Have you ever heard about Paraguay?

Even without knowing you, I can guess your answer. It will probably be NO and if you know something maybe you think that there “is nothing to see”. Every week after break when I was meeting new classmates I had to try to explain that it is really a country, where it is, what’s there, what is the typical food, etc.  So let me to talk you about some curiosities of my Paraguay.

In America, Paraguay is recognized as the “Heart of South America”, because it is a landlocked country bordering Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. Although we don’t have beaches, our creeks and rivers replace this lack very well.

More than 90% of Paraguayans are mestizos, which is a term traditionally used to describe people who are a mix of European and Amerindian descent. Due to this fact Paraguay seems to be one of the most homogeneous countries in Latin America.

We have two official languages, Spanish and Guaraní (which is an old indigenous language) and over 90% of the population speaks both. In fact we don’ t speak Spanish (Español) we speak Guarañol, and it has become a difference between us and the other people who speak Spanish.

The Paraguayan flag is a unique flag in the world because it has one emblem on each side. Our currency, the Guaraní, is the most antique currency in Latin America and one of few that hasn’t suffered modifications nor eliminated the zeros.

The basis of our diet is corn and cassava root (mandioca) and we use these to make almost every typical food. Some examples are the “Chipa”, which is a kind of  biscuit, the “sopa paraguaya” (Paraguayan soup),which is a unique solid soup of the world and is always present at our barbecues and family celebrations; the “pajagua mascada”, which is made from beef and cassava, and many other like “mbeju”, “kavure”, “vori vori”, etc. Almost all meals have a name in Guaraní, because they were created before the Spanish colonies discovered the country, more than 500 years ago.

We also have a special drink, the “Tereré”, which is an infusion of “yerba mate”, prepared with cold water and ice. However some people add herbs, which can be medicinal or refreshing. Every day, we Paraguayans drink it, at home, at work, while driving the car, when we visit some friends, any time. You can imagine after a great night drinking so much, waking up with a strong headache, the tereré is your solution. It’s great for hangovers. But principally it’s special because it helps you to make new friends, because the first phrase which a Paraguayans say when you meet them, is “would you like to drink tereré with me?” And from here will start a long conversation and you will probably become friends.

Our music consists of lilting polkas, bouncy galopas, and sweet guaranias which are played on the native harp and with guitar. Our typical dance is the Paraguayan dance, and to dance we have to use a traditional vestment, which reminds us of the old years. One interesting thing about the dance is the women can dance with bottles on their heads, sometimes as many as 12 bottles and it is beautiful to watch them dancing. Fortunately this type of dance is usually present at all traditional festivals.

Now maybe you are waiting for the moment that I will start to talk about the natural wonders and monuments, or rare and unique places. So I’m sorry to disappoint you:  we don’t have anything very special like other countries, but Paraguay is nevertheless the country of extreme hospitality and our greatest charm and tourist attraction is our people. Even if you are a stranger we will take you, house you and introduce you to our family and we will do it just to indulge you and make you feel at home.

Definitely in Paraguay there is nothing to see, but a lot to feel!

I could continue to talk about other things in my country, although it would be better if we talked while drinking tereré together. So, would you like to drink tereré with me?

Maria Noguera, Upper-Intermediate B

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We are teachers and students at the Cairns College of English and Business (CCEB). How lucky are we to work and study in the Australian Wet Tropics with the world's oldest rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef at our doorstep! We would like to share our happy posts with the world! Welcome to the CCEB space eveyone.

6 thoughts on “Have you ever heard about Paraguay?

  1. Wow, it sounds like a great culture Maria. That vori vori picture and the mixed plate of food below it look particularly delicious. And I wouldn’t say there is nothing to see, your collage has some beautiful nature shots in it. It looks like a great destination that’s a bit off the beaten track. Thanks for sharing all this information about your home!

    1. Thank you for reading my post!
      Unfortunately here it is impossible to find the ingredients to make some typical food. But if you go to Paraguay, I’ll make some food for you.

    1. Hi Maria
      What a great post about your country! You have put in so much detail and information. I really enjoyed learning a little about Paraguay and looking at the pictures. I certainly didn’t know much before I read your post. Very interesting!
      Thank you and well done. 🙂

      1. Hello Krystyna
        I’m happy because you liked reading about my country. Definitely I have more things to talk about it, although because most of the things come from the Guarani is hard to explain better. Thank you!!

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