Finished packing and sorted out money for paying the bill. We used up all our remaining Pesos and then paid the balance in dollars - a very good rate of 14 pesos to the dollar!
Sylvano arrived and loaded up the car and off we went to the airport to check-in and print our boarding card. Just as well Sylvano was with us as all the dialogue was in Portuguese!
We went through the Argentinian border control very smoothly and onto the equally slick Brazilian control.
Once done, we drove about 10 minutes to the national park entrance where Alison made the most of the souvenir shop while Sylvano parked the car. We passed through the entry gates and then drove about 9km to the entrance to the viewing trail. Sylvano explained the map and showed us where to start and then told us where he would meet us after he had parked at the far end. We had 15 minutes to ourselves to admire the outstanding panorama of the Argentine falls.
Afterwards, we took the elevator up to the exit area, where Sylvano ushered us to the restaurant which was on the banks of the river.
After an excellent lunch we were off into the car to the airport where again Sylvano eased us through the crowds to check in our bags. We had a 20-minute sit down and then straight onto the TAM plane which left on time and arrived in Rio a little early.
It was cloudy when we landed perhaps we will see the lights of Rio when we take off.
Our luggage came on the correct belt and we then went up the lift to floor 3 and commenced the long walk to terminal 1, reaching the British Airways check-in desks by about 18:00. Unfortunately they didn't open until 20:00,so we found a coffee shop for a light snack.
We checked in and proceeded through security and then another very long walk through a long corridor of empty shops until we reached the lounge - which was probably the worst club lounge we had ever seen - no showers and not very comfortable seats either. It seems that Terminal 1 may be due for refurbishment before the Olympic Games!
Pete discovered (a) that the Netbook was flat and (b) the charger was in the suitcases which had been checked in. Fortunately we borrowed an adapter from fellow passengers so that the photos could be uploaded to the Netbook, which gave them the chance to see our photos of Iguacu, and to be given an Audley card!
Pete was still in the process of putting on his flight socks when we were called early for boarding.
The calming glass of bubbly helped us get settled into the superior BA seats (by comparison with Iberia). We were seated in the middle of a 2-3-2 system with Pete facing backwards, so we were able to gaze into each others eyes, when they were open, that is.
Despite the late hour we managed a starter and main course, plus glass of Chardonnay, but once again skipped the dessert. It was soon time for bed and we both slept well (helped by a cup of hot chocolate during the night for Alison).
The lights went on with 2 hours left to go and it was time for breakfast.
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