Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Iguacu Falls

February, 2014

Ola,

Iguacu Falls is really something else.

Since Brazil is so close to Argentina, I didn't think it was acceptable to come to Brazil and not see this wonder of the world. My friends and I took a 14 hour bus ride to the Brazilian boarder where three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. While crossing the border we felt like illegal immigrants being smuggled into the land (even though we had purchased visas beforehand) because the border staff was not the friendliest bunch. Anyways, we ran through that border and did not turn back because after hours of our butts cramping on the bus we were finally in ARGENTINA!

We roamed the streets, went to some funky markets and to a beautiful scenic viewpoint that overlooked a river between the three different countries. We stood on the Argentinian side of the river and could see Brazil on the other side of the river and Paraguay right ahead of us. It was very cool to see three different countries at once with just two eyes.

The next day however, was where all of the magic happened. We woke up early to get to the Iguazu park so we could spend the whole day seeing the waterfalls. To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect when deciding to go on this trip, I just new Iguazo was one of the seven natural wonders of the world so I figured it would be a decent sight, decent was an understatement.

The falls were unlike anything I have seen in my life, they were seriously breathtaking. At one point I was standing inside of the clearest rainbow I have ever seen, literally thinking I was Dorothy from the wizard of OZ somewhere over the rainbow ( it was not real life). It's safe to say that my jaw was on the floor for majority of the day (unsanitary I know, but I couldn't help myself).

We took a little motor boat deep into the waterfall, literally going head on into the white mist. We

couldn't see a thing and I could barley open my eyes, all I could say to my friend was "how are we even alive right now?" Gallons of water was pounding down all around us, it was surreal and kind of casual that we went under one of the seven wonders of the world.

Fun fact of the day: I saw so many elderly couples at the falls in their 80s and 90s, slowly walking with their canes on the slippery rickety bridges; some even in wheel chairs. I don't know why but seeing these couples made me so happy, I couldn't turn away. I hope that when I am a 90 year old woman (probably a midget at this point) sporting my grey hair I still have a thirst for adventure and living my life to the fullest. Any of you elderly folk are welcome to join me :)

It has been an amazing weekend with great experiences, perfect company and beautiful sights along the way. Sometimes it is important to take a step back and realize that there are so many things in this world that are bigger than ourselves and these falls definitely helped reinforce that for me. I have never felt so small amongst something so big and natural.

I know that not everything is going to be a wonder of the world, but there is something to appreciate in everything around us. Our programs motto has been "Live Without Regrets and Learn Without Boarders". I think this is a good representation of my trip so far. #wedontneednoclassrooms