El bien y el mal dinámico y cambiante encontrarás aquí, desde su nombre, lleva en tu humilde corazón de hombre un mensaje verídico y constante.
Medita y siente la emoción profunda contemplando el vibrante paroxismo que brumas eternas se circunda.
Y no intentes describirlo con tu voz sólo inclina la frente ante éste abismo que es el espejo de la palabra Dios."
"Let your soul be satisfied with the odd beauty of this landscape that although the world walk in truth you'll never find, like this, nothing.
Good and bad dynamic and changing find here, from ist name, keep in your heart of man humble a true and consistent message.
Meditate and feel the deep emotion contemplating the vibrant climax eternal mist that is circled.
And do not try to describe it in your voice only he leans his forehead against the abyss is the mirror of the word of God."
-Alfonso Ricciutto
The translation given for this piece does not give justice, and neither will my translation of my experiences thus far. Words cannot possibly describe the beauty my eyes have seen, and the way my soul has been touched. It is so hard to believe I have only been in South America for two and a half weeks, it feels like months. Iguazu was unbelievable. I only hope the pictures can give you a sense of the immense power and beauty of this place. I spent 12 hours in absolute amazement and could have do it again and again without losing appreciation. The poem says it well, you cannot describe with your words, you must put your forehead in its mist and feel its power and beauty.
When I arrived in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, I was coming off a 27 hour bus ride from Rio. I got to the hostel, it was 99 degrees and I wanted nothing more than to relax, but I talked myself into a run, got back, dipped in the pool and found myself again amazed by the stars as I cooled off. I met a couple girls from England and we decided we'd hit the falls the next day together. We got to the falls on the Brazilian side and the line or the Q as they like to call in in England, was outrageous, 2 hour wait to buy an entrance ticket, but we obviously decided the park was worth the wait. We eventually got in and I found myself absolutely speechless, the girls headed out, but I couldn't get myself to leave I didn't care how hot it was, the beauty before my eyes grabbed me and held me still. I finally headed out because I had to catch a bus across the Argentinian border before dark. I caught the bus to Argentina and found the hostel I had booked for the next couple nights, only to discover that I had pulled the classic "book the hostel for the wrong night". I quickly discovered that all the hostels and even the hotels in Puerto Iguazu were booked. I found one available for the next night and decided I would stop in and book for tomorrow and head back to Brazil for the night. While I was walking to this hostel, I saw another one and I just got a feeling I should ask if they had space even though online said they were booked. I stopped in to discover they had a bed for me, and a couple guys from Israel invited me to join them for dinner. This probably marks my favorite part of my trip. These guys, Ron and Ron, ended up cooking some raviolis marking my first homemade meal on my trip, and it was delicious. The next day I went to the Argentinian side of the falls and I thought what I would see couldn't compare to the day before, but it was unbelievable! I again was frozen in amazement. Everything was gorgeous. From the Brazilian side you see the falls from a distance, there are not many trails, it is very tourist oriented, but the Argentinian side was much more nature oriented. The trails themselves were incredible surrounded by jungle and river, you see all sorts of animals, baby crocodiles, big fish, turtles, and some raccoon like animal. Then, you arrive at the falls and you are literally right on them and their power touches your body and your soul. And you can't do much more than smile and stand in awe. I stayed as late as possible and then headed back to the hostel to be amused and entertained by Ron and Ron. I tell you these guys are hilarious. We talk and discover we're both heading to Rosario and decide to travel together. So, for the last 5 days we have been kicking it. We spent the last night in Iguazu at the hostel with people from all over the world. It was so much fun just hanging out and talking till early morning. Earlier that evening we were at the store and a little boy was begging for a coke. Ron comes out with a bottle for him and I translate. As we all converse we offer the kid some food. I talked with Ron and told him we should let the kid come in, pick it out, and pay for it because it would enhance the experience for the him. When I told him to come in and pick out what he wanted he just stood there like "you're kidding im not supposed to go in there", but I encouraged him and told him that we don't know what he likes or whatever and so he comes in and is iffy at first and points to some ham and when I tell him to go ahead and grab it he gets a little more comfortable and then suddenly he's pointing at like everything. But in the end the kid picks out basically stuff for sandwiches. We get to the line and I tell him he has to pay for it. Ron gives him the money and the kid pays for it, keeps the change, says thank you and walks outside to share with the 3 other kids outside. Then the Rons and I head back to the hostel to kick it with everyone and we're offered their last few slices of pizza. I'm pretty hungery because all I had eaten all day was a few eggs, but Ron and I looked at each other and decided we had to bring it to the kids. We sat with them for a little as I talked with them, learning their names and likes. I couldn't have pictured a more beautiful experience. The falls were incredible, but the way they touched my soul cannot necessarily compare to the way human interaction and relationship can touch the soul. To me that exchange of conversation between the children, Ron, and I was far more beautiful.
The next day we left for Rosario. I sat on the bus, watching the sunset, the stars come out, and then the sunrise as I sit next to Ron thinking about how this is how beautiful life is supposed to be. After a 16 hour bus ride, we arrived in Rosario the following morning. We spent the afternoon walking around the city some and it ends up getting late and before we know it the only places to eat are McDonalds and Burger King. I think about passing on food, but then we hit up BK and the guys drop 50 pesos each and I drop 25 on fast food. We all walk away feeling a little gross. The next day, we get up nice and early because Ron has now talked both Ron and myself into skydiving. You know, you only live once! Skydiving was incredible! I only wish I had been more fearful. When people kept asking if I was scared I would respond that when I got into the plane, it would probably hit me, but when I got into the plane, I got nothing, and I thought maybe I'd feel it when we took off and climbed to our desired height, but no, no fear, just awe. I thought, yea I'll def feel it when the door opens, but no, nothing, and the next thing I know I'm free falling from two miles up in the sky with nothing but true awe. 30-40 seconds later, the parachute opens, and I'm standing straight up in the air, and all I can think about is how I feel like a superhero. Like one of those dudes with rocket shoes floating/flying above the land--like Ironman! I knew right away this may have been my first, but it def wasn't my last. I was in love. Ron ^2 and I decided the best way to end the day was a dinner of mashed potatoes, bread, red wine, and steak with a peach for dessert. The most incredible part of this was that this dinner cost us less than fast food. We spend about 20 pesos each which is less than $5 and we each had not one, but two steaks. And the next day we decided we had to do it again. I love living somewhere where steak and wine is cheaper than a burger and a coke. Needless to say, I have eaten well the next few nights. But, today I head to Buenos Aires and my Rons stay in Rosario. I can say with all I am that I truly will miss these two. People have not just encountered each other, souls have touched, and I walk away knowing I am leaving a better person having met them.
I am learning that vulnerability is not always a bad thing, and that people, like steak, need be tender. Although I strive to live independently, and to be able to do it all on my own, I am learning that life is more beautiful when you open yourself up, become vulnerable, and let people touch your soul. I have no doubt that I am moving in the right direction and I can see a little clearer in me, the woman of God I have been designed to be.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
