Three days ago we hopped on a double decker bus that drove for 23 hours into a town called Puerto Iguazu.
Our trip to this tropical, tourist town was a nesting ground for the next three days to visit Iguazu Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The falls are the largest water network in the world and in 2014 the flow of water came to a halt when a drought dried up the river that feeds the falls. Due to climate change the falls turned into mere trickles for months. They're back to full force, but it's up to everyone and the National Park to ensure the water network and this ecosystem is maintained for years to come.
We're on a wave of discovering new emotions and coming to new realizations about ourselves and home. Not until spending our time in Puerto Iguazu were we humbled by what western society offers us back home in contrast to the simple lifestyle Argentinians lead here.
Here's just a peak at the life we've lived in Puerto Iguazu.
Walk into a town where it's a steamy 35 degrees by 10 a.m. Streets are lined with palm trees and mosaic tile sidewalks.
Gated houses line the hill on both sides down into town, where shop owners patiently wait for you, to mutter a request in broken Spanish, but maintain a smile.
Stray dogs can be spotted on every corner patiently waiting for their next tourist, supplied meal.
Locals greet friends with a kiss on the cheek instead of a handshake. Friends and family sit outside to avoid the suffocating heat in their homes. They sit on lawn chairs, passing around an iced cup of yerbe mate tea, while they sell handmade crafts and materials on the curb.
Motorcycles outnumber cars here. Parking lots are lined with mopeds. These tiny motorcycles fit families of three, often with small children riding on the lap of the driver.
Women in fashionable platform shoes kickstart their mopeds and wiz off to work for 4:00 p.m., marking the end of their three hour lunch break. (Alex and I waiting for the store to reopen).
Shopping is different, you have to lock up all of your possessions at security. You must remember to bring a backpack because the country doesn't use plastic bags in an effort to reduce plastic altogether. And when you pay by credit you must show identification.
Life in Puerto Iguazu is so quaint. From the affection shared between family and friends, the laxidaizical mindset, and colourful landscape, Puerto Iguazu let us be thankful for what we have at home (laundry, AC, and salt and vinegar chips) but also to strive for a simpler way of life. To put the earth first, to share a conversation over tea, and best of all, to truly slow down.
Stay tuned friends! Many more travel stories to come!!
Mimi