La Catedral Metropolitiana is noted for its very large gilded altar and religious art. It is one of the
 oldest and largest sacred buildings in the western hemisphere and dominates the square alongside the National Palace. Beneath the cathedral is part of a former Aztec temple with the Wall of the Skulls and the Temple of Xipe Tolec. The original cathedral was begun in 1525 but was partially demolished and partially reconstructed. The current cathedral dates back to 1563, it took 250 years to build. Its façade has a baroque feel with its massive covings and spiral columns, as well as its two neo-classical open work towers. The bell towers were added in 1793 and in 1813 the dome was completed and three statues were added to the clock tower representing faith, hope and compassion. The bells are uncommon in that they vary in size with the largest, named Guadalupe, is a massive 5,600kg. Inside there are three naves, a main one plus two side naves as well as fourteen side altars. Visitors can admire the architecture here.

Construction began in 1857 built for Francisco Solano Lopez, the son of the President of the Republic. The work began on it under the guidance of English architect Alonso Taylor, though planned by Hungarian Francisco Wisner. It was built in the neo-classical style, abandoned after the war of the Triple Alliance and not completed till the late 19th Century. The Palacio is one of the most beautiful buildings of Asuncion and overlooks the bay.

Paraguay and preparing one of its most traditional dishes, Bife Koygua, which is a steak dish topped with grilled onions and fried eggs. Here is my version of this dish.

• BIFE KOYGUA

Ingredients

4 New York steaks (any size you like)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 tablespoons butter

4 cups diced potatoes

1 cup fresh chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro and thyme)

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 large onions, sliced into rings

8 large eggs

Putting it together

Season the steaks with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and set aside.

In a large sauté pan over low heat, add the butter and the potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Add the fresh herbs, garlic and smoked paprika and cook for another five minutes.

Sprinkle the steaks and onions with the vegetable oil and grill them until they reach desired doneness. When the onions and the steaks are done, begin to fry the eggs, trying not to break the yolks, since the yolk will become the sauce for the dish.

Serve each steak topped with some grilled onions, two fried eggs and a side of the sautéed potatoes.

Crecer (Grow) is the latest government initiative which focuses on child malnutrition.

25 percent of children under five years have stunted growth in relation to their age and this rises to 66 percent in the seven poorest regions. The aim is to reduce the average to 20 percent by 2011.

Almost half the population is poor, significantly higher in the rural areas, and 20 percent are classed as extremely poor. In the urban areas poverty is the most unequal.

More than 39 percent of the total population and two thirds of the rural population in Peru live below the poverty line.

Inequalities in human development can be seen between urban and rural areas, Spanish and non-Spanish speakers and across the climate zones. Most of the extreme poor live in rural areas in the highlands and the rural jungles and have Quechua, Aymara and other languages as their native tongue rather than Spanish. They have fewer opportunities to progress through life due to the obvious discrimination caused by language barriers.

Despite National trends showing a reduction in child mortality and an increase in school enrolment since the mid 1990s chronic rates of under – nutrition prevail in rural areas. Children’s growth and development are affected by poor nutrition. Despite progress in access to services for the poor, disparities between urban and rural areas and across different regions mortality remains high. A quarter of the population has no access to health services despite free health care since 2002.

Children are the most vulnerable and unprotected. Of the 3.8 million people living in extreme poverty 2.1 million are children. Of the 10.2 million under 18 population 6.5 million live below the poverty line. Poverty remains high and the proportion of children who live in poverty is much higher than figures for the population as a whole often indicates.

Socio – economic disparities and exclusion continue to affect children and adolescents who are not benefitting from the economic growth. Enrolment for school declines with age due to the expense of keeping a child in school. Child labor is a factor here as nearly 90 percent of children help out at home or work on the family farm.

Levels of poverty, mortality rates and malnourishment among indigenous groups are twice as high as national averages. Peru has one of the highest levels of income inequality and the gap between the rich and poor is widening.

However after havening been to Paraguay and stayed for a bit, you might not ever see any type of local currency or bank notes. Why is it that these notes are so invisible? First, it’s a known fact that Guarani is a very unstable currency and its rates per banknote often drop. That is the main reason along with coins you will not see the inflation of the currency has no need to make coins any longer.

Secondly, There is one thing that brings very lucrative profits to Paraguay and that is the fact that it has long announced its territory a free trade zone. So being in the center of South America countries from all around it Brazil, Argentina Bolivia all come here to buy and sell goods. When these countries bring there good here they are bought and sold at a much lower price than in their home countries. They of course are aware of the local currency and try to trade with foreign currency. Some of the foreign currency used here is American dollars, Argentina pesos, and Brazilian real’s. All these currencies are in a much better position then the local currency. Then after the monetary reforms held by Paraguay’s neighbors the Brazilian real became the unstable currency then the dollar. So it fluctuates with what is better at the time and what currencies are more stable.
Paraguayan citizens prefer the use of foreign currencies to the local one thanks to the lack of monetary control over their own currency. So it leaves wide open the choices for them to pay in any currency that they feel comfortable using. In the eastern parts of the country Guarani have become so rare that only if you ask the local shop keepers or banks they may be able to find a couple in a drawer some where locked away. As for the country capitol the use of foreign currency is the same and widespread there as well. But there are parts of Paraguay that the visitors often do not visit so the currency is still more widely used in these locations instead.

