4/27/03
We've been asked a time or two about Dwayne's new wife, Raquel.
The most asked question is whether or not Raquel is in the country yet.
The answer is Dwayne is in Paraguay right this very moment escorting her home.
Dwayne and Raquel have run through a gauntlet of bureaucrats and climbed a mountain of paperwork for several months to get to where they are right now. I spoke with Dwayne before he left for South America and he was very happy. Some time ago Deb and I did some reading after Dwayne told us he was in love with a woman from Paraguay. Prior to this, we thought Paraguay was someone with a speech impediment talking about the color of his/her socks. So here's a quick primer I pulled off the internet if you're curious:
Paraguay was once so isolated it was called an island surrounded by land. But in recent years, this small, landlocked country has opened up to the outside world. It has adopted democracy and free trade. It's friendly and relatively safe. Still, it's not often given serious consideration by travelers planning South American itineraries. Perhaps that's because its attractions aren't as dramatic as those of its neighbors. Riverboat rides, waterfalls, trekking, ruins, fishing, train excursions, animal watching and indigenous culture are Paraguay's main attractions.
The country will appeal to travelers who have already been to larger, more varied South American countries, but who are now ready to experience the more subtle attractions of the continent. It will appeal to those excited by the idea of hearing Guarani Indians sing, watching Nanduti lace being made or taking a riverboat cruise on the off-chance of seeing a jaguar or alligator. Paraguay is not a good destination for travelers who cannot tolerate some inconvenience and discomfort or who are unaccustomed to traveling in developing countries.
Economy: Agriculture, industry.
Language Description: Spanish, Guarani.
Dwayne and Raquel will be home this weekend. We're looking forward to meeting Raquel soon. Although we are a little nervous. Deb admits her Spanish isn't very good and mine consists mainly of snippets I recall from the menu at our local Mexican restaurant.
I'm sure this first meeting will be awkward. Once we get past the awkwardness, things will become frustrating. Frustration always leads to anger and eventually we'll all wind up screaming and swearing at one another in whatever language we find handy. I can see it now:
"Either you tell me what estupido hijo de puta means or you're wearing this onion dip home."