We are in Puerto Iguazu's bus station waiting for the 'collectivo' that will take us back to Buenos Aires, after spending three gorgeous days in this little piece of paradise on Earth in the junction of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. On the TV at the bus station's restaurant the soccer match between Russia and Argentina is on.
Iguazu falls are located where Iguazu river melts into the Parana. Iguazu river spreads over a basaltic plateau in a multitude of channels just before the confluence of both rivers. The scene of the huge flow of water falling from the over-elevated plateau into the bed of the Parana is just amazing. The falls can be visited from the Argentinian and the Brazilian side and both of the views are worth it : whereas the sight from Brazil is more panoramic from the Argentinian side you can just walk on top of the water descent. This wonder is located within a subtropical forest natural park of 55000 hectares where vultures, toucans, coaties, beautifully multi-coloured butterflies and plenty of other animals inhabit.
Also on the Brazilian side, we visited a kind of bird and reptile zoo that is quite funny since it has got really big cages through which you walk. You enter practically all cages except the ones of the boa constrictor and the python ( I would not go in there by any mean). We went as well to the giant Itaipu dam (between Brasil and Paraguay), which holds the second biggest hydroelectric power plant in size in the world after the one just built in China, and that is still the biggest in power production (20% of the electric power used in Brazil, and more than 90% in Paraguay comes from this plant). It is a pity that due to lack of time we could only visit the dam and the outside of the plant so we missed having a look at the dragon's belly.
And, what can I say about Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires tastes like an European city served in XL size : giant squares next to which Puerta del Sol in Madrid looks like a blue-collar house backyard, immense avenues of up to 20 km length (it must not take long here to define the path for a marathon), pieces of steak of 700 grams per serving, 4 level meat hamburgers. And next to all that, narrower streets with a variety of buildings that reminds me a lot of Madrid with the grid design of Barcelona's 'ensanche' neighbourhood. It feels like a good place to live in, with monuments rather than being monumental, where all you need can be found two blocks away from home : hairdresser, bakery, supermarkets, supply stores, paint shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
Food in Argentina, like the accent, has a lot of Italian. Everywhere you can get pizza, pasta and of course, my favourite, grilled meat. The smell of grilled meat on the 'parrillas' fills Argentinian air from midday to midnight. For meat lovers, I am of them, in this country there dreams came true.
Argentinians take the time to discuss, to explain things to you and are open and helpful. At least that was the case with the people we have met so far. As a Spanish I am enjoy hearing them speak with their very special accent and to hear words that we do not use (or use differently) in Spain.
Well, the match has ended (3-2 for Argentina, Maradona looks happy) and our bus is about to leave. 20 hours before getting to Buenos Aires … so, keep safe and 'till next time ...
Bea
