More Iguazu and Return to BA

Monday, 2/4

82 degrees.

After breakfast in Iguazu Falls, we ventured again to take a train ride to the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) one of the Wonders of the Natural World where the Iguazu River crashes down almost 80 meters forming many rainbows. Then we hiked the Lower Circuit where we saw a different view of the magnificent Falls. In the afternoon we flew back to Buenos Aires and checked into a boutique hotel- the Melia Recoleta. Our hotel was the former home of Eva Peron and had been a brothel at one time. Every room exuded the personality of the previous inhabitants including swooning couches and plush beds. We had a lovely dinner at a local cafe with much wine and conversation. We were happy to have Carolyn Vick along to interpret for us.

Pictured below-

-Devel's Throat of the falls

-The group on the lower circuit

-Our hotel in Buenos Aires, The Melia Recoleta

-At days end, a fine dinner

Iguazu Falls

Sunday, 2/3.

Parting is such sweet sorrow. After saying goodby to our ship friends, we were off to a new adventure. 10 persons went on a Tigre River Cruise and then lunch at a local restaurant followed by what else-more shopping.

Many of the group departed for Iguazu Falls some 830 miles north of Buenos Aires (you have to fly there). We walked into the Sheraton and were immediately struck by the Falls from every window. Upon seeing Iguazu for the first time Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed "Poor Niagara!". While Iguazu, at 269 ft, has the longest drop of any falls in the world, it ranks second to Niagara in terms of total water flow. The Iguazu River forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil.

We were served a very nice lunch before we hiked on the Upper Circuit. In the afternnoon we visited the magnificent Falls on the Argentine side from the catwalks and observatories; Rosetti, Dos Hermanas, and San Martin. Later a wonderful buffet serenaded by a Harpist.

Pictured below-

-Iguazu Falls

-Relaxing at the Sheraton at Iguazu Falls

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Saturday, 2/2

Buenos Aires (Pictured at top). Temperature 85.

Buenos Aires ("Fair Winds"), a city roughly the size of Chicago, has 12 million residents in its metro area making it the 3rd largest in Latin America (behind Mexico City and São Paulo). Strong influence from Europe has given it a distinct flavor affecting its culture and cityscape and earning its nickname "The Paris of South America".

Our day began with a tour highlighting the city's major neighborhoods and attractions-Main Square "Plaza de Mayo", surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Pink House)- the Presidential headquarters where Evita did not sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" according to our guide, the old Colonial Town Hall, and the Cathedral. Next a stop at Recoleta Cemetery, beautiful mausoleums and statues and Eva Peron (Evita) resting place. Then to La Boca with its colorful houses and its main street, "Caminito" made famous by a Tango that shares the same name. The ladies immediately jumped off the bus anxious to purchase the stone of Argentina-the Inca Rose. Finally a drive through Palermo to see its magnificent mansions and parks. Shopping at Calle Florida before returning to the ship. This evening we attend a Tango Show with Tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestra to "feel" this particular Buenos Aires music.

Pictured below-

-Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada in background

-Colonial Town Hall

-Resting place of Eva Peron in Recoleta Cemetary

-Colorful houses in La Boca neighborhood

-Park view in Palermo area

-Shopping on Florida Street (Calle Florida)

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Tuesday, 1/29
Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Temperatre 82. Partly cloudy and sunny. This area of Argentina holds on to its Welsh traditions as it was founded by 150 Welsh settlers in 1856. We began our day with a motorcoach ride to the Welsh village of Gaiman (once visited by Princess Diana). This village continues its wonderful tradition of Tea-Welsh style which we enjoyed along with homemade scones, cakes and breads, butter and jam. After tea we returned via Punta Loma to get a glimpse of Patagonia's coastal wildlife including a visit to the resident colony of sea lions. Then a drive along the beach through the town on the way back to our ship.

Pictured below-

-Our guide Maybel with Mate (a drink similar to tea) that you drink from a gourd as a group experience.

-Enjoying tea Welsh style in Gaiman

-Garden of local tea house

-Sea lions in Puerto Madryn

Ushuaia, Argentina

Saturday, 1/26. 

Ushuaia, Argentina.  It was a beautiful sunny day in the high 60s.  We had an afternoon visit to the National Park Tierra del Fuego.  Tierra del Fuego National Park is a national park on the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego, within Tierra del Fuego Province in the ecoregion of Patagonic Forest and Altos Andes, a part of the subantarctic forest. Established on October 15, 1960 and expanded in 1966, it was the first shoreline national park to be established in Argentina.  The park has dramatic scenery, with waterfalls, forests, mountains, and glaciers.  The southern terminus of the Pan-American Highway is located within the park (which begins nearly 30,000 miles north in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska).  We took a short hike to appreciate the local flora and fauna.  The scenery was spectacular with the snow-capped mountains in the background.  I guess it can be said we walked to the end of the world!

Pictured below- Tierra del Fuego National Park snow topped mountains and some of the Joyful Friends group members