Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Iguassu Falls, Argentina - December 09

Iguazzu Falls - Argie side















2 days later, we were to be in plastic kayaks on the river above this inferno, hoping our guide
would keep us well upstream.

















The atmosphere was steamy, to say the least; humidity 100% plus. Sunny day to start with, but by noon we were hammered by a proper tropical rainstorm which lasted until evening. Because of the extant sweat and spume, it didn't make us all that much wetter, but our marinade was completed in a suicidal boat with mad bosun who took us in under the falls, laughing while we cried and gasped for O from the H2.


















Here you can see Yoko Ono with an American tourist posing as me and pretending to be unafraid on the precipice. Lots of the views were from rusty catwalks somehow planted into the raging cliffs, so I crawled along from time to time while the other jolly jaunters joyfully japed across.


By teatime we were plastered like when you fall in a pool in all your clothes. The finale was an hour's drive in back of an open truck under the forest canopy which couldn't take any more. Our trusty guide Horacio failed for a further 2 long wet hours to find us transport back to the fabulous Hotel Panoramico.











All this was to be repeated tomorrow, as the Brazilians insist that the falls are superior viewed from THEIR territory. To be fair, all the ridiculous butterflies (mariposa) & Kamodo dragons did come out in the sunshine, to enjoy slurping my salty sweat.

3 weeks in Garopaba

12 - 30 November 2009

























Okay, here are my two favourite grandchildren! Aruna is now 4 and still a little spitfire. Kalinda is a healthy, cuddly 5 month old. I managed to spend 3 weeks with Luisa, Felipe & their beautiful little girls.

















Aruna hasn't totally forgotten me or her English as 'I love you' and 'silly billy' were still
there!




Luisa, looking rosy in pink, on a very warm summer's day - just after our lunch of prawns and ice-cream!













Kalinda and her yummy mummy






























Felipe shows Kalinda the delights of the sea and beach, while Aruna shows her fearlessness in the great Atlantic, loving nothing more than to jump the waves that almost swallow her up....





















Meanwhile Mum makes a quick escape to ride the surfs.










But sometimes those long car rides were just a bit too much........... Goodnight!