Mike's 21st

Libby and Sineads happy 21st for Mike

The great niece and nephew @the bach

Dundle Hill Walk 'The Nerds'

The bookclub girls headed towards Waitomo for our almost annual tramp. Cath had done an amazing job sorting us out and organising everything. With a little intrepediation as my fitness was rather margin -five days of the memorial Park hill didn't quite equate to 28 kms of tramping i headed away for the weekend. weather was supposed to be heavy rains but the day was lovely just a right temperature for an uphill walk through lovely NZ bush and farmland. After steep final climb to the pinnacle of the hill and the hut the vista was spectacular as the bush, hills and sky stretched as far as the eye could see.

Uruguay

Headed over to Uruguay with the South African netball team who have adopted mike as their honary team member. Caught the fast ferry took the time to one hour for the crossing but couldn't get outside just ;like being on a plane all over again. Colonial the centre at the port was rustic and touristy but still had a lovely feel with only about 18K people living there. The beach was lovely but river sand and flat as a pancake. Explored and did some buying. Now have to fit everything into the suitcase for home. Mike went out to a tango evening with the netballers. Toady he is lying in and resting before we are out of the hotel at 12 noon. Home is looking good. See you soon.

Buenos Aires Heading Home Soon

One day and so much. Mike and i had a lie in as both tired before heading out for some exploring. Mike was in charge and the first stop San Mayo plaza, very beautiful with a lovely cathedral quite different from Europeans cathedrals with its ornate tiling mosaics, a solid silver altar with intricate silversmith work very beautiful, confessionals open and on while we walked past. At the plaza their was a massive protest going on and riot police, armoured vehicles and police everywhere. we had planned on seeing the government building but they were closed due to the riots- bad luck also the natural museum and the wax museum not too sure if the protesters were also the reason as they were all supposed to be open. Argentina has protests and strikes on often mainly by my figuring out to do with pay issues, health and education. it was quite strange to see workers in suits and tourist amongst the protesters. One part of the plaza was barricaded off yet on the other side people were having their lunch in the park while the riot police started to disperse the crowds. Mike and I headed towards LaBoca area- colourful, trendy and touristy but great place to spend a few hours. A real market with vibrant atmosphere, school children in groups, shoppers and local cafes. Mike ans I both did a short tango with the performers, spent some money and headed back to the hotel for a time before heading out to dinner and Mike is thinking of going out with some South African netballers here for a world cup. A great day.
Tomorrow off to Uruguay

Catch up

At the Zoo

The zoo has free entry and is just a 100 metres down the road from the hotel

Images from Iguassu Argentina

Queuing for petrol as the car had Argentinian plates we got priority service e.g a shorter queue
Making a living juggling at the traffic lights

Iguassu Falls Argentina-WOW

Iguassu Falls in Argentina and Iguacu Falls in Brazil

Today I went to the Iguassu Falls in Argentina. The journey across the border to experience the jet boat ride up the river and under the waterfalls was amazing. Water mist sprayed out metres into the air and drifted back onto me. Drenched to the skin I still had the broadest smile.After all the photos I had seen it still left me in awe of the magnitude of it beauty and the force of mother nature. The Falls are one of the Wonders of the Natural World. To experience two wonders of the world in two days is just mind blowing.

The boat took me right up under the waterfall and into the mist ahead. The river was turbulent as the water tossed and turned from the pressure of the falls. the tourist trip was so Eco friendly and the Argentinians are so recycling conscious. The walkways and viewing platforms over the river, above and under the falls meant truly take only photos and leave only footprints. The WOW FACTOR

I now want to make sure I also visit the Brazilian side of the falls for it is another different and spectacular view from a new perspective. Approx 3600 people visit the falls daily.

Itaipu Dam Tour-the singing rock

The Itaipu Dam is one of the modern wonders of the world visited by approx 1200 people daily. Apart from the engineering feat the Itaipu Dam brings in much needed work and money to the economy, provides health, sanitation, educational and working training programmes as well environmental and ecological support to the region. In 2005 it was recognized world wide for its social development and responsibility

My left foot is in Brazil and my right in Paraguay