The Big Question at The Big Falls

Can´t wait to blurt out the news so here is the end of blog at the start:

sight of the week: Stu down on one knee at Iquazu Falls! Yay, we´re engaged!

Those who want all the soppy details read on and we´ll start at the beginning.

Attempt number one: We were hyped to be going to Iguazu Falls, our last Argentinian stop. Up at the crack of dawn to avoid the pink umbrella totting tour guides and their sheep and to catch a more romantic, peaceful glimpse at the mighty falls. Unfortunately the picture postcard, tropical weather was only to be found in a kiosk for 2 pesos. However, the sheer size and setting of the falls was none-the-less spectacular and we did have plenty of time to stand and gape on our own until the 11am rush. Pictures don´t do them justice but hope you enjoy some of our attempts.

Kaz was so busy admiring the scenery that she didn´t notice Stu´s determination over the route taken around the park. VERY helpful park staff directed us to Sendero Verde at least 3 times. So we took the hint and walked through a cute jungle path keeping a sharp lookout in the hope of spotting our first jungle wildlife, the cute/"agressive" coaties (racoonish critters). No luck, they were all still snoozing in the bins at that stage. Sendero Verde spat us out at the upper trail where we followed the walkways through the forest, over the rivers leading to beautiful panoramic views.

Boarded the toy train, grockle express to the big daddy of the park, Garganta de Diablo (Devil´s throat) and boy was he gargling. Toot, toot! (photo from attempt 2). Raincoats at the ready, in cheesy matching blue, after one kind grockle guide didn´t fancy Stu´s chances in a wet t-shirt comp and gave him her most attractive bin bag poncho. Reason for 2 photos is so that we both get to look silly. Annie, you´d have needed your shower cap - will show you the frizzy hair shots when we get home (definitely not for the blog).

As if we weren´t wet enough, it started to rain as we headed back on the choo-choo to the lower trail for more up close and soggy encounters with the cataratas. Strangely enough (!!) we missed the best lookout at the foot of Salto Bossetti (someone was keeping this for a special occassion at the end of the day). A launch at the bottom of the trail took us across to Isla San Martin. Stuart, put your non-operable life-jacket on you fool! More beautiful views looking back at the cascades (and more sogginess).

To add insult to injury Stu convinced Kaz to take the speedboat trip under the falls ("special" shower included). One of those things that you really wonder why you shell out good dough for (as if we haven´t had enough cold showers along the way as is).

Carrying a few extra litres of water with us on the way back up the lower trail, Stu mysteriously "diverted" us back to one missed lookout, perhaps with a slightly nervous look on his face... After 15 mins of standing around sheepishly waiting for the grockles to clear, and running out of excuses to keep a wet and cold Kaz standing still, Stu was forced to abort his mission, for the time being. Never mind, plenty of beautiful spots in South America still to come.

Working in holiday mode, we forgot that the next day was a Saturday. Hence the Brazilian consulate wasn´t doing business for another 2 days. Spent a dreary Saturday in Puerto Iguazu, smacking ourselves for loosing track of the days of the week (again).

After a nice Sunday morning sleep in, (what else to do in Peurto Iguazu?) headed for the breakfast routine of keeping Miel (resident Gattita) occupied with butter on her paws while we ate our millionth medialuna. Nicely surprised to find the sun out and blue sky, Stu consulted his mental to-do list...

Attempt number two: Butterflies were in the air as we entered the park; a good omen. After a pretty scuttle along the upper trail and a play with the local insect life (put the butterfly back Stu - "I´m trying") Stu suggested revisiting Garganta de Diablo but Kaz had other ideas and was eager to see her favourite part of the park on the lower trail. After all the rain the falls were even more powerful and spectacular, and the paths even wetter. Kaz, reluctant to get drenched again, had a refusal halfway along the walkway to the base of Salto Bossetti (big photo below, can´t be missed!).

With rainbows shining and butterflies fluttering, and NO TOURISTS, it was too perfect an opportunity to miss. Stu, determined, picked Kaz up a-la King Kong and carried her to the base of the cascade. Now is a good time to refer back to the "sight of the week" if you´ve lost the thread of the blog.

Returned to Isla San Martin to enjoy the moment and let it soak in from the beach with a great view back over. (see happy grinning engaged couple below).

Cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate and the coaties finally came out to join us. Wish we were able to share this with you all in person instead of via the blog but look forward to celebrating with you in 2007. Yes, we are coming back (eventually) and no Nanna Stella, we´re not stopping in Vegas!

Lots of love,

Kaz and Stu (smug soon to be married couple no. 2)

Meal of the week: Celebratory dinner at La Rueda, cost: irrelevant!

Arse of the week: What?! Nothing could bother us this week!