“School” on the bus doesn’t last quite as long as I’d hoped; Simon is feeling quite car sick, and I’m not far behind. So we forgo our reading, and focus instead on some math review, before taking a little break to lie back down for a bit.
Later, the boys complete some Science-related grammar sheets, and then take a stretch break by walking vigorously up and down the aisle from the front of the bus to the back and up to the front again several times. (At this point, there are only five passengers left on the bus -- several disembarked at another stop along the way--and four of them are us!)
10:30 a.m.
Three more hours to go.
The novelty is wearing off, and hunger is setting in; the packaged treats served early this morning aren’t so filling.
After passing through several towns and villages, the landscape becomes much more remote, though there are still random police checks at various points long the way (so far, we haven’t been asked to provide our ID.)
Later, the boys complete some Science-related grammar sheets, and then take a stretch break by walking vigorously up and down the aisle from the front of the bus to the back and up to the front again several times. (At this point, there are only five passengers left on the bus -- several disembarked at another stop along the way--and four of them are us!)
10:30 a.m.
Three more hours to go.
The novelty is wearing off, and hunger is setting in; the packaged treats served early this morning aren’t so filling.
After passing through several towns and villages, the landscape becomes much more remote, though there are still random police checks at various points long the way (so far, we haven’t been asked to provide our ID.)
(click photos to enlarge)
The bus stops at a roadside stand. For sale are oranges (“naranjas”) and BBQ meat skewers (“Parilla”). We do not indulge, though the other passenger and also the driver and attendants do. Instead, I unpack the first of the snacks stuffed in my backpack, and distribute them to hungry boys… AFTER they wash their hands in the bus’ tiny washroom!
With the whole upper deck to ourselves, we move into the front three seats to enjoy the panoramic view. Tats and I practise “chair flying” so that we don't get rusty (has it really been less than three weeks since I flew an airplane?!), and then we chat with the boys about what there is to see.
The landscape reminds me of Honduras. Simon and Alex agree. We get to reminiscing a bit about our trip there.
The landscape reminds me of Honduras. Simon and Alex agree. We get to reminiscing a bit about our trip there.
Soon, the bus makes one final stop,“Puerto El Dorado”, and the other passenger gets off, leaving just the four of us and the two attendants at the mercy of this bus driver, with one hour to go before we get to Puerto Iguazu.
I have a lot of respect for this driver: I know what it’s like to drive the half hour from Charlottetown to our rural home in PEI at night – I can’t imagine 10 hours on a pitch black road!!! And even now, in broad daylight, there are constant challenges: The narrow roads, the ubiquitous construction, the tight, sudden turns… Frankly, the guy deserves a medal!
The boys and I wander downstairs to stretch our legs, and the attendant offers us another drink (I need carbs, cheese and lentils, maybe a few fried onions on top, lady, not orange juice!!) which we gratefully accept, and head back upstairs to our front-row seats for the final leg of this 18-hour journey.
The boys and I wander downstairs to stretch our legs, and the attendant offers us another drink (I need carbs, cheese and lentils, maybe a few fried onions on top, lady, not orange juice!!) which we gratefully accept, and head back upstairs to our front-row seats for the final leg of this 18-hour journey.