It was overcast, when pulling the curtains back, this morning. It turned into heavy rain by lunchtime.
We have been trying to get a handle on Paraguyan life and structure. There is clearly something here that is attractive to dissidents, or those wanting to escape rigid political structures. You would not call Asuncion an attractive or inviting city. With a relatively small and marginally declining population, it appears to lack a cohesive identity. Population 400,000 +.
From the old legislative building we visited yesterday, and it’s list of earlier migrants, pictured in our last blog, Europeans mainly, though not exclusively, have sought it’s refuge, or opportunities.
There appears to be a large indigenous population. Google tells me that up to 95% are of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent. As at breakfast this morning, the locals were not speaking Spanish, though of course, Spanish and Guarani, are jointly the national languages. There are many dialects of the latter.
Leaving Paraguari
Traffic is light on a Sunday morning, which is a stark contrast from leaving Asuncion yesterday, and we make good time, heading south east. Our destination is Pilar, below and to the west of Asuncion. The wide sandy beaches on the Paraguay river and extensive variety of bird life sounded like a place where we could enjoy some quiet relaxation for a few days. It’s right on the Argentine border, though we will not be crossing, at this point.
Similar?
Stopping for lunch at 1pm at an abandoned petrol station, with a complete awning offering a perfect place to shelter, as it was starting to drizzle. And so it proved, as no sooner had we turned the motor off when the rain came down in earnest.
Along the way we find a petrol station with much cheaper diesel. Deciding to fill the two empty jerry cans and main tank, before we cross into Argentina later in the week.
Once turning due west, the traffic volume almost completely ceased. The road along the approximate one hundred k’s to our destination, was lined with scrubby vegetation and many large cattle stations. There are signs of scrub burn offs, but I doubt with intention of sewing grass. Later, wetlands abound. Bird life flourishing with mainly flocks of small green parakeets that find something attractive on the tar seal, as when we get close enough they take off in a cloud.
By 3.30pm I’m struggling to stay focused behind the wheel, so when a situation presents itself, pull off the road, and am asleep in seconds. Though not for long, about 10 minutes, before a message from friend Noel, came in on the phone. Thank’s Noel..:) Still, it’s enough to resume the journey., refreshed
Pilar.
It was quite a surprise to see such largish town after over a hundred k’s of no habitation, near the road, anyway. It’s surrounded by wetlands and has a population 24,000. Paraguay’s population 6.8million.
By 4.30pm the second hotel we came too looked smart enough to investigate. The first was not so. The same price as the previous night, and superior. There are many hotels here and according to booking.com, expensive. We’ll stay here two nights giving us the opportunity to investigate the attractions. There has been rain all afternoon and the temperature, wonderful at around 24deg. Tomorrow is forecast to return to the low 30’s and sunshine.
Cricket.
We came in a creditable 2nd in the ICC 50 over competition. Not good enough to tame the wily Indian bowlers, posting only a modest total.
Rugby.
England will be celebrating following a surprising one point win over France. The highlights were riveting.
Soccer.
One time champions Man U, now struggling in 14th place in the Premier League, held 2nd place Arsenal to a 1 – 1 draw. Sorry Alex.. Not really..:)
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