Romy Natalia Goldberg

Note: The 2nd edition of the Other Places Guide to Paraguay is available as of August 2017! I am the daughter of a Paraguayan mother from Piribebuy (in the Department of Cordillera) and an American father (a Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Paraguay). I first visited Paraguay at three months of age and have been returning frequently ever since. I remember running away from cows (I´m still wary of them) and playing with merchandise in my aunt´s “almacén” (general store) as a child. The stories and memories from my childhood visits to Paraguay greatly influenced my desire to write a guidebook for Paraguay. Over the course of four years I cris-crossed the country on buses, motorcycles, boats, ox-carts, and the occasional blissfully air-conditioned car. I tried my hand at spinning cotton with artesanas, slept suspended in a hammock on a cargo ship, and clapped in front of countless offices, museums and stores. I ate more than my fair share of "chipa" and "sopa" and drank thermos upon thermos-full of "tereré." Along the way I met many hard working and welcoming people who taught me about Paraguay’s unique culture and confirmed what I already knew – Paraguayans are incredibly friendly and their country is a unique place. I sincerely hope that, through my guidebook and website, you enjoy discovering everything Paraguay has to offer!