Chasing rainbows on Iguazu Falls

I spent a couple of merry afternoons chasing rainbows in Argentina and Brazil, pinning them with a bulky camera lens and bringing them home.

Left eye squinted shut, right eye trained on the spectacular view of Iguazu Falls, I watched the rainbows stretch out shyly, faded streaks over pounding water. Iguazu Falls means “Big Water” and they stretch across the border between Brazil and Argentina, separating the Iguazu River into upper and lower levels.  One of the new seven wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls span nearly two miles and, even without the rainbows, the falls paint a stunning picture.

The weather turned out to be perfect the entire two days we spent on the Iguazu River. The sun rose and the rainbows grew more and more brilliant, preening with increasing confidence as I dashed around snapping their pictures. Eventually, the rainbows stood strong and proud before me, a giddy, appreciative audience of one, thrilled to catch them in my viewfinder.

Maybe, because I live in an area of the world in which weather can be cruel and days can be cold and dreary, I worship rainbows. I love their capricious nature, and their breathtaking display of colors. I believe in the promise of rainbows, that serenity follows storms, light follows darkness, laughter follows tears.

I see a rainbow and I smile, pausing for a life-affirming moment of gratitude and joy.

Last week on two sunny days in Argentina and Brazil, I caught a couple of rainbows. Today, I’m sharing them with you. Enjoy.