If you have never traveled to Paraguay, you are missing out on one of the undiscovered jewels of South America. Paraguay is like the Mona Liza: at first glance maybe not the most beautiful in the world, but as you peal off the layers you start to realize there’s more depth to it than you ever dreamed.
Let’s start with the capital, Asuncion. When you arrive at the Asuncion bus terminal, you will find quite a modern building with a restaurant and lots of little shops selling everything a traveler needs. From here you can take buses not only to anywhere in the city, but from the long distance section you will be able to take a bus to virtually anywhere in Paraguay.
The city center is old and sometimes crumbling. But for some strange reason the gentle decay of many buildings just add to the charm of this old place. As you wander down the main street (called Avenida Palma), you will hear harp music streaming from many shop windows. The harp is after all Paraguay’s national instrument.
There are also many shops selling the famous spiderweb lace that Paraguay is so well-known for. The street traders are not as aggressive as those you will find in many other South American countries. They reflect the general, laid-back atmosphere of Asuncion.
The second largest city of Paraguay is Ciudad del Este in the east of the country. In many respects the atmosphere of Ciudad del Este more resembles that of a city in the Far East, like Bangkok. Travelers often compare it one huge shopping mall. Here you can buy virtually anything you can think of: from the latest electronics to spiderweb lace. From ebook readers to an old used black helmet. Prices are generally very competitive.
A lot of Paraguay’s charm lies in its countryside. Around Asuncion you will find a number of small towns where the artists specialize in one type of product. Whether it’s nanduti lace or the cute little ceramic chickens that have become so popular, you are sure to find something that will forever remind you of this most special of countries.
If you are into scrapbooking, make sure you have large amounts of scrapbooking paper. Your memories of Paraguay will soon become your fondest travel memories and you will want to preserve every moment you spend in this wonderful country, with its warm, friendly people.
Related Articles For Further Reading:
- Destination Guides : Asuncion – As Mysterious As The Mona Lisa Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, must be one of the least visited and most misrepresented cities of South America. There aren’t even many destination guides available for the city, it is sometimes hard to get your hands on one, and … Continue reading →...