Paraguay from every angle
Life, culture, landscapes. All that is Paraguay, and my life here
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...
Supermarkets in Paraguay replace traditional stores
When I first arrived in Paraguay supermarkets were a common sight in Asunción but few and far between in the rest of the country. This has changed completely in the years that I have lived here. As I mentioned, years ago when I first came to Paraguay supermarkets were...
Back to school for the children of Paraguay
After the long, long summer holiday it is finally time for the schools to open their doors once more. Locally they actually reopened last Friday, but Monday is a far more sensible day for the children to begin their new school year. As always in Paraguay due to the...