Apart Hotel Rivera, Asuncion

Advantages: Friendly, bizarre
Disadvantages:

...Asuncion, Paraguay isn't on most travellers list of top ten destinations, but I can give you a few good reasons why it is on mine! I spent 6 months in Paraguay a few years ago working as a volunteer in Asuncion. My work was with the local people and gave me a fascinating insight into the local people. For a start Asuncion is usually hot, humid and slow moving in every aspect! I found that the people were on-the-whole very friendly and generally interested in people from the West. Paraguayans are a very proud people speaking not only Spanish but the native indian language of Guarani. You will find the Spanish spoken here quite different to that spoken in Spain, almost spanish without the lisp! The public transport in Asuncion was pretty good. We tended to rely on the buses and they did come regularly if a little overcrowded... Read review

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Advantages: Bargains Galore
Disadvantages: A little dull

...OK, Asuncion, and Paraguay in general aren't that exciting, but who else has ever been there? You can impress all your mates by saying "oh yes, in Paraguay this or in Paraguay that" Asuncion is located about half way up Paraguay, but on the western border of the country with Argentina. You can see Argentina across the Rio Paraguay from the main squares. Like much of South America, expect refuse on street, poverty in your face and scammers left right and centre. In fact, in Asuncion the slums are more evident than in many cities - they are along the banks of the river and you can overlook them from one of the main squares in the city. I wouldn't advise this though - we did and nearly got chased away. Besides, it's rather rude to pry into people's lives in this way. The town centre is somewhat removed from the town itself. As I... Read review

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Advantages: Weather, Food, People, Beach, sea, views
Disadvantages: A lot more can be done for disabled

...these by yourself, as organised tours rarely if ever give you enough time to have a good look around, although they can provide you with some good background knowledge. Language: I practised for months before we went to Italy and still only managed to master a few words. Though what I did know was enough to get me through. I found that nearly all Italian people knew some English and many were quite fluent. However, they do tend to like you to try talking their language, which is fair enough as you are visiting their land. People: Everyone I spoke to before I went to Italy told me how friendly the people were. And in my opinion I can vouch for that, however as I was in a wheelchair I did get a fair few stares, which actually made me feel paranoid in the end. Apart from the hotel staff (see upcoming review) the people were very welcoming. Eating... Read review

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