Tag Archives: #penguin

Iguazu Falls Cabeza de Vaca

Post #50

I was shocked to find a small monument to Cabeza de Vaca on the lower trail. His fascinating tale of shipwreck, extreme hardship, and surprising gift of healing are recounted in his autobiography, “The Account of Cabeza de Vaca: A Literal Translation with Analysis and Commentary,” translated by David Carson. I had read an older translation many years before this one was published.

In 1528, Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador, got stranded on a little island off the coast of Texas. It took him eight years to finally get to Mexico City.

He returned to Spain in 1537, only to be appointed governor in much of what we now call Paraguay.

In 1541-42, Cabeza de Vaca led an expedition that took him to Iguazu Falls, making him the first European to see them.

Iguazu Falls Brazilian Fun

Post #47

Brazilian Side Fun
We went to an all-you-can-eat with some interesting new foods. Perito shows the casava root on the left and “Paraguay soup” on the right. The “soup” was more of a casserole of corn bread with cheese, onion, and milk. Delicious!

Iguazu Falls Brazil Side Bird Sanctuary Birds

Post #45

I stood in awe of the scarlet #ibis—such a rich color.

 

 

 

The Bare-faced #Curassow waves hello. I love the curly crown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Perito met a new species.

Iguazu Falls Brazil Side Hike

Post #44

We hiked along the Brazil side looking toward the Argentinian side. The falls just stretched on, and on, and on…

Iguazu Falls Boat Ride

Post #43

After riding the helicopter, Adriana, Perito, and I took the boat ride into—literally—the falls. It was like being in a wild and ferocious storm. I couldn’t do anything while the water pounded. My baseball cap was worthless for protection.

As I have often done, I set my phone up for video. And as I have often done, I ended up getting a nice recording of my shirt–or in this case, life vest. Sh*t.

Here’s something of what I have–thank you, Adriana Bertola! As you can see, Perito gets noticed. He rode the waterfall in a plastic bag.

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Iguazu Falls Helicopter Ride Photos

Post #42

I love taking photos with my real camera—I maybe took 10,000 on this trip—so here are some from the Helicopter ride.

Iguazu Falls

Post #41

Ever since watching the 1986 movie “The Mission,” I was fascinated by Iguazu Falls and wanted to see it for myself.

That dream was finally realized. It only took 39 years, but it came true.

To get the overall perspective, Adriana, Perito, and I started with a helicopter ride overhead.

WOW.

And Perito got a bird’s eye view from the very front of the cockpit.

 

 

Tango

Post #40

My brother urged me to go see a real tango dance performance. So when Adriana and I arrived in Iguazu, we went to a show.

It was held at a casino, and when we arrived we were given some digital tokens to use in the gambling machines. Of course, the instructions were in Spanish. I watched Adriana win some money. When I sat down, I understood nothing—especially because I had never touched a gambling machine before. So I just pressed buttons, Homer Simpson style.

Slurp went all the digital tokens.

Easy come, easy go.

The performance, however, was a new experience and we enjoyed it. The dancers did both tango and gaucho styles. They demonstrated incredible athletic skill. We had a nice evening and enjoyed the novelty.

Emerald Lake

Post #39

We did not go to Emerald Lake. We were told it was a 2-hour hike in, and we did not have a day to dedicate to it.

However, on our flight to Iguazu Falls, I think I caught it on my camera.