Iguazu Falls and so much more

COUNTRY: Argentina
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Care Work
WRITTEN BY: Kelvin Wicks

Time has a tendency of creeping up on you and for many of us we can't believe we only have four weeks left in Buenos Aires. The last two weeks have been for some the usual and others the extraordinary. The theme currently is Iguazu Falls, I myself have just been, Sheena, Tom and Ed are currently there and Evie, Antonia and Jessie are going soon. Volunteering in a village in Missiones was also a highlight for Bronte, Sheena and myself. Now where to begin?

Up North near Iguazu there is a small village called Perutí and there you will find a community with very little. Volunteering there, we found ourselves painting the main community building, playing with kids (often we were human climbing trees), providing shoes and food. The organisation LIFE, who we have been volunteering in BA with provided this trip for us. We were accompanied by a Belgian, French and two adults from the slums in BA. It was an enjoyable and tiring three days but a time to remember. There we saw a sense of community that is sometimes lost in our present society and we saw how quickly children must grow up, with many older brothers and sisters having to take care of their younger siblings. But what we'll never forget is the kids faces as they see you coming into the village and how happy they seem to constantly be around us. So after a few days of hard work, it was time to relax. Iguazu and San Ignacio to come.

After volunteering in Perutí, I with Tom (the Belgian) and Francis (the French man) went to one of the most spectacular sites nature has to offer. It's no wonder people are lost for words after walking around the amazing and breathtaking Iguazu Falls. The large cascade of water pouring out of the jungle in multiple streams is enough to make anyone smile in awe of this wonderful natural wonder. Only exploring the Argentinean side, it was an undisputed agreement that San Martin view point was the most incredible sight. Definitely a must see for anyone when venturing to South America.

Red dirt roads, spectacular views and a beautiful sunset sums up San Ignacio. This micro climate maintains a temperature above 15 degrees all year round and is definitely a hidden treasure that lonely planet seems to overlook largely. It is a small town with great walks and riding to do. Having been there after Iguazu rounded off a great trip of which I'm sure Jessie, Evie and Antonia will enjoy in a few weeks time.

Back in BA, everyone enjoyed the usual routine of volunteering and constantly exploring the nooks and crannies of BA. Tea Connection is a favourite and everyone seems to love going there for its great tea and food. Also San Telmo street market seems to be a constant Sunday activity as well as ultimate frisbee in the park with the locals.

The next week will hold something special for some of us in the football match between Argentina and Colombia. Here we should witness the Argentine Messi and the local football passion at its greatest. Some of us already have our Argentinean football shirts at the ready. Let's hope Argentina win and I'll be writing about it in my next blog.