New Beginnings in a New Country: Mom and Dad Survive Argentina: Part 3

I don’t even know where to begin with Iguazu. It was absolutely amazing. On Friday we went to the Brazil side. We were originally supposed to go on Sunday, but there was a marathon so the park was closed on Sunday. It was rainy, but it didn’t matter. It was still breathtaking. From Brazil, looking to Argentina you get the panoramic view. It’s just waterfalls after waterfalls in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. After we went to the Brazil side we headed back to our hotel in the Argentina National Park for Iguazu. Mom and dad hung out while I went and got a much needed massage, facial, and reflexology. It was very different than in the United States, but I didn’t care. It was so worth it and I needed it. Thanks Mom J

On Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to venture to the Argentine side of the falls. Once again it was awesome. No words to describe it. If you have the chance, no doubt about it… you have to go. We stopped at one of the overlooks to take pictures and all of a sudden dad hits me and points. There’s a girl who has on a Clemson hat. It’s the first time while I’ve been in Argentina that I have seen anyone with something Clemson on it. I obviously ask her if she went to Clemson and she said no she is a teacher. I told her I graduated blah blah and she happened to be a Spanish teacher. She also happened to be the teacher that did the study abroad Ecuador trip this year… the same trip that I did 3 years ago. That just proves how small this world is. We walked one of the trails and saw all the falls. Then we took a train to go to Garganta del Diablo or “Devil’s Throat”. Absolutely astonishing (big word!). Garganta del Diablo is part of the upper Iguazu River where half of the river flows. It was so crazy… while walking on the bridge up to this point, the water didn’t look like it was flowing THAT fast. But WOW! Little fact: apparently a lot of women come here and commit suicide. Not sure why, but that’s just what I heard from one of our tour guides. We then had lunch and started on one of the lower trails. We were able to get very up close and personal with the waterfalls. And by up close and personal, I mean that mom and dad made me take a boat up to the waterfalls, practically underneath. It was so scary. I thought it was going to be more cold than scary… boy was I wrong. But I am so glad that I did it. I can’t wait to watch the video when I get home.

Unfortunately on Sunday we had to leave. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, by far the prettiest. I think we all wish that we could have stayed longer. We were all a little sad... partly because it was such a beautiful day and because that meant our time together was coming to an end. We went back and walked out to Garganta del Diablo. Even more mesmerizing than it was the day before. The sun being out made a huge difference. We walked back to 2 other waterfalls also and were able to see the rainbows. It was so awesome. I still can’t believe a place so beautiful exists. We came back to the city that evening. When we arrived to the National airport we didn’t walk through the little hallway. I don’t know what they’re called right when you get off the place. But we walked down the stairs and got on a bus. You know, we thought we had to go to the opposite side of the airport to baggage claim. No, less than 100 yards later… we get off the bus. Mom sat down and got all comfortable, just for us to get off. It was so funny and ridiculous all at the same time. Oh Argentina!

Sunday night was a night of luxury. And by night of luxury I told dad that the hotel we were staying at was the only one I knew of and was in a safe place. That it was, but I may or may not have exaggerated a bit. The best part of the hotel was when mom got out of the shower. She came out with her hair a mess and was so mad. She said the water pressure was so hard for such a small little shower (be glad I’m not posting the picture). I didn’t care, the bath tub with jets was awesome. We ate at La Estancia for dinner so that mom and dad could get some red meat. The 3 of us shared a steak (yes I ate red meat), apple sauce, French fries, 3 salads, beer, and wine. Let me tell you that this was way cheaper than any steakhouse in the US and probably a lot more delicious. And if you know me well enough, you know that’s a big deal if even I say that steak is good. On Monday we walked around a bit, relaxed, and got more empanadas. Then off to the airport we went L

I cannot express to anyone enough how thankful I am that my parents were able to come visit me. Some people are here for months and their family isn’t able to visit for whatever reason. There is no way that I would have been able to go 8 months without seeing them. I say that, but then again I don’t know how I am going to make it another 4 months without seeing them. We had such a wonderful 10 days and I’m glad they were able to come see what my life is like down here. I think now they will understand more when different things happen because they realize how hectic the city can be. I have always understood crying when your sad and laughing until you cry. But I never fully understood crying when you’re happy. That is until I saw my parents walk through customs at EZE after 4 months. I was the happiest girl on the planet, no doubt about it. Even though I see them about once a week on Skype, it’s not the same. Anyone who says it is the same is absolutely crazy. Thank you again mom and dad for an amazing 10 days. It was awesome. The only thing that would have made it better is if Matthew would have been here.