Just popped by and found lots of lovely messages in my guestbook. Work is keeping me busy but I may ...
Just popped by and found lots of lovely messages in my guestbook. Work is keeping me busy but I may have the odd moment here and there to pop by in future. See y'all
Member since:12.05.2003
Reviews:29
Members who trust:47
OK, Asuncion, and Paraguayin 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 have said you can see the slums from the town, but the town centre is fairly well heeled compared with the outskirts, where you can expect to see innumerable cheap shops selling discounted goods. Bizarrely, there seemed to be a surfeit of shops selling toilet seats! The reason for this doesn't bear reckoning!
However, once you get over the slum aspect, Asuncion does have some distinct advantages. Firstly, the climate is pleasant year long. Secondly, buying brand goods is ridiculously cheap (I bought Wranglers for about 10 GBP). Thirdly, it's a friendly place that doesn't feel threatening. Fourthly, there are some interesting markets in the main square. Fifthly, the city feels spacious and verdant - there are some beautiful trees all around the city with pink flowers which I've never seen before. Sixthly, eating out is also ridiculously cheap.
An interesting feature of the main square is the Palace (incidentally, backing onto the slums by the river!). Paraguay, like many South American countries, was subject to a dictatorship until recently. Apparently you were not allowed to look at the palace or you would be shot! Fortunately these days the regime is more relaxed following recent coups and you will find the city to be fairly laid back.
Some of the reasons for visiting are a little weak - certainly I can't vouch for the nightlife as I didn't have time to sample it - but Asuncion is worth a short visit. I wouldn't stay too long though, the long term entertainment prospects are limited.
I've said a daily budget of 5 - 10 GBP - this is not including accommodation - probably add another 5 - 10 GBP if so.
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By your own high standards, I thought this was a little thin, hence the H. Did you know that Azuncion was one of the world's cheapest cities to live in?
Joeyruss 17.06.2003 17:49
The only thing I've ever associated with Paraguay is ex-Nazis. Your op made interesting reading. I've been to Brazil and Peru but would never have considred Paraguay as a tourist destination. Food for thought there. Thanks Jo.
Joey x
xadoc 17.06.2003 02:03
OK, time to show off. I spent a few days in Asunción, and thought it was charming. Laid back atmosphere and the weather was good too. Bit disappointed the railway mentioned in our guidebook hadn't run for at least five years, but you can't expect the researchers to actually *visit*, can you? Spent one happy afternoon drinking herba maté (I think that's how you spell it) in the main square with the locals thinking we were hilarious. Certainly didn't have any trouble from any undesirables as far as I remember and everyone was friendly. There was a burnt out car on the lawn in front of the palace too, which made for a great photo.
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May 18th, 2003
(May 19th, 2003)
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