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First of all let thank all the people who take the time to comment on my posts.  It is nice to know people are really reading this stuff and I am not just talking to myself (which I have been known to do on numerous occasions).

Today was our day to explore the Igauzu Falls from the Brazilian side. First we went on a lovely walk with our tour guide, Virginia, and got some wonderful close up views of birds, bugs and of course the Iguazu Falls.  After that we were driven to a local boat dock where we got a cruise that took us up to the falls and actually in the downfall of what is known as “The Three Musketeers”.  We have had a ton of fun on this trip but I think this might have been my high point thus far.

Back at the hotel Patrice and I decided to relax and get a massage.  The hotel offers a “couples massage” where you can be in the same room while you are getting your treatments.  The Spa is lovely and after changing into robes we waited on cots for our masseurs to arrive. Patrice was greeted by Genevieve who we found out previously worked as a fashion model in Paris.  Moments later I was welcomed by Hilda who is a descendant of German Nazi War Criminals.  Patrice enjoyed her massage very much, I was introduced to body positions I did not know previously existed.

At night we had a wonderful Brazilian dinner and show at a restaurant outside the park.  It was a variety show and I didn’t understand much of what was being said (except the few things spoken in English) but the variety acts were for the most part quite enjoyable.  A bit loud, but enjoyable.

Tomorrow we leave for Rio.

Ciao, Ciao,

Roberto

Fantastic, stupendous, life changing, awe inspiring.  Yes the hotel has fixed the Wifi and I am back online.  Oh, and we saw the Iguazu Falls too. That was also pretty good.

The Falls were very impressive.  I loved the Niagara Falls (refer to Hall of Fame Road Tour in 2013) but the Iguazu Falls are a much different experience.  Niagara has 3 falls (Horseshoe, American and Bridal) and they are all quite spectacular.  Iguazu is made up of 275 falls which by comparison dwarfs Niagara.  Today we viewed the Falls from the Argentinian side.  Our guide, Virginia, did a phenomenal job of showing us all the sights and making a warm and humid day quite relaxing.   Virginia also had a wealth of information to add to our enjoyment of the day.  I hope you enjoy the photos but as I have said before they just don’t do the sight justice.

Tomorrow we visit Iguazu from the Brazilian side.

As a side note, our hotel is amazing.  It is situated in the park and we have a view of a few of the falls.   The staff cannot do enough for us. The room is spectacular.  Also we are never alone because there always seems to be some sort of bug on our bed or in the shower.  Hey, don’t get agitated we are in a rain forest and we are in their home not vice versa.

Ciao, Ciao (forgot to mention the Italian immigrant influence is very strong in Argentina and this is how people say goodbye)

Robert

This view is from our hotel.

Today was our travel day from the cold of El Calafate to the warmth of Iguazu.

With 5 hours and two flights ahead we decided on a big breakfast for two reasons. The food at the hotel has been excellent and the prospect of airplane and airport food gives me a sense of impending doom.

We were greeted at the hotel dining room by the lovely and friendly Carmen. We asked about the possibility of getting an omelette which she answered “but of course”. So far so good. Patrice asked if we could get some cheese in them. “Yes, yes queso (cheese) and Jam”. Jam? Really, jam in an omelette? We have learned they eat Guinea pig in Peru and Spanairds serve you the cochinillo (suckling pig) with head and eyes staring you in the face but jam in an omelette? Turns out Carmen was trying to speak English and said jam when actually meant ham.

We had a similar incident at the airport. I asked if we would be served anything on board the plane. I was told only an “Alpha Whore”. Wow! What about my wife? “She gets one too”I . I quickly thought this was going to be one wild flight. I heard the South Americans love to party but this was far beyond my imagination. On board I learned we were being served an Alfajor which is Argentinian candy. Very tasty and much safer for on flight use than what I had imagined.

Tomorrow we explore Iguazu Falls. Pictures to follow if my camera doesn’t get wet.

No pictures tonight since we are experiencing WiFi issues at the hotel. This is coming from my phone

What an amazing day!  We had a relaxing morning and then were picked up by our guide, Martin, and driver, Lucas.  They were due to pick us up at 11:00 AM but our experience has been that everyone has arrived about 15 minutes early.  With that in mind we got to the lobby a bit early but they were nowhere to be found.  At 10:58 I said to Patrice “This might be the first time our escorts have been late”.  No sooner had I said the words when the bellman announced, “Ellos estan aqui” (They are here). We have been told that when an Argentinian arrives 15 minutes late he/she is actually 5 minutes early. Well you can’t tell that by our experience.  The guides and drivers have been perfect.

Today was our day to see some of the Glaciers of Patagonia.  They were billed as an incredible sight.  And indeed they were. Please see the photos below that of course don’t do justice to the beautiful and awe inspiring experience.

Hasta luego,

Today was a travel day. We left our hotel shortly after 9 AM escorted by our driver, Mariano, from our first 3 days in Buenos Aires.  We have been incredibly impressed by the efficiency of our tour guides. Everyone has been very prompt, helpful and friendly.

We were taken to El Calafate via Aerolineas Argentina.  It was a 3 hour flight in very cramped quarters.  Luckily we had an empty seat next to us allowing some stretching that would otherwise be impossible.

Today we started off with another city tour. Although our guide, Patricia, was great she was from a different company than Diego so we were taken to many sites that we had already seen. This was poor planning but not a horrible tragedy.

At night we went to a dinner/tango show. I was prepared for a mediocre dinner and a tacky touristy show that would put me to sleep. I was right about the dinner but couldn’t have been more wrong about the show.

Today we toured a great deal of the city with our guide, Diego, and driver, Mariano. Diego taught us about the history of Argentina and specifically Buenos Aires.  We were able to learn about the current political situation, the economy and of course the country’s continued infatuation with Eva Peron.  We saw a monument erected to honor Evita and her grave site (see below).  As you might be able to see there are flowers at the grave site.  Diego told us that people place flowers there daily even thought it has been over 60 years since she died.

As most of you know the reason for this blog is to keep my 99 year old mother informed of the happenings in her baby boy’s life.  So first of all let me make one thing clear.  A motorcycle will not be part of this trip or any trip in my future.  Don’t let the title of this entry worry you mama.