Asunción, Paraguay

[rivardco]

Just ran into some fascinating trip reports on Asuncion, Paraguay. I am very interested. Its within striking distance of my next destination, BA, Argentina.

Any of you studs been there? I would love to know the basics: safety; costs; transportation; INTERNET; etc...

Also, I like pretty women, but I would never have to leave Cali for that ... is there any "sophistication and European style grace and manner" in the people in Asuncion?

Gracias!

[Bueller]

I've been there before, in '02, and wasn't exactly blown away.

Now Argentina, that place is awesome! If I couldn't go to Europe, Argentina would be my next choice. I've been there about half a dozen times-- to Las Cataratas del Iguazu, Córdoba and La Sierra de Córdoba, and Buenos Aires. Tinto's been to some really great places there, too. I'm going to Chile for six weeks next January and February and may have something to report about that.

[HonkyTonk]

Rivardco, I don't recall much info on anything Paraguay on GT. Have you done an advanced search using the city and country as key words? Might turn up something of interest.

I have a friend who lived as a missionary in LAm for 20 years. He told me to skip Paraguay as it was his least favorite country. Remember, he wasn't there checking out the women

He did say that Chile is by far his favorite country he's visited in SAm. Bueller, it would be great to get your take on Chile when you make the trip! It should be quite interesting and I might be able to find out some don't miss places of interest if you don't already have your trip planned out.

[rivardco]

There is only so much you can do PLANNING. But the more planning one does, the richer the experience. That is a for sure.

So, I am planning a 90 day trip deeper down South America. Buenos Aires is number 1 reason for personal experience. I am curious to see what Uruguay has to offer expats in the way of second home / life. I was surprised to see such variety and richness in Argentina. (the government seems to have its head up its ass). Then, I ran into some reports about Asuncion - I admit mostly about beautiful, European looking women. So, it might be worth a look see too?

I will continue searching, and write a good, long report in a couple months.

[Tinto]

My neck still hurts from gawking at all those pretty portenas!

Rivardco,

I think you will enjoy Buenos Aires. Like Bueller, I think it is a great city unlike any other SA city I've visited. If you haven't checked out the archives yet look for the trip reports that Bueller, Sedona and I wrote. El Captain (regrettably "missing in action") lived for a number of years in Chile and wrote a little about his experiences there.

When I was considering what other SA country to visit besides Colombia I spoke with my niece to get her advice as she spent a couple years in Chile. What she told me sealed the deal to visit Argentina; "I really like Chile but I LOVE Argentina!".

Generally speaking, BsAs is unlike other SA cities but so are the women with the large European influence. They smoke like chimneys in the capital city. Physically they are tall and there are many fair-haired and light skinned. Yankees, what they call us Gringos, don't get the regular attention that they do in Colombia. Most women would not consider a Yankee a great catch because they love their country and don't feel a need to leave. You'll also find that the age gap difference is much less in Argentina, similar to acceptable ranges in the States.

Remember to plan a trip accordingly as their seasons are opposite what they are in the States. The country is very diverse from Iguazu Falls in the north to Patagonia in the south my favorite area.

Bueller,

Have a great trip to Chile and do keep us posted.


Here is one good looking lady from Paraguay, the lovely Cindy Taylor.

[Ciza29]

I think you would find Uraguay more like Argentina. 88% of the population are descendants of Europeans. Sorry don't know much about Paraguay. The Argentine women thought they had more sophistication but I didn't really see it, they were just aloof. Eastern Europeans are more likely to have learned to play the piano and appreciate Monet in general.

[rivardco]

"Most women would not consider a Yankee a great catch because they love their country and don't feel a need to leave. You'll also find that the age gap difference is much less in Argentina, similar to acceptable ranges in the States." The same can be said to a lesser degree about the most eligible women in Colombia. (until I go and see for myself, I can not make a direct comparison.)

I agree that BA is not a great place to meet a special woman in 5 days. The women seem more difficult to meet than Colombianas - kiss agencies goodbye/ But I am able to stay for an extended period. PLUS, once I turn the corner and speak Spanish well ... good nite, Irene.

[Tinto]

Originally Posted by rivardco;

I agree that BA is not a great place to meet a special woman in 5 days. The women seem more difficult to meet than Colombianas - kiss agencies goodbye/ But I am able to stay for an extended period. PLUS, once I turn the corner and speak Spanish well ... good nite, Irene.

Both my visits to Argentina weren't 5 day wonder tours. I spent one month each time although I didn't stay my entire time in BsAs. I did meet a young Portena that shared a mutual interest that soon crashed and burned after my return to the States.

There are a couple agencies in Argentina but I would not recommend using them. I might suggest the Cupid route (http://www.latinamericancupid.com/da...word=Argentina) and contact a few ladies before you head out.

If you're a party animal and a late night owl you'll fit right in. Portenos don't get started until around midnight and make it an all nighter when they do. Most restaurants are busiest at 10:00 PM and clubs don't open until midnight. Smoking is a plus.

I might add that all the people I met in Argentina were every bit as warm, friendly and helpful as their Colombian counterparts. I did not sense or experience any of the snobbishness that Portenos(as) are reportedly well known for.