Water. Water. Water. The beautiful colors of water…
Whether it was running through torrential downpour in Buenos Aires, sunbathing next to the beautiful sea in Punta del Diablo, or standing next to the breathtakingly surreal waterfalls at Iguazu, I definitely had my share of water while traveling around Argentina and Uruguay.
In Buenos Aires, Gretchen and I just wandered, exploring the city by venturing around on our own two feet, stopping only to eat or have some coffee (which turned out to be quite frequently). In all honesty, Buenos Aires did not live up to its reputation, as “the Paris of South America,” in the least for me (I have not been to Paris so I can not say for sure, but the city was a disappointment either way). But we did see a lot of interesting statues, buildings and parks while we were there though, and the rain did gave us an excuse to seek refuge in quiet cafés.
Our next stop was Punta del Diablo, Uruguay. I loved this little, secluded fishing town so much. There was nothing there, but that was the appeal. Fishing boats peppered the beach and the sounds of the waves filled the hot, moist air (as well as hundreds of dragonflies). It was a lovely couple of days.
Montevideo, Ur was fabulous. It is much smaller and more confined than both Santiago and Buenos Aires and the general rhythm was very smooth and easy going. The city had a very European-esque feel to it, with neo-classical architecture and beautiful plazas. The melodious music of an accordion player as the backdrop to a walk down beautiful alleyways was also a nice touch. Note: one will always know they are in Uruguay if, while walking down the road or laying on the beach, you see about 85% of the people with their own personal thermoses and mate cups (mate (pronounced ma-te) is a very typical hot herbal drink in South America, but Uruguayans take it to a whole new level).
My final destination during the travels was Iguazu Falls. Las cataratas were by far one of the most incredible, most amazing wonders I have ever seen. As I walked the boardwalks to over look La Garganta del Diablo (the Throat of the Devil, the largest, most terrifyingly beautiful part of the falls) I just broke down into laughter (Lonely Planet advised that this may happen, too)! I know it seems odd and I may have seemed like a mad lunatic to the unlikely stranger who may have witnessed the episode of giggles, but I couldn’t help it, the entire experience was majestic, one could really not help but release the emotion. The thunderous music of the water falling over the cliff into the unseen depths was a deafening high. Getting soaked was also an amazing part of the experience, although it did hinder my ability to take pictures. In all, I could not have had my first solo traveling experience in a better place, I had so much fun!! Plus, I met great people that I hope to keep in contact with.
It was so interesting to travel to these new places and take note the differences as well, some very subtle and others very obvious. The different accents, the different foods, the different culture in general. What an amazing and beautiful world we live in.
Traveling does change you. In little ways, but it does change you. I had such a wonderful experience and I have returned to Chile with a renewed sense of self.