But since there are so many different types of currency in use in this country the use of currency exchange is not often found. You will only need to use the exchange if you have something of exotic currency here like the pound or ruble which is not common at all. You will need to exchange the currency in the local backs of the capitol which are more in touch with the exchange rates then most shop keepers who will not exchange it for you.

Paraguay’s banks close in the early evening. The common schedule for most banks and shops is 10am – 4pm except for Saturdays and Sundays. If you find yourself in the second largest Paraguayan city, Ciudad del Este, Then just jump across the local bridge into the Brazilian territory where you can find the exchange a little easier to do. Their offices there usually work late to accommodate those coming over the border.

Just remember though that Paraguay is the cash country. Things like credit cards and checks are not accepted. Most of the major cities will accommodate credit cards but make sure you do carry some cash when going out of the way.

g4sb5i6pt3

1.) Iguassu Falls

Iguassu Falls lies in the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, churning some 553-m3 of water per second down its 269 feet. These Falls are centrally located in the ecological heart of the forest It is one of the most recommended places for nature lovers travelers and photographers who want to experience and capture one of the most magnificent falls in all of south America.

2.) Ciudad del Este

One of the most popular places to go shopping is in Cuidad Del Este and the bustling flea market that has hundreds of things to see and to do. People will scurry across the street like ants scurrying there supplies for their homes. You can get some really great bargains in this area so come early and shop walk and tastes a different side of the life of a Paraguayans life

3.) Museum of the Guarani Land

One of the most visited places for a historical perspective in Paraguay is in the Museum of Guarani. You can submerse yourself in the ancient history of occupation, culture and tradition that will go back over 10 thousand years. This is a great way to learn about many aspects of Paraguayan culture so go and check it out while you’re down there.

4.) Refugio Biológico Tatí Yupí

Paraguay is in the process of building and expanding a national refuge after the building of the Itaipu Dam. They are making a wonderful example of how modern and natural landscapes can function together to create something useful to man but not destroy nature in the process. The dams shadow protects a wide area of forested land and it is prohibited from disturbing the natural order of things in this area. It also is one of the sublime locations for some of the wonderful ecological tours that you can take on horseback, hiking or by helicopter. After your trip through the forest you can then come back and camp under the stars ad is a must for people who are staying nearby.

5.) Casa de la Independencia

There is a great pride in the country for building called Casa de la Independencia. For three hundred years the country of Paraguay was colonized, There was a unfairness felt in this tiny jurisdiction with the natives so in 1811 they all decided to stand up in one voice and declare no more. It is amazing to see and read about the history of the revolution in Paraguay remember to bring a dictionary or knowledge of the Spanish language because most of the texts and communication will be in full Spanish.

6.) The Chaco

The Chaco is national park is one of the largest parks in the southern hemisphere covering not only Paraguay but also Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. The Gran is a place to enjoy the best ecological and biodiversity that South America has to offer. In this protected range are extensive collections of natural animals, avian birds, and bugs. In Paraguay you can enjoy the varying topographical conditions in the country and see and hear the people who continue to this day to maintain there original cultural heritage.

7.) Asado

There is one food that if you go you will have to savor that is ASADO. Asado is a selection of grilled meats roasted in a open fire. This is one of the more poular dishes in Paraguay, thanks to a large butcher market and cattle hustlers in the area. Anywhere you go in the country you will never run out of this delicacy.

8.) Asuncion

This is another famous historical place in Paraguay. It is one of the few places that you will see some of the original architecture built by some of Paraguay’s founding fathers. You can enjoy a number of different events and colorful festivals throughout the year. You can dance your way into the crowd and lose control of your soul as you inhale the deep aroma of the Paraguay culture.

9.) Lago Ypacari

This is a very unique lake with a very interesting legend that surrounds it. It is one of the few lakes in the are regarded as scared by the locals. This lake is thought to have magical curing powers so when you take a dip make sure you enjoy the healing properties of the lake and come out completely refreshed. But, you can also enjoy a number of water sports and parasailing on here as well.

10.) Trinidad & Jesús

Trinidad & Jesús is a Jesuit settlement in Paraguay built for religious, educational and defensive measures. You can hire a local tour guide that speaks English German and Spanish so need to worry about language barriers. With this you can enjoy an extensive tour around the area and then camp out near the local ruins.