If you end up in Asuncion, Paraguay here is what you can do there.
I LOVE it when people ask me about South America and they say "did you go to Rio or El Calafate?" Because the answer is "no" and quite frankly, I still don't really care that much about "on the beaten track cities", which might explain how I got sentimental, inspired and perky on my visit to the Paraguayan capital city of Asuncion. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to understand why the hell I went there. A love of football, and Jose Luis Chilavert might help explain it.
1. Visit South America's First Ever Train Station
Amazingly Asuncion is where South America's first train station was. Over time, it was not needed and is now only used as a museum. There are no trains departing anymore but you can climb inside one and reminisce. It's worth visiting this museum!
2. Slums and Argentina
Asuncion has some very run down areas, and these slums are down by the riverside. The slums are cool to look at in the day time but at night it's not really recommended. You can stare across at Argentina as Paraguay borders it. A river separates Asuncion from Argentina. You can boat or bus it across to another country if you like.
3. Reminisce about Jose Luis Chilavert
Personally my Panini Sticker albums as a child influenced and inspired my football dreams. I remember seeing Paraguay in the 1986 World Cup and wondering "who the fuck they were". Just over a decade later and their goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert had become one of the world's best keepers and a final point in their international team which qualified for 4 consecutive World Cup Finals. I visited the national stadium, sneaked through the gates to stand on the pitch and "do a Chilavert". A local mused "this boys a nutcase" as I flew my well travelled Northern Ireland flag at the centre circle. "I am mate, but not as nuts as Jose" I replied, while reminiscing the time the Paraguayan struck the crossbar with a free kick in the World Cup. Not bad for a charismatic goalkeeper.
4. Plaza de Los Heroes and Buildings
Paraguay has a lot of soldiers and army and also some political history. Heroes Square is worth a visit to get your fill of this. It's a massive monument to remember those who died in the war.
Then have a walk round and admire the other buildings in Asuncion such as the Palace, the Cathedral, the Army building and the old style skyscrapers.
5. Go for a night out!
If you're in Asuncion it would seem ridiculous not to visit some bars and you'll be pleased to know it has some great pubs, a relaxed attitude and a good nightlife. Some bars serve good food, have special shots, their own beer and even live music. This is an unusual capital city to party in.
I LOVE it when people ask me about South America and they say "did you go to Rio or El Calafate?" Because the answer is "no" and quite frankly, I still don't really care that much about "on the beaten track cities", which might explain how I got sentimental, inspired and perky on my visit to the Paraguayan capital city of Asuncion. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to understand why the hell I went there. A love of football, and Jose Luis Chilavert might help explain it.
1. Visit South America's First Ever Train Station
Amazingly Asuncion is where South America's first train station was. Over time, it was not needed and is now only used as a museum. There are no trains departing anymore but you can climb inside one and reminisce. It's worth visiting this museum!
2. Slums and Argentina
Asuncion has some very run down areas, and these slums are down by the riverside. The slums are cool to look at in the day time but at night it's not really recommended. You can stare across at Argentina as Paraguay borders it. A river separates Asuncion from Argentina. You can boat or bus it across to another country if you like.
3. Reminisce about Jose Luis Chilavert
Personally my Panini Sticker albums as a child influenced and inspired my football dreams. I remember seeing Paraguay in the 1986 World Cup and wondering "who the fuck they were". Just over a decade later and their goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert had become one of the world's best keepers and a final point in their international team which qualified for 4 consecutive World Cup Finals. I visited the national stadium, sneaked through the gates to stand on the pitch and "do a Chilavert". A local mused "this boys a nutcase" as I flew my well travelled Northern Ireland flag at the centre circle. "I am mate, but not as nuts as Jose" I replied, while reminiscing the time the Paraguayan struck the crossbar with a free kick in the World Cup. Not bad for a charismatic goalkeeper.
4. Plaza de Los Heroes and Buildings
Paraguay has a lot of soldiers and army and also some political history. Heroes Square is worth a visit to get your fill of this. It's a massive monument to remember those who died in the war.
Then have a walk round and admire the other buildings in Asuncion such as the Palace, the Cathedral, the Army building and the old style skyscrapers.
5. Go for a night out!
If you're in Asuncion it would seem ridiculous not to visit some bars and you'll be pleased to know it has some great pubs, a relaxed attitude and a good nightlife. Some bars serve good food, have special shots, their own beer and even live music. This is an unusual capital city to party in.
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