Following a 6hr overnighter, I arrived in Asuncion at 05:00hrs. Chatted to a dude from Belgium on the bus, so shared a cab with Johan into the city and to the Hotel. Straight onto that wafer mattress for an hour or so...ZZZZ

That`s better, posted some cards to a few of you lucky folks (send me your addresses). Had a leisurely stroll around the city. Its stiflingly hot here. Headed into hip side of town in the evening for snacks and a few cheeky beers.

Lonely Planet says backpackers are rarer than Jaguars here, I found that to be quite true. The nationals were politely curious, with prolonged stares and diffident smiles. But crack a smile and I was soon lost in translation....the joys of travelling. I was warned away from Paraguay, by Brazilians, however never felt uncomfortable once. You can see the danger areas and signs, as with most places. So far so good!

The following day I completed the walking tour around the cities limited Palace, Museums and various landmarks. These lazy locals siesta around noon, sometimes till dusk. This is the no-go time, when all the riff raff come out to do their unlawful trade.

3 days in this city is more than enough. The most eventful occurrence being yours truly walking straight into a lamp post whilst reading a map! Had to be on the busiest street...I looked around in pain to see if anyone had seen, and of course it felt as if everyone had...I smiled embarrassingly and shuffled off nursing a wee lump! ha ha...

Really wanted to head up the Rio Paraguay by boat, but this service only operates on a Wed (not geared up for tourists, its a boat that carries all sorts up to Concepcion and has a few beds for gringos) so not wanting to hang around I headed South to Encarnacion. Another 5hrs and I booked into the Itapua Hotel as recommended by a Paraguayan on the bus. Joel also told me off a fiesta on Sat!

Trinidad and Jesus today! Two UNESCO World Heritage sites preserving Jesuit Ruins. Easy to miss on a 1 1/2hr bus ride. A 15 min hike up a track up to a lush green hill, 50p entrance fee and...well gorge over the photos and video. Downtown and the riverfront is being drowned by the reservoir created by the Yacyreta Dam! The markets are packed with cheap electronics aimed at the visiting Argentines on this border.

The fiesta turns out to be some kind of rehearsals for the Feb carnival! Check the ladies out...Remember Miss Paraguay always fairs well in Miss World! Another late night.

Nearly lost my hand in the ceiling fan! F*%OUCH $&K!!!! Must have been built for hobbits...I was taking my T-shirt off.

Early doors and Adios Paraguay. A hop over to Posadas across the Rio Paraná into Argentina!