Asunción
Overview
Asuncion is a large city situated at the confluence of the Parana and Paraguay rivers, however the rivers play a very small part in daily activity. The main streets are paved but only one or two blocks off the main arteries the streets are dirt or "cobble stones." Downtown has many tall and modern buildings, but some date to the 1800s.
[Edit]History
Paraguay has long been plagued by dicatatorships, the last one was Stroessner who was overthrown in 1989. Since then a succession of presidents and a semblence of democracy have prevailed so that the government is fairly stable even though shockingly corrupt. Stroessner was proud that smuggling was Paraguay's main industry and encouraged it by declaring "smuggling brought peace." Because of this form of government Paraguay has remained isolated and insular. There was a war with Boliva in 1930-32 in an area called the "Chaco,". So many of Paraguay's male population were killed that there are hardly any elderly residents over the age of 50. It took the decades of the 30s, 40s and 50s before the male population reached 50-50 with the female population, so not many children were born then.
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[Edit]General Sights
Asuncion may not have much to see, but if you are willing to be your own tour guide, Asuncion can be a good time. Every July there is a trade fair with exhibition booths, food, music and liquor. This is a good way to learn about what goes on in the country, the exhibitors range from agricultural suppliers to liquor manufacturers. Keep an eye out for the many free samples of food, soap, drinks, etc. One of the more impressive new buildings in the city is the National Congress. It was built in 2002 with $20 million from the Taiwanese government. Paraguay is one of the few countries that recognizes Taiwan as opposed to mainland China. Most striking is its mirrored facade, which reflects the nearby slums along the bank of the river. Across the broad and picturesque plaza with fountains is the National Cathedral, but it is frequently closed, especially at midday siesta. The municipal museum is modest, but has some tidbits about the old tram line from the 1880s and other civic history. Nearby is the visual arts museum with temporary exhibits...more
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