Christmas Morning - Engagement!!


6:45am there was a knock at the door, it was a morning delivery of hot chocolate to our room, fine silver tea pot and all. Elle slowly woke up to sip the warm drink. Outside our window the day was sunny and perfect, the grass in front of the hotel leading up to the small falls had families of the small possum-squirrel animals scurrying across. There was a bit of confusion from Elle as to why I was so keen to wake up early and go to the falls when we had one of the best beds and rooms ever experienced. Still with some persuading we were dressed and heading to the falls.

The walk from our hotel to the main falls is about 1.2km, all along the way is through a national park where there is a perfect view of many of Iguaçu's 256 waterfalls. We were up early enough so that there was no one in sight, for this time this wonder was ours.

Down the path at each viewing point we stopped, Elle received a kiss from me and looked bemused at my early morning enthusiasm. Each of the falls was bigger than the last, the sound of the water thundering all around. The parks huge colourful butterflies were everywhere.

Reaching the main part of the falls, the sound became deafening, the sight more spectacular. Walking onto the main platform the spray of the falls hit us in waves, but felt like a touch. At the end of the platform Elle was lost looking into the huge spectacle around her.


I found the ring in my pocket and got down on one knee and called Elle's name. With the thundering water and both of us wet from the spray, Elle was ever the nurse and quickly lent down, concerned and asked what is wrong? I assured her nothing and once I had her standing again, I asked...those words......"Will you marry me?" In disbelief, wet and wondering whether she had heard right at this hour in the morning and with so much noise, she cried with happiness (I hope) and I put the ring on her finger.


We stayed alone at the base of the falls savouring the moment.

Slowly we made our way back to the hotel. Where a Christmas breakfast buffet awaited by the pool.

Location: Iguazu Falls - Argentina

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