Getting through security in the tiny Asuncion airport took only a couple of minutes. They were interested in my pair of small facial hair removers that looks like scissors but in the end decided that I could take them on board. I only travel with cabin luggage and security rules on every airport are different. I am happy to oblige any way. During my small airside breakfast at the havanna cafe I saw these cute birds resting in some palms near my window to the runway.
Back in Asuncion I am trying to establish healthy habits for my travels. Looking through the map of city I saw the Parque de la Salud not far away from me. The Park is maintained by the institute of social security (IPS) and is free to enter. They only ask for documentation(passport or ID) when entering and exiting the park. It is a lovely ~1,5Km circuit designed for fitness, walking and running. It even includes some elevation changes. The park is very much designed to look like a forest. I loved the signs on the native trees giving you the common name as well as the scientific one.
I’d rather not try to pronounce that
Apart from the signs on the trees the institute also provides health education in form of small signs next to the path(“Don’t put too much salt on your food!”).
It wasn’t too crowded but also not empty. Mostly walkers. Lots of groups of middle-aged women walking fast and talking even faster. I wasn’t the only runner either. Everyone was very considerate and friendly.
I didn’t break any records today. I ran for one lap and walked for two. The humidity really got to me by the end of the third. I was happy that I managed to do some pull-ups in between laps. The crumbling metal bars were shaking and wouldn’t be too sure that they would hold anyone with more than my 77 Kilos. Apart from the rusty equipment I really enjoyed the park. I loved the serene early morning atmosphere with rays of light shining through the lush green canopy.
I traveled back to Asuncion. This time I was eager to take the bus from the temporary bus station in Villarrica.
After a stop in Oviedo the bus took the new ruta 2 to the capital of Paraguay only to stop in Caacupe. Coming closer to Asuncion at around midday traffic slowed us down considerably so that the whole drive took around 4,5h until I landed in the Terminal barrio of Asuncion.
It rained like no tomorrow, but the sun came out soon, and it got so sunny and hot that you’d forget that the rain ever existed. Thankfully the aire (aircondition) was working great in the bus. So great in fact, that I had to put on a sweater. Only to rip it off quickly as soon as I stepped out of the bus. Really no complaints here. I love the sun and the weather here.
Rainbow sending me off from Villarrica
top down view of a large pillar cactus amongst the native trees
not an unusual sight
I went to the Mercado part of Villarrica where you find fruit, vegetables, and cheap knock-off clothes from small vendors. I finally found some shoes for running. The people were all very friendly even if you did not buy something. It was a bit hard to find a 44 size (EU) shoe. Maybe it is not a common size here?
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the market-style barrio with all its colorful wares on shanty stalls and shops in aged houses. Mercado was originally centered around the bus station which is currently being rebuilt with a roof and bigger bus stands.
One of the many small shops in town.
A plaza in Villarrica
I went shopping in town for new running shoes today. Unsuccessful. I did find ice cream near one of the plazas.
Cordillera del Ybytyruzú
The view from the drone of the mountains nearby.
No more wasps here
It has been a little over a week now that I arrived in Paraguay. I have been staying with family on a rural farm near Villarrica for the last couple of days. It feels like eternal summer here. I enjoy running on the dirt roads in the morning, going for a swim and meditating after my morning workout. I feel deeply relaxed here. The local or home-grown food is a treat, and spending time with family makes me very happy.
The sunshine and mostly blue skies are awesome. In the night you can see countless stars. Light pollution is very low. We are quite a distance from the next city.
There were a couple of aquacero rainfalls that didn’t really bring enough water. It is bone dry here and the temperatures have been high. The workers on the farm still work. While cutting down grass on a part of a field, they found some wasp nests and decided to burn it down. Maybe not the best idea in this climate, but they took a lot of precautions so it wouldn’t spread. They have a lot of experience with the weather and vegetation.
I enjoy it here, and some family matters make it so that I will stay here for a while. I will stay in Villarrica part-time and hope to share some more details of city life (or small town life rather) as well.