foz do iguazu

Our first full day in Brasil we finally went to Iguazu falls. For those that are still not on gmail, it has been part of my gmail chat name for some time (the wiki page). I was anxiously waiting our arrival. I cannot even begin to try and explain the beauty of these waterfalls. They are the second largest in the world and just leave you speechless from the minute you first see them around the corner.

the group before the jeep tour

We were taken on a jeep first to go a little through the jungle. Our guide told us a little information and interesting facts and then left us at the boat spot. We all boarded, took off our clothes to our bathing suits, put our life vest on, and waited to be stunned. You are on the boat for about 10 mins leading up to the falls and they do some boat tricks, etc, and then you get a little glimpse of the water around a turn and the adrenaline starts going! Billy, the New Yorker with us, said he heard that the negative ions from the water gives you some sort of ¨high¨or something, makes you giggley and happy, something....I think he was right...
We were driven under one of the falls on the boat and then dropped off to just wander up trails and stare at the amazing-ness and beauty from any and all angles. It was truly indescribable. I wish I had better pictures right now to share, but these are the only two that would upload. More will be coming, I promise!
Vale and I on the boat and Valentina, Charley, Ann, Carly and I next to the falls:



After what can only be explained as an amazing experience, we headed back to our hotel and showered and relaxed a bit before heading out to our first Brazilian BBQ. Valentina and I were sitting at the end of the table with Todd and Fawn (an older couple from the US) across from us. Turns out we chose the right seats! We were trying anything and everything they brought to our table. Tastings that night included: delish steak, pancetta wrapped chicken, chicken and turkey testicles, pork, chicken hearts, and some piña grilled with cinnomon on it....just to name a few... Included was an unlimited salad bar, rice, polenta sticks, fried banana, and a table full of desserts. The four of us probably ate more than everyone else combined. Everyone had finished their dessert and were ready to leave while we were still gesturing si to the servers who were masterfully cutting and serving the meats using one hand. It was amazing. I still think I am pretty full from that dinner two days later.....seriously.....

Portugese is extremely difficult for me to try to understand/read/speak. I was ok with my Spanish, getting by just fine...but Portugese is just so difficult!! Man, I want to learn it now...