Public transportation. That is one of my favorite things about Paraguay, aside from the relationships that I made over the past year I spent there. After taking the public transportation system every day, I grew to appreciate it, even love it. So, if you're down in South America, taking public transportation is a must.
On your trip to Paraguay, as you step off the plane at the Pettrirossi Airport in Asunción, Paraguay, you can kiss goodbye to the smooth subway that may have taken you to your terminal in route to the plane bound for Paraguay. You can toss your North American bus pass, and tip your hat to the idea of a bus stop- you won't be needing to wait for any bus down south! Paraguay's buses, known as colectivos, offer the biggest bang for your buck, a grocery store on wheels, and most importantly, an eye opening view into the Paraguayan culture and hospitality.
So you know what you want to see? Don't waste your time looking for a map of Paraguayan bus lines, they don't exist! Don't get too confused by the different colors and numbers, and letters that don't seem to have many connections at all. It's best to ask a local friend; their good advice won't let you down. In hindsight, that would have been the smart thing for me to do. One hot, sweaty Saturday, priding myself of my independence, I took a bus labeled "San Lorenzo," where my sister lived, just an hour away.
Once you board, you pay the 2,100 Guaranis (about 42 cents) to the driver's assistant. I did just that on that hot summer day. Although it was labeled as a direct route to my destination, three hours later, I was able to boast that I took a tour of the entire downtown, for less than 50 cents! Where else can you get that good of a deal!?
While I was bouncing around in my bus seat, countless vendors came on selling fresh fruit, hair clips, even an infomercial for a super-special belt. Why go to the grocery story when you can just board a colectivo and get everything you need? I took advantage of the opportunity, that day, and caught the eye of a man on the street corner, crowing "chipa," the name for the warm, cheesy bread he was selling. He came on board, and we exchanged the dough.
A good Paraguayan doesn't leave home without their tea, called tereré. So while the colectivo assistant is taking coins, they also serve the driver tereré. At this time of day, there weren't many people on the bus. After the last person had gotten off, the driver and his assistant offered me tereré. It was obvious to them that I was some lost gringo. So with this simple gesture of passing me the guampa, which held the tea, they offered not only to quench my thirst and give me directions, but also extended their hospitality.
In the end, I found my way to my sister's house. I could have easily gotten off that bus, and taken a shorter route. But I'm glad I didn't. The public transportation system in Paraguay opens a window of opportunity, and the possibility to see a whole new view.
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