When we were preparing for this trip, everyone who'd ever been backpacking was forthright with their stories about horror hostels. At the time I thought staying in hostels was just something Tim and I would have to put up with in order to do the three-month trip relatively cheaply and not end up sending home a 'please send money now' style email home to the folks.

But we've been pleasantly surprised by every hostel so far and we actually found a version of paradise in one of them - in the city of Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. We were there to check out the Iguacu Falls, but we never imagined we'd find such bliss merely in the accommodation. Set in the Brazilian countryside, close to the Falls, this hostel had some ridiculously beautiful surroundings. Tropical plants, endless sun and huge grounds ensured we felt like we were in some sort of wonderful jungle.

And then there was the heart of the hostel, an area I actually had to drag myself away from. Picture this after 10 days in two fairly dirty cities. There's a giant pool in the middle, blue and clean and incredibly welcoming. Around the pool are sun loungers and tables and a big bar full of friendly staff selling beers and caipirinhas at about NZ$3 and pub grub for about the same.

There's always music pumping through the stereo system (We heard OMC twice!) and the place is packed with friendly people from all over the world, having a grand time and sharing their travelling experiences. To the left is cable TV (although that was hogged by the men watching football) and free internet.

With a book in hand, it was my idea of heaven. After a big day out enjoying the Iguacu Falls, we returned each afternoon to order cold drinks and swim for hours. It was really as good as life gets and we only wished we could ship our family and friends out for just one night of drinking cocktails and listening to great Brazilian tunes. But the real purpose of our stay was of course to visit one of the wonders of the world, and I'll be writing the next few entries on our adventures in the Iguacu national parks of both Argentina and Brazil - truly amazing experiences!

Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.

Read more about Brazil.