Iguaçu and San Ignacio Mini

And on we go, drinking our way across the country.

Final day in Paraty was spent relaxing a bit more than previously. Had a chance to look around the old cobbled streets of the town, catch up on internet, and catch some sun on the beach. And finally, an early night as everyone heads off before midnight to catch up on some sleep.

Two long days driving south to the town of Foz do Iguacu followed. Congrats to our drivers Dan and Josh - of three Drago trucks, we were the only ones to find the camp site we were supposed to stay at on the way. The guys from one of the other trucks camped on someone´s front lawn, and the second one just drove right through the night to Foz. Got a feel for the enormous distance we will be covering during the next few weeks. Our destination at the end of this leg is Ushuaia - leaving a service station on the 1st day saw a sign telling us it was 5170 km away. Staying at the HI hostel Paudimar just outside town. Good chance to relax - lovely pool, table tennis, pool table, table football, grass football pitch, and a well-stocked bar. All the requirements for a very good time.

Crossed the border into Argentina on day one of our stay so that we get explore that side of the falls. The amount of water flowing over is really spectacular. Equally amazing was the number of butterflies around: we ended up wearing quite a lot of them. Unfortunately eating at the falls was a problem for a vegetarian. Every cafe away from the main entrance did a lovely selection of ham baguettes. Got to practice some Spanish though as I asked in everyone for something without meat. Eventually had lunch just before 5pm as we were getting ready to head back to Brazil.

Then a quick change and off to a local cabaret club for a display of all types of South American dancing. Good variety of buffet food available. Shame the service of alcohol was very poor. Made the mistake of sitting close to the stage, so got dragged up to dance with the showgirls at the end of the evening. Fortunately I was only required to take part in a conga, so had the just to show off rather than look embarrassed (like the poor guy who was up stage earlier in the evening). Then back to the hostel and the obligatory pool party. With 4 overland trucks staying there, it had to happen. Think pretty much everyone ended up in the pool, mostly still dressed. I was sneaky and managed to change out of my jeans and into shorts before it was my turn to be pushed in. Only ended up with a soaking wet t-shirt but that dried out soon enough. Did warn Starna and Amanda before I changed that they would be going for a swim. Returned to the pool to see Starna flying through the air still in her dress. Another very late boozy night ensued, ending for some reason only known to Alex and me, with a game of table football at about 5am.

Following day came all too soon, but at least we weren`t leaving the campsite until 10:00. This time we headed off down the road to look at the falls from Brazil. Think this was even more amazing than the previous day. First was a trip to see the falls from a boat, including being taken straight through one of the smaller falls just to make sure we got wet. Then a quick snack lunch and a walk back along by the river.

Spectacular views showing just how enormous an area the falls cover.

Then a mad dash back to our starting point to go and take a helicopter flight over the area. Unfortunately by then the weather was not as sunny but the views were still excellent (especially when I was sitting up front in the helicopter).

Then the day was rounded off with a visit to a bird park where I got viciously assaulted by a Hyacinth Macaw. My trekking shorts now have one less button on the pockets because the bird took a fancy to it. Once a macaw has a grip on something, it is very difficult to get them to let go. Also their beaks are quite sharp, and knowing that they can crush brazil nuts too, I didn`t fancy getting my fingers too close.

Final day at Foz was spent with a trip to the Itaipu Dam, the largest hydro-electric system in the world (it supplies 25% of Brazil`s and 95% of Paraguay`s electricity). Last part of the day was a chance to get another stamp in the passport as a couple of us walked over the Tancredo Neves bridge to Paraguay for a few beers and pizza.

And on we go heading south. Next stop was a place called San Ignacio Mini. This was the site of a 17th century Jesuit mission. 4500 people lived there at its peak and the ruins are very interesting. There are some beautiful carvings around the walls and doors of the church.

Enough for now - need a rest (and a beer or two) before writing more.