Iguazu area

 

There is more to do in Iguazu than marvel at the falls.

Of course there is birding!  Some people really enjoy forest birding so we did more of that.   There are plenty of other things to look at in the forests if you can't see the birds.  The fungi in particular are many and varied.  I enjoy looking at the flowers and the interesting shapes of leaves.  There are many plants native to the forests here that we have as house plants and in our gardens in Australia for instance Jacaranda.  Also many that have become invasive pests like lantana!

Wasp nests

We went birding at a small lagoon just out of Iguazu in the jungle.  It is in a large area of jungle where the original inhabitants of the area, the Garani, live, driven there as the city of Iguazu grew.  Now that same jungle is dotted with resorts because of tourists' wish to be in the jungle. No consultation, no compensation. There has been conflict but the Garani have again been dispossessed of land and continue to lose their traditional way of life.  We never seem to learn the lessons regarding colonialism and the disadvantage suffered by indigenous people. 

The lagoon is used by local indigenous people as a water source and for washing clothes. 

The bridge links Brazil and Paraguay.  There is a three way border in this corner of Argentina.

We also had a morning in the Hummingbird Garden.  It is a suburban backyard hung with bird feeders that has become a well known tourist spot.  Up to a dozen species of hummingbirds can be seen there as well as little yellow and grey birds called Bananaquit that have photobombed most of my pictures and videos.  The hummingbirds are delightful.  there wings are a blur as they manoeuvre in all directions.  A few of the species are unbelievably tiny.  The colours glow in the sun like sunbirds in Africa.  

The Hummingbird Garden

We have had a day in Buenos Aires.  It is a huge city and has so many fine buildings, statues and monuments, gardens and impressive boulevards.  There are also narrow cobbled streets shaded by huge plane trees.  If it wasn't so hot and if there were fewer mosquitoes it would be lovely to walk around the inner city and marvel at it all.  I think closer inspection might reveal it all needs a bit of love and care.  We have also seen very many people sleeping in the streets or in old cars and buses.  Unemployment, poverty and homelessness are huge problems in the current economic environment.  We have seen entrepreneurial people juggling at intersections and collecting donations from motorists waiting for the lights to change.  Also one day a piano accordionist.  We haven't seen people actively begging, with a cup in front for donations, as we sometimes see in Melbourne.

Tonight we're off to Ecuador for new adventures.