine.