Flying visit to Paraguay

Market place in Paraguay
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One of the optional extras was a flying visit to Paraguay. Hmm, where in the 'ell is that you ask. Yeah to be honest I didn't know either. Best I can do to describe it is as little "province" of Argentina, tho I'm not sure the Paraguayians (if that's what they call themselves) would see it that way. However independent the country is, I'm pretty sure it is reliant upon both Brazil and Argentina for its existence. Anyway it lies on both banks of the Paraguay River between Argentina and Brazil, and I think it also borders Bolivia to the northwest. Its famous for a couple of things... a low tax (or no tax)country and (at this time until China finishes its own) produces the greatest amount of hydroelectric power in the world from a station on the Paranah River. I think there are about 6 million in the entire country, so its not that big by South American standards. Beyond the city we visited, Salto del Guaira, Paraguay's economic activity is based on agriculture, agribusiness and cattle. Although a large percentage of the population derive their living from agricultural means, from what I´ve seen it looks to be on a subsistence basis.

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The bus trip took about 40 minutes or so from Iguassu Falls, and we only had two hours there (three if you count the border crossings). There are no stamps in my passport to show for it (not that this bothers me). But for all its low tax strategies (presumably to bring in the tourists, and make big bucks for the major players), the main part of town was awash with poverty, husslers and beggars. I'm sure I've mentioned this is a feature of most South American cities, but here it seemed to be quite pronounced.

Flying Visit to Paraguay

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Anyway we were herded into this 3 or 4 storey mall place (rushing past all the beggars and husslers), which was pretty "down market" I guess you could say. Inside there were dozens of stores selling very cheap electronic goods according to the boffins in the group. Computers, TVs, mobile phones, cameras, watches, DVD players, card readers - those kinds of things. A few clothing and travel goods stores, a couple of jewelry places, and that's pretty much it. I managed to pick up a very cheap mobile phone (to replace the one that didn't work), and also a Baby G watch (of course a necessary accessory in these parts... haha). It was only USD$35 so not too bad I thought!  A few people from the group picked up memory cards, card readers and cameras.

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So that's pretty much all I have to say about Paraguay. Been there, done that. Unfortunately I never got to see or experience the "real" Paraguay I imagine exists out there somewhere. Salto del Guaira seemed to typify what I have seen in other cities in South America - they appear to be a hotbed for corruption (more on this later), possess a seedy underbelly, abject poverty and astounding contrasts between rich and poor. One thing is certain however, because of this mix they are extraordinarily interesting and vibrant!

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(PS .. internet here is slow, when time permits will upload photos further up the track ... watch this space!)