The wonderful land of Foz

April 13, 2011

The wonderful land of Foz

It's time I finally catch up on our Brazil trip! I love looking at these photos because it's almost like transporting yourself there again. I am reminded all the time of people we met and things we did and saw, experiences we had that stretched us and made us grow as a family.

So...introducing "Foz", otherwise known as "Foz de Iguazu". It is an incredible place that really has no comparison to the emerald city...except for the fact that is is very green and very magical. And you can't really "see what I mean". You have to be there to really feel the power of the place.

There is no way to really capture it in one photo - or even many - because it literally stretches on for miles and miles and completely surrounds you and your senses - the largest, longest waterfalls in the world. Absolutely breathtaking and overpowering.

Recently Natalie and I were reading a book about Helen Keller and how she was able to 'see' a waterfall by feeling the thundering movement of the water shaking her feet. I can appreciate that now!

We spent two days at Iguazu falls. The first day we went to the Brazil side, where you can see more of a panoramic view. The second day we went to the Argentinian side where you get right up close and personal.

I love this shot because you can see both the detail of the water in the foreground as well as how the falls just go on and on and on as far as the eye can see in the background.

For the 'up close and personal' parts there were plastic rain covers for the kiddos.

There was an incredible system of walkways taking you right on top of the falls. There's Nate, Natalie and Dad.

We went out onto that walkway and got completely drenched. It was awesome!

Standing in this spot is so incredibly LOUD!!

C'mon - enough pictures already!!

Quick...smile...someone go catch Lucas!!

Lucas was such a trooper having to be carried around and kept from climbing out too far onto the cliffs and falls below. His energy inspired us to keep on going.

Natalie insisted on some backpack time when Lucas decided to run around

It was sure nice to have some uncle shoulders to borrow when Mom and Dad got tired

Mom kept Elijah happy and dry for us!

Having the time of their lives - literally!!

Lijah loves riding with Grandma!!

Dad and Joe enjoying the misty vistas

We got to ride a jet boat into the falls. You can see us (Nate, Joseph, Natalie and I) on the back row on the right side. It was pretty exciting! Natalie did a great job nativating the lippery hike down to the dock where the boats left.

There we are right under the falls! The water was so powerful it was blinding - you couldn't keep your eyes open. Another "Helen Keller moment" when all you could do was feel the power of the falls.