Arrival time: 3:25 Am

So after much planning and waiting and booking of tickets, my friends (from college) arrive tonight. Well really tomorrow morning... at 3:25 am. Assuring me that they thought they could take a cab by themselves, I gave them the important details and how to say a few things in Spanish. Last night, rested, clean, and well fed, they both looked on it as an adventure. We'll see if they still have that attitude after a full day of flying. Also keep in mind, this is the first time out of the US for one of them. It's going to be great.

Assuming they arrive safe (and currently all fligths are on schedule but who knows what could happen in Peru... as certain 14 hour lay over comes to mind..), this week we will celebrate New Years in BA and then head to Iguazu falls. The Iguazu waterfalls are some of the most stunning in the world. Americans who've been to both say that Niagra falls doesn't even compare. The name Iguazu is an indian name despite the best efforts of Spnish explorers to change it. It is located way up at the top of Argentina in the jungle. In fact, with the proper documentation, both the Paraguayan and Brazilan borders are close enough to cross. While BA is sweltering, we will be heading into even hotter, more humid weater. But, there we will have both air conditioning and a huge pool, not to mention the waterfalls.

Other the waiting for the arrival of my friends, this week has been pretty calm. Much of the city seems to be missing, inevitably relocating at the beach. It seems that any one who can heads out of the city for as much of January as they can. And i am beginning to understand why. As one of my friends here said, "it's so hot the dog poop melts on the sidewalk". Melting dog poop, mosquitos, sweltering heat, crowded subways, all make one want to head for the hills, beach, farm or anywhere else less crowded. But here i will stay for at least a little longer.