Iconic Iguazú

You know those weekend trips where you barely get sleep, have fun excursions planned, stay in a new area, explore Mother Nature, meet a ton of open and extraordinary people, and learn more about yourself? Well, I just had the most spectacular weekend ever at Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.

Puerto Iguazú is known for one of the wonders of the world: Iguazú Falls!

I met a friend at a Mate international student event (BAIS) last Wednesday and sparks flew when we met. Her voice and overall being are filled with warmth, energy, and love. Her name is Neha and she is a junior at UCLA.

I wanted to visit Iguazu Falls (from Buenos Aires) but I did not think I had time (we always have time) so I forgot about the idea entirely. She happened to tell me she was going to Iguazu Falls this weekend. She sent me where she was staying, the excursion she booked, and welcomed me to join with open arms…So I did!

We had no idea what we were in for.

I arrived at the Host Hostel which was my first time staying in a dorm room with other people. As I pulled up, I realized I booked myself in the gender mix room…”Okay,” I told myself, “This will interesting.” I didn’t let it ruin my vibe or stress me out too much.

Turns out my 8-person bunk bedroom was filled with me and one guy. He was from Turkey and we communicated via Google Translate. He heard me sniffling and on Google Translate, from Turkish to English, he said “I have some medicine that will make you feel better...Do you want?”

The power of communication and the way it makes us feel inside is unmatched. His medicine really worked too.

Neha and I had the most insane meals, as we like to eat the same. We explored the wonder of the world, as we both enjoy nature. We had so much to talk and laugh about together as we slowly peeled the layers off about one another. We’re so alike yet had different knowledge and perspectives to offer one another! Everybody thought we had been friends for a while and when we told them we only knew each other for two days, laughter filled the room. We both have rainbow signs with loved ones who aren’t with us anymore; rainbows followed us everywhere!!!!!! :)

There was no pressure to say things I didn’t mean, fill up silences with chatter, or be something I wasn't.

It has only been 5 days since we’ve known each other and it feels like we’ve known each other for a lifetime. Her humor makes me pee my pants and her insight and perspective on life are really cool. She has a motto called “Fuck around and find out,” basically a 21st century “Do something daring once a day.”

We drank, said yes to everything, went out with the people in our hostel, visited a local iconic ice bar, socialized with anyone who crossed our path, and danced our hearts out at the club we were taken to…(I had no idea we were going to the coolest club in town…I was in hiking boots and sweats…Neha was in a biker set. Nothing stopped us from vibing :))

The trip ended faster than it started. When we arrived at the airport she looked at me in the eyes and said, “I’m not joking when I say this…This was the best weekend of my entire life. I will never forget this weekend.”

Love filled my aura.

If this was just the first person I met, I can’t image what's coming my way. I know that because I see myself and value who I am as a person, I am attracting just the same energy.

This journey was definitely very lonely and scary in the begging, but I see where this is heading. I see how much fun I can have with myself and others by being me. I have started to laugh with myself instead of judging or criticizing and it helps me stay light. I see how great it feels to be in check with myself and the environment that surrounds me.

Culture is so cool. Culture is everything.

I am learning things that no textbook or school can teach you. I am learning things about the world through my own eyes and senses. No one is telling me what to do, how to do it, or when to do it. I am on my own clock and my own boss.

I am learning what it feels like to me, full-heartedly and courageously.

Maybe you should fuck around and find out too! jajajajajaj

see ya,

chelly