The Land of the Unknown

“Ohh I see… WAIT!? What’s your country’s Name? And that’s located, where? Ohh Paraguay and that’s in…. AFRICA!?” I constantly get that. People always tend to ask me where I’m from. My answer: Asuncion, Paraguay. Reaction: read introducing sentence. People look amazed when I give them such a rare and uncommon location. I mean seriously, all of those who have heard of Paraguay say AY! Anyone? Perhaps two, I guess. Anyhow this blog entry is dedicated to my beloved country, on that’s located in South America, between Argentina and Brazil, and that is so small that its population hardly reaches that of 6 million people.
I have heard the confusing reaction of several people about, let’s say 10 years; however, I still find myself confused and in deep disbelief when people ask me where in the world is Paraguay located. In a way I feel unique since Paraguay is my secret place and a place I love and with dignity call home. Yes, by now you are probably filling annoyed by my sense of patriotism and nationalism. Don’t. It won’t be long. I promise. I will lead you all through an amazing journey of what life in Paraguay is like. So, sit down and enjoy this blog entry that this is the cheapest flight you’ll ever have to Paraguay, the land of the free, happy, love, dreams, and where a smile is always on your face.
All of the ideas you might have of Paraguay, do the following: open your windows, get all your thoughts and through them out the window. My words are going to completely change your mind of a country you’ve never heard of before. Hold on tight that this journey is a one way only.
I have lived in Paraguay since I was born, something I am proud of, and as I get older I see the magic this place has. For starters this country is a party country. Teenagers and 20’s and 30’s years old love it down here. Party starts Wednesday and goes on ‘till Sunday morning (to be exact, until about 6 am). People that are over the teen-years go to places we call discotheques, where people go to dance, drink, socialize, and well, have a nice time. As for the music heard down here Techno and Reggeaton. For teenagers here we have 15(quinces), theses are just like Sweet Sixteen only better, they end later, way more fun, and people from different schools attend this parties. If you’re about 17 there are High School Parties from different schools. These parties are amazing, to say the least. Professional DJ’s come and put their music. Alcohol, food, and dancing go on all night at these parties. Parties are big part of Paraguayan culture, especially if you hang out with people that are located in the middle or high society. Parties tend to start at about 10 pm and end at about 4 am.
The people. The people here tend to be amazing; they are just helpful, polite, nice, outgoing, and fun to be around. Something you should also know is that people here are hospitable and will even give you their own beds if no other bed is available.
The language spoken here is Spanish. I am lucky enough to speak and write in English since I went to the American School of Asuncion. There is also an Indian language that is popular here as well. This language is called Guarani. Several people speak this idiom. Now, don’t get confused, that does not mean that most people are indigenous people. That’s Bolivia, not Paraguay. People here are actually whiter than people from other Hispanic regions. Remember this, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina are all different than the other Countries in South America.
The city that is the most populated city, has the best night live, has all the shopping malls, and where the richest people in PY live is Asuncion, Paraguay’s capital. This city is the greatest.
The only bad thing about this country is the increasing poverty. Because of poverty crime is a big thing in Paraguay. Don’t worry though, just be careful and avoid walking alone on the beautiful streets of Paraguay.
One of the coolest things about Paraguay is that everything down here is cheaper than other countries. For example, the Dollar is worth 5 thousand times more than our money, which is called Guaranies.
Climate down here is kind of like the Californian climate. Most of the time it’s sunny and hot in Paraguay. In the summer it gets boiling hot, in the winter it can get pretty cold. Right now it’s winter and it has been pretty chilly over the last few days. However the highlight is the sun. If you want a nice tan, than Paraguay is your place. Sadly enough Paraguay is a landlocked country. We do have several rivers; actually Paraguay is one of the countries with the most abundant fresh water.
Food here is amazing as well. We have several good restaurants down here and they are not that expensive, especially if one is paying in dollars. Deserts down here are one of the highlights, with the Dulce de Leche and the different fruit jams. Several bakeries are located in Asuncion with a grand variety of baked sweet goods. Also, Paraguay has the best meat in the world and it has very low amounts of steroids. Actually, cattle rising is the big thing here with agriculture. Our soy and vegetables are also very good, with limited amount of pesticides.
Slowly the globalization is entering Paraguay, but it is. I must say that I have not been any where else as fun and as chilled as Paraguay. Despite the poverty and crime down in Paraguay, the country itself has very limited problems and quite calm.
Another great thing about the –GUAY is that it has abundant amount of intact nature around the country, even in the biggest city, which is Asuncion. Nature is probably one of Paraguay’s biggest attractions
Life in Paraguay is simply, great. Come and Visit. I assure you that you’ll never want to go back.
Write to you soon,
CM
P.S. listen to these musics:
Tocarte Toda- Calle 13
Quitate la ropa- Mr. Benz
Temblor- Daddy Yankee
En sus marcas listo fuera- Daddy Yankee