Kristy & Adam - South America Adventures

Hola guys!

Hope you`re all well! Well not much has changed over here...we`ve just been relaxing in the lakes district. We travelled from Puerto Varas to Puerto Octay to arrive in a very small township surrounded by volcano´s and lakes. We stayed in a family farm house for 2 nights which was really lovely. We couldn`t do a lot as the weather turned sour, it was raining for about a week straight throughout the lakes district, we were meant to be able to see wonderful views of the mountains and Orsono volcano from the farm house, but instead all we could see was rain and clouds!! Nevermind we`ve had good weather for about 4 1/2 months now so can`t really complain!

We just went for walks by the lake each day, and stopped in german cafes for coffee in the afternoons On the second night of the stay we decided to lash out and let someone else do the cooking for a change, So we opted for the home cooked meal by the Swiss and Chillean owners...We were treated to farm fresh veggie soup, salads, and oven baked salmon. It was beautiful!

The weather didn´t look like changing, so we decided to head to the border to the Argentine side of the lakes. We are now in Baraloche. Its stunning here, we´re surrounded by more snow capped mountains and lakes. We´ve decided to stay here for 5 days as its so nice, and much cheaper! We went out for big steaks again the other night for our welcome back to Argentina, they weren´t as good as Buenos Aires, but still nice!

We´re really just chilling out now and not up to much as we´re heading home in 19 days, not doing too many more touristy activity things, trying to save SOME money to take home, However today we did go on a gondala ride which went above the mountains and lakes, up to a revolving restaurant where we had a really nice lunch for about 3 quid each!

Keep in touch!
& Seeya Soon to all those fellow Aussies at home!
Kristy & Adam

DAY 1
On our first day in Puerto Iguazu we arrived after lunch, so we decided to have a relaxing afternoon, and visit the local bird sanctary.
The weather was absolutely amazing!! It is so warm compared to Buenos Airies!
The bird park was just outside the township and quite small, its like an RSPCA for birds, they take in injured birds and look after them until they are ready to be relased into the wild again. We joined a small tour and were guided around the park and told information about the park and birds.
We saw some Red Chested Macaws, Owls, Eagles, and best of all TOUCANS!!
It was so amazing to see them, even if they were in cages. They are so beautiful. Got some amazing shots! Adam was a bit daring and put his lens through the fence to get some close up shots!!

DAY 2
Got up early and made our way to see the Iguazu falls Argentine side.
We booked a full day tour which included rubber boat rafting, jet boat and 4x4 truck through the jungle and trekking.
Firstly we did the Rubber boat trip. It was a trip down a fairly quiet stream for about 25 minutes stopping occasionally to look at animals along the way, we saw some baby caimans, some different species of birds and a turtle, afterwards we walked through the different circuits in the park to see the falls. They are honestly the most amazing natural thing I have ever seen! Its definitely a photographers dream! I took so many photos! After having lunch in front of the falls we walked down to the jet boat ride. We watched a few other boats going in before we boarded, and that was probably not the best idea because it just made me more scared! Nevertheless with boarded the boat with our life jackets ready to go. The jet boat flawed it over to the falls gave you about 10 seconds to take in the amazing view then went straight into the middle of the biggest fall!!!! I think I almost broke Adams hand I was holding it so tight!!! It was so UNREAL to be soaked and ´baptised´as they described it to us by the waterfall, I was really petrified before we went in, but soon changed my mind afterwards. The boat came out of the falls, and we were thinking great that was fun back to the shore now, NO think again he speeds off and goes straight into another fall!! After several mouth fulls of water and just catching your breath back a 3RD time!!!! It was such a laugh!! After being completely drenched the boat picks up speed again and flaws it down some rapids for about 15 minutes!!
We had such a great day. Then to top it all off went to the most amazing restaurant for dinner. We ordered a mixed grill brochette (Which was with Chicken, Beef, Chorizo and Vegetables) It came out to the table on a skewer about 3 metres long!! They put it in the middle of the table on a block and keep serving it to you until its finished!
What an amazing day!!

DAY 1
After a long flight from London we arrived in Buenos Aires at 10am.
You wouldn't really realise it is Winter here, its 12 degrees and lovely weather! Rather like a Winter in Australia. The sun is shinning and the skies are blue and it isn't too cold during the day.
Our first impressions of the city on the way to our hostel is it is a very run down, dirty and old, but it does have a little character. It is very polluted here and very smoggy.
On our first day we visited an area not far from our hostel called La Boca, its very rich in argentine culture. The streets are lined with very colourful houses,market stalls and artists impression paintings of the area. It is quite touristy, but has a great atmosphere with lots of little cafes, restaurants and bars with people out the front playing guitars and singing and men and women tango dancing on the street.

DAY 2
Today we walked from San Telmo to the CBD. We just strolled around the city streets for most of the day, & We went to an area called Plaza de Mayo where we were lucky enough to see Argentinian guards raising the national flag.
We also walked down to Puerto Madero (The Port) You can definitily see the divide between rich and poor visiting an area like the Port, the Port is very modern and lined with expensive restaurants.

DAY 3
Today we visited the local markets in Recoletta, the locals were selling lots of little nic nacks nothing really special though, we didn't buy anything. We also went to the Buenos Aires cemetary and saw some amazing grave stones, we did a short tour with some locals who took us to see Evita's grave.
Heading out for dinner tonight to a local 'Parilla' Where you get all you can eat steak!
Tomorrow is our last day in Buenos Aires and we are going to see the local markets in San Telmo & there is meant to be Tango dancing in the area to see. After that we are heading to Uruguay by ferry for a few days.

Kristy & Adam