So we headed off on the best bus class available for the 18 odd hour ride to Iguazu. Nice set up it was too with 180 degree (flat) bed seats. So when we arrived we were quite reluctant to jump off the comfy bus. Into the very cool hostel we went complete with outdoor cooking area by the pool. The next day it chucked it down, so we nervously left our waterfall trip to the next day knowing it would be our final chance. So after the quiet day off cooking and consuming we went to bed with fingers crossed. It worked! Fine day (not as forecast) awaited us for the trip to the falls after Rhi and I picked up our Brazilian visa's.
We spent the day exploring one of the new natural wonders of the world. As you can see from the flickr photos hundreds of awesome waterfalls cascading though the jungle peppered with wildlife. I think one of the main problems with South America is they simply don’t charge enough for their jewels. It cost us less than $70 Aus for the whole day which included the optional jet boat under some of the falls. They equip you with a waterproof bag and you get absolutely soaked as they steer the boats under the falls (a must do if you go). You will have to wait for the holiday ending feature film to see the in boat footage. Devils throat is the largest waterfall of them all as you will see in some of the pics. To get here you take the free little train around the top of the national park and then trek on the overwater walkway for over 1km to the perfect viewing deck which is dauntingly close to the powerful waterway.
Our last morning was relaxing with a final feed of leftover pasta before jumping on the less amazing 24hour bus to Rio!
If you like waterfalls DO THIS! Thanks Iguazu - MAH
Nov 18, 2011
Nov 12, 2011
Buenos Aires
After a quick (10 hour) stop over in Madrid from London we headed South to Argentina's capital where we spent 7 days exploring everything the city has to offer whilst soaking up the piercing sun.
CITY
We did copious amounts of walking and covered the majority of the metropolitan area. The sidewalks can be at times, similar to the surface of the moon and many are lined with scaffolding that climbs up the sides of alot of the buildings. On some of the major city walkways there are permanent markets aswell as many others opening up on the weekends. These are great places to checkout. We gave the trainline and buses both a go. We wouldnt recommend either of these after dark but are fine during the day. We all enjoyed La Boca. An area that is well known for its bright coloured buildings and passion for football. The last lunch we had in Buenos Aires was in a La Boca beer garden which you walk past the massive BBQ (Kitchen) to get to. Amazing lunch and probably the most South American we have felt yet. Palermo was also a nice area. It gives off an up market vibe and the main square is a great place to enjoy lunch.
HISTORY
One morning we enjoyed a tour including a video that gave us a summary of the past 100 years in the city. We were then taken on foot to the streets where the protestors had walked and the buildings were bombed. We visited the "Pink House" where the president now works which was once bordered by a river. We learnt of the inspirational people that had come and gone which has left a very passionate city. People today still march the iconic areas to fight for both modern rights and justice from past atrocities.
PEOPLE
Passionate and kind although aesthetically challenged. We were all blown away one evening at about 5pm when we heard noises from our hostel. Over the following hour tens of thousands of people marched the Avenue De Majo (where many of the marches are held) for gay pride. We saw teenagers all the way through to a man of about 80 on crutches enjoying the festivities. All in all the locals are very welcoming to English speaking travellers. Coming from WA (probly one of the most beautiful populations in the world) you cant help but think some Argentinian's resemble our neanderthal primates and we did not see many lookers during our stay (note from Rhi - though many of the boys did fall in love with our tango teacher and walking tour guide!!!)
FOOD
Buenos Aires is said to be the 2nd most expensive South American city so dont get unreasonable ideas of how cheap the place is before visiting, however there are many times we bought things wondering 'how do they do it for the price'. It is cheaper on average than any place I have been in my life but not by as much as some people say. The food is fine though. every street has fresh cooking caramelised nuts and some awesome food can be found at the large weekend markets for bugger all Pesos. We cooked in the Hostel for several nights, but the nights we ventured out for a bite we were not dissapointed, nor really impressed.
HIGHLIGHTS
5. The complete BBQ experience in La Boca for our final lunch which included intestines, kidneys and every other part of a pig, cow, chook or sheep.
4. The weekend markets in Recoleta and San Telmo were great to explore even though all we ended up purchasing was Argentina bracelets (really need to clear space in our bags).
3. Tango night out which involved a quick lesson in which we all excelled followed by a 3 course meal and full tango show. The steak we had that night was one of the best ever we all agreed.
2. Drunken night drinking at the Louder Millhouse Hostel up the Majo from ours. Drinking games and ridiculously strong drinks resulted in many of laughs.
1. The unexpected stampede of gays right past our balcony. As the photos show it was nothing like any of us have seen before.
Gracias Buenos Aires.
MAH. (for all the pics check out the flickr link and Rhi's pics on F.book)
CITY
We did copious amounts of walking and covered the majority of the metropolitan area. The sidewalks can be at times, similar to the surface of the moon and many are lined with scaffolding that climbs up the sides of alot of the buildings. On some of the major city walkways there are permanent markets aswell as many others opening up on the weekends. These are great places to checkout. We gave the trainline and buses both a go. We wouldnt recommend either of these after dark but are fine during the day. We all enjoyed La Boca. An area that is well known for its bright coloured buildings and passion for football. The last lunch we had in Buenos Aires was in a La Boca beer garden which you walk past the massive BBQ (Kitchen) to get to. Amazing lunch and probably the most South American we have felt yet. Palermo was also a nice area. It gives off an up market vibe and the main square is a great place to enjoy lunch.
