From Santa Maria to Asuncion Paraguay

We are up very early on this day. First thing on our list is to make breakfast, feed some more monkeys and then get the local bus in Santa Maria.  We are told it leaves at 10 a.m. This time changes to 10.30 a.m, and then to 11:00 a.m. By 1 p.m. we are still standing on the side of the road waiting. Oh no! Another headache on this single parent. Where are my luxury travel experts? This family travel will really need your help. I think to my self amidst the lies and confusion by the transport company. 

The store has closed for lunch.  So I send my son up the side street to the hotel.  I can see him run up the block, so he is safe.  He comes back and tells me he has asked the caretaker to call us a taxi.  Great job for an 8-year-old!

We get back to Asuncion just before dark.  We go to buy our next destinations ticket and are told the bus leaves in about 24 hours.  I also get overcharged as I later find out.  I stand out so badly as a Gringo! We then head over to a budget hotel opposite the bus terminal.

We then head over to a budget hotel opposite the bus terminal. Crossing the road with our bags at peak hours is no mean feat.

It is a small blue hotel and I can’t remember the name, but it is okay. We opt for a less expensive room and that too is okay.

Something classic about this room is that the shower was exactly over the toilet. If this isn’t that crazy, then the fact that the toilet paper was hanging too high on the wall will make you laugh. My son actually had no hope of getting to it.

Though the room was too small, I was impressed that it had wifi and clean linen. So after checking in, we decided to go get some food at the terminal.

Anyway, next day we take the local bus into Asuncion Central. First, we just wander around. Things are so cheap. This guy makes you a genuine silver cup – hand stamped for $5.

One of the places we visit is the museum. There is so much that pleases the eye over here. It is located just opposite the palace. We get here after unsuccessfully being unable to exchange currencies for our next destination.

At the Centro Cultural de la Ciudad Manzana de la Rivera display, a lovely lady approaches us and gifts us a CD that has Paraguayan music. It is an amazing place to visit.

My son loves art. He is above average in his drawing skills. So when we get to the art area, he just doesn’t want to leave.

We finally head back on the local bus and manage to exchange currencies at the bus terminal.   I am wise enough to shop for good rates this time around.

Over to the bus terminal – after God answers our prayer and literally parts the traffic like the Red Sea!

Seriously – this road takes 20 – 30 minutes to cross with no bags.  For me -with bags and a child- this is a miracle!