DAYS 17 AND 18

We got off the ship very early and had to wait over 2 hours for our pick-up. There were so many Asians on the cruise that were taking buses wherever the heck they were going and everyone else waiting for buses, cabs, private cars that it was chaotic and we just sat back and watched it. As long as we weren´t involved it was fun. By the time our van came to pick us up the port was nearly deserted so it was an easy task. Of course we needed some excitement for the day and it seems there was a mix-up with the driver taking our bags for storage while we were in Iguazu. After several phone calls it was finally cleared up and we left them at Hotel Grande Buenos Aires. It was 5.00 per bag for 2 nights which was very convenient for us to leave them. When the driver picks us up after Iguazu he is supposed to have our bags in the car since we don´t have a lot of time between flights.

Then we get to the airport and eventually find out that our plane is mid field and we have to be bussed to the plane. I had ordered a wheel chair for all the flights and they told me to wait until everyone boarded and they were taking me to the plane in some kind of truck---not the bus. They thought I couldn´t walk up the plane stairs and I thought they planned on carrying me. No way, Jose so we took a bus to the plane and they had changed my seat to the first row. I think I was asleep before the plane even left Buenos Aires. The flight was short or my nap was long-whichever you prefer to say.

When we got to Iguazu there were 2 cabs that Jules had ordered before we left the states. About 15 minutes later we were at the hotel which didn´t look like much from the outside. It is the only hotel in the National Park so basically they got you. Our room is okay but the hotel needs a major refurbishment which who knows if it will ever get.

We didn´t do much as we got to the hotel almost 4 PM. We decided to go to the hotel dining room at 7 when they opened for dinner and I don´t think anyone really enjoyed the meal. I wanted to watch the Oscars but unfortunatly it was in Spanish and gave up after the first 2 awards. Our ankles looked like tree trunks from all our walking and the humidity which has to be at least almost 200 degrees. It´s amazing that the minute you walk out of the hotel the sweat starts to form all over your body.

Had a very good nights sleep and we wanted to go on a boat ride which goes under the falls and you get very wet but when we went to make the reservations the man told us we had to walk 130 steps somewhere along our trip. I knew I couldn´t make that trek and for one reason or another no one booked the boat. We found out we could walk to the Devils Throat and we decided to do that. When I tell you it was a long hike just to get to the railroad train which takes you part of the way, it was long believe me. When we finally got to the train station there were loads of people waiting for the train but one of the people that work there gave me a seat at the front of the line and told me when we come back there he would take me back to the hotel in a golf cart I was very excited. But I had no idea of how long the hike would be when we got off the train. Considering my knee was killing me with every step I took I gave it my all and made it all the way. It was absolutely magnificent and we got wet but not wet enough to cool me off. Carolyn was wearing a pedometer and she said we had walked 3.7 miles but it felt like a marathon to me.

When we got off the train we found Reuben again and he drove the 3 of us back to the hotel. I asked him if he would be able to drive us to the lower falls later in the day and he said yes. He told us to have the front desk him and he would take us. Jules and Rita had gone there after the train ride and when they got back to the hotel he said they really got soaked there and showed us the movies he took. We met for lunch and afterward we called for Reuben and he sent someone to pick us up and drive us part of the way. When he dropped us off he said someone would be there to pick us up in one hour. We saw a lot of this strange animals that we were taking pictures of. I noticed a sign that said the animal was called a Coatis and it bites. Then we started the second trek of the day and after an eternity we finally got to the lower falls and they were unbelievable. Took lots of pictures, got very wet, and made it back just as the golf cart was pulling up.

When we got back to our rooms I took a cold shower to try and cool off but that was impossible as my body heat was really bad. Went down to use one of the hotel computers and wrote almost a book on these two days but then something happened and I lost it all. We went for dinner at the bar in the hotel where they have burgers, pizza, quesadillas, etc. The bill tonight for the two of us was cheaper than one person last night and it was much better than the restaurant last night.

Tomorrow we leave for home but will not get there until 5 AM on Wednesday to this will be the last post for a while.