Reflection 1/13/17
This morning we flew to Foz do Iguacu and I could not have been happier to get out of Curitiba. I did not care for that city and if I ever come to Brazil again I probably will not go there. Our first flight was delayed an hour this morning but it didn't matter because we were just hanging out at the hostel all night anyway. Hostel Mangarosa is absolutely paradise. I had never stayed at a hostel before so I was a little nervous coming here but I've never felt so at home. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, even the three dogs that live here accepted us. After being in Curitiba for five days it was a breath of fresh air to roll around in grass for a little bit. We got to play in the grass, in the sun, on a slack-line and I even got to challenge professor Tait to a soccer match (and win!!!!!). We salsa danced and got to play limbo at night to top off the funI am so excited to see Iguacu falls in the morning but I think if we stayed at the hostel I would be just as happy. This place is great. Reflection 1/14/17 Today we went to see Iguacu Falls. It was breathtaking. We got to hike around the park and see all different spectacular views of the falls. I had seen Niagra falls when I was younger but this was a million times cooler. These falls were HUGE and so powerful. I don't think anyone would survive going over them in a barrel! After wandering around the falls and getting soaked with water, we went to kayak on the Parana river. Our guide took us hiking around the surrounding forest and we got to take a dip under a small water fall before we actually got into our kayaks. We kayaked up the river to another waterfall that flowed into the river. I loved every bit of our kayaking adventure, I even took my kayak under the small falls. A few of us paddled our way over to the other side of the river, which was Argentina. That was pretty sick- who else can say that they kayaked over to Argentina before? Just us. Foz do Iguacu is much more inviting than Curitiba was. We all feel much more relaxed here because it isn't a large city. or Maybe its because of the trees and sunshine. Whatever it is, I do not want to leave here. I could live in Iguacu forever. Reflection 1/15/17 This was our last day in Brazil and I am depressed. Packing my suitcase for the last time was an awful feeling. We started the day at the Itaipu Dam, a huge hydroelectric dam that is shared between Paraguay and Brazil. Hydroelectricity isn't really what I am interested in but it was still very interesting to see how the plant worked. We got to tour one of their plant facilities and we even got to see one of their turbines up close and personal. A very cool experience. After the dam, we went back to the hostel and waited to go to the airport. We had a few hours to hangout in the hammocks and play on the slack-line a little longer before we had to get on a plane back to 30 degree weather (F). I am going to be homesick for this country. Reflection 1/16/17 I am on the plane going back to JFK airport and I cannot stop playing this trip over and over in my head. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life and I am so thankful for every second of it. From jumping off of the boat into the Amazon to kayaking in Iguacu, everything was just perfect. Sure there was a few bumps along the road but this trip really was the experience of a lifetime. I cannot wait to tell all my friends and family what a lovely time I had. Saudade, Brazil. |