HISTORY
One morning we enjoyed a tour including a video that gave us a summary of the past 100 years in the city. We were then taken on foot to the streets where the protestors had walked and the buildings were bombed. We visited the "Pink House" where the president now works which was once bordered by a river. We learnt of the inspirational people that had come and gone which has left a very passionate city. People today still march the iconic areas to fight for both modern rights and justice from past atrocities.
PEOPLE
Passionate and kind although aesthetically challenged. We were all blown away one evening at about 5pm when we heard noises from our hostel. Over the following hour tens of thousands of people marched the Avenue De Majo (where many of the marches are held) for gay pride. We saw teenagers all the way through to a man of about 80 on crutches enjoying the festivities. All in all the locals are very welcoming to English speaking travellers. Coming from WA (probly one of the most beautiful populations in the world) you cant help but think some Argentinian's resemble our neanderthal primates and we did not see many lookers during our stay (note from Rhi - though many of the boys did fall in love with our tango teacher and walking tour guide!!!)
FOOD
Buenos Aires is said to be the 2nd most expensive South American city so dont get unreasonable ideas of how cheap the place is before visiting, however there are many times we bought things wondering 'how do they do it for the price'. It is cheaper on average than any place I have been in my life but not by as much as some people say. The food is fine though. every street has fresh cooking caramelised nuts and some awesome food can be found at the large weekend markets for bugger all Pesos. We cooked in the Hostel for several nights, but the nights we ventured out for a bite we were not dissapointed, nor really impressed.
HIGHLIGHTS
5. The complete BBQ experience in La Boca for our final lunch which included intestines, kidneys and every other part of a pig, cow, chook or sheep.
4. The weekend markets in Recoleta and San Telmo were great to explore even though all we ended up purchasing was Argentina bracelets (really need to clear space in our bags).
3. Tango night out which involved a quick lesson in which we all excelled followed by a 3 course meal and full tango show. The steak we had that night was one of the best ever we all agreed.
2. Drunken night drinking at the Louder Millhouse Hostel up the Majo from ours. Drinking games and ridiculously strong drinks resulted in many of laughs.
1. The unexpected stampede of gays right past our balcony. As the photos show it was nothing like any of us have seen before.
Gracias Buenos Aires.
MAH. (for all the pics check out the flickr link and Rhi's pics on F.book)
Nov 8, 2011
Exploring London
And so the sightseeing began after a top shelf 'Bon Iver' concert at the impressive Hammersmith Apollo and a big curry cook up for the 440'ers. Rhi and I started with the V&A museum, Harrods and Westminster checking out Big Ben and the eye. That night we also travelled the short journey to Kentish Town, guitar in hand and busted out some open mike night tunes. Myself still finding my way around the mike and Benny churning out yet another solid and experienced set. The second day we timed our visit to Lizzys Buckingham palace to see the wet weather version of the changing of the guard. I saw the palace a decade ago so i think i can be forgiven for forgetting how ugly of a building it is. After watching some poms on horses trot past the palace we headed though the always impressive Hyde park. Next we tubed back into the action of Trafalgar square and smashed a very handy stuffed spud in the process. After lunch we made our way up through the Covent Garden shopping alleys and down the repetitively commercialised Oxford st. If you like the big brands 4 times over go for Oxford st. If you like finding hidden little alley shops explore Covent Garden. That night we headed back into the city to a night of 'Proud Caberet' to watch our extremely talented roomate Cess bust the moves whilst we devoured a 3 course meal and the odd cocktail. A sleep in day found us eventually and we used the afternoon to visit Abbey rd and walked through Hampstead Heath during sunset (A MUST). Friday night I showed Rhi what a standard flying horse night is all about. After the drinking, dancing and tubing we grabbed the deservedly famous Rosey Kebab. The last weekend in London town had arrived and I had a footy filled day at both the pub and park with Jamie whilst Rhi opportunistically got up early and got the last cheap (5quid) ticket to 'Matilda' the musical matinee. Sunday we headed for Portobello rd in Notting Hill for breakfast and exploring the markets and of course movie scenes. After that we headed back to marble arch for the unique experience of 'Speakers Corner'. On the corner of Hyde park political and religious vocalists stand on either a box or steps and blast the onlooking crowd with some of their warped opinions. Add a couple really drunks and opinionated onlookers and youve got an entertaining half hour. We then walked through the park and down to the natural history museum which is almost too big for one visit so Rhi and I explored only the highlights. We started the week with a visit to the large Foyles bookshop to spend the BDO voucher i got from work and got some bound travel companions. We then spent the remaining days organising travel stuff with visits to Camden markets, Shepherds Bush shopping and finished my London stay off with a pub dinner with the 440'ers. Off we flew after some early morning tubing with luggage (avoid if possible). Pics are on Flickr.MAH
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