Paraguay from every angle
Life, culture, landscapes. All that is Paraguay, and my life here
Lockdown Paraguay
As with much of the world Paraguay is all but closed for business as the out break of Coronavirus continues to spread. Last week after a second case was reported the government declared that all schools were to shut for 14 days and that all sports, concerts, meetings...
Empanadas, Paraguayan street food
Firstly before going any further it must be said that there is nothing particularly Paraguayan about an empanada. These little pasties are in truth a Latin American snack. However in Paraguay at least they are the street food per excellence. In Paraguay they are...
On the open road.
Like most cities in the world Asunción has it's problems with traffic. Far too much of it moving far too slowly. However once beyond it's suburbs spaces soon open up and with that a chance to enjoy the view and the ride. I myself living in the countryside that...
The founding of Asunción
Every year in Paraguay the 15th August is one of the countries largest and most important national holidays. It marks the anniversary of the founding of Asunción. On the 15th August 1537 Juan de Salazar y Espinosa would have been quite unaware that the settlement he...
The Paraguayan flag
The flag of Paraguay as any school child in the land will tell you is red, white and blue. Beyond that though it is also unique in the world in that it is different on both sides and is also one of the oldest. The design of the flag with it's three horizontal stripes...
Always another sunset in the Paraguayan countryside
One of the many joys of living where I do is the knowledge that unless there is cloud and rain the sunset will be glorious. With rains coming just occasionally that means most days. My home is in the countryside in one of the outlying districts of the little town of...
Atmospheric Phenomenon a solar halo
I was recently treated to a sight unlike I had ever seen before. A rare atmospheric phenomenon called a solar halo. My first inlination that something was going on was when I stepped outside to find a huge black disc just hanging in the air above the house. Anyone who...
Mandioca, the Paraguayan staple
Manihot Esculenta as it is known amongst scientists is a central part of every Paraguayan meal. Here it is known as mandioca or manioc and a dish without a side plate filled with it would be incomplete. In English mandioca is know as cassava and it is a New World root...
Beyond the tarmac the roads in Paraguay turn to earth
Most of the roads between towns and across the country in Paraguay have now been paved. The same is true of the principal roads around the towns and cities, however it does not take long, even in Asunción to find an alternative road surface. Firstly on those roads...