December 12      Our bus was rather late so we had less than eight hours in Sao Paulo.  We took the subway dowtown, did some shopping, got a haircut (apparently I was looking a bit shaggy), and took a much needed shower at a bus station (not as bad as you would think).       Then it was an overnight flight home.

December 11           We took a tour of the Argentine side of the falls as it affords a more intimate look.  Here we walked through jungle trails, swam at the base of a fall, and were soaked at the aptly named Devil's Throat fall (which sounded like rolling thunder).      After a full day, we boarder our last overnight bus.  This time to Sao Paulo. Costs unknown.

December 10      The border crossing was easy, although it was clear we were in a different country.  Portugese is enough like Spanish that you can read it, but understanding it when spoken is another thing entirely.  Anyway, we checked into a friendly guesthouse ans travelled to Iguazu Falls.  We were shocked by the magnitude and even more by the beauty of the falls.  Iguazu is twice as big as Niagara and includes scores of mini falls and pools, all in a jungle setting.  It was a memorable experience and to think we almost missed it. Hotel - $17, Food - $20, Trans. - $10, Tours - $6, Random (movie - $6)     Total - $59

December 9      We left Encarnacion this morning for Ciudad del Este and the Brazillian border.  On the way, we stopped at the Jesuit mission in Trinidad.  The ruins still reflect its former grandeur and abaoned idealism.  Music was also important to the community and is frequently represented in the surviving stone reliefs.      Back on the bus, we suffered the heat as we drove mile after mile through green plains.  Ciudad del Este is an obnoxious blend of noise, filth, and free commerce.  The cheapest shopping in South America is found here and everything has a price.      We checked into the Hotel Austria which was full of sunburned German tourists.  It made our stay all the more authentic.  From the hotel balcony, we could see into Brazil.  It was an emotional expericence for us.  After starting our holiday in Belize six months ago, Brazil represents the end of our Latin American adventure.  Yet we were also excited about going home to be with family and friends (if only for a month).  The country itself was almost an afterthought and with less than 72 hours, it couldn't be much more. Hotel - $17, Food - $22, Trans - $17, Tour - $1, Random (film - $4, Manicure - $7)     Total - $68

December 8      In the late 15th and 16th centuries, Spain and Portugal colonized South America.  Portugal used the local indian population to support its slave trading activities.  The Jesuits (an order in the Catholic church) protested against this exploitation and in 1610 were granted permission by the King of Spain to establish missions in its territory to protect the Guanari Indians (and convert them to Christianity).  The communities were based on a primitive Christian utopia that greatly improved the lives of the Guarani (including education and self-govenment).       However, due to power struggles back in Europe, Spain and Portugal agreed in 1750 to realign its American territories.  The missions had to be abandoned, the subsequent indian revolt was defeated, and the Jesuits wer ultimately expelled from all of America.      We crossed the border to Argentina and took a local bus to the Jesuit mission at San Ignacio Mini.  It is an impressive site with stone walls from the original church, school, and houses.  There are also large, open green areas which contribute to a peacefullness about the ruins.  Paradise lost?      We returned to Encarnacion for the night.  Perhaps it is the heat, but Lady almost got into a fight with a little girl because the child was taking too much time at the free computer at Mcdonald's.  The manager had to be called to settle the dispute. Hotel - $7, Food - $20, Trans - $21, Museum - $5     Total - $53

December 7      With our shiny, new (and expensive) Brazilian visas in hand, we could finally leave Asuncion.  We bused south to Encarnacion which sits right across the river from Argentina.  The drive was through slow, green hills.  As borders towns go, Encarnation is relatively relaxed.  We made our way to the plaza and had dinner.  For entertainment, a pick up truck was circling around the square with a statue of the Virgen and an off-key (and thanks to his amplifier) quite loud singer. Costs unknown

December 6      We started a frustrating day at the Brazilian consulate.  We need an entry visa (unlike all of the other countries we have visited) which sounds easy enough.  Well, it isn't.  You start with forms, then you have to get pictures, back to the embassy, then to the bank (has to be Banco de Brasil) to pay $50 each, then back to the embassy.  Next, you wait 24 hours for the approval process.  OK, that actually doesn't sound that bad, but it was hot.      Anyway, we took a local bus to dinner.  We were enjoying the scenery and kept waiting for the bus to turn around.  By the time it stopped over 10 miles outside the city, we knew we were in trouble.  To make a long story short, we walked a really long way and had to take a couple of buses but we did make it for a late dinner.  More authentic German food at a swanky restaurant.  Poolside no less.  With all of our experience, the bus home was a snap. Hotel - $9, Food - $37, Random (Stamps - $6, Visa and photos - $107)     Total - $159