small and large. The land of Paraguay and all of its eccentric children form a unique realm like no other, enticing sojourners to find peace within its ever-warm embrace.
Water lapped quietly against the side of the boat as the gentle current nudged it down the vast expanse of the great Paraguayan river banks, hardly visible from one end to the other. Silvery fish glided past with graceful flicks of their fins, miraculously not even causing the slightest of ripples. My hand glided through the silky, refreshing water, only occasionally being disturbed by a stray twig or plant. There was naught but the melodies of the river, contrasting the cacophony of the man-made noise in the overcrowded cities.
Flames crackled and murmured, conversing in a tongue only they could understand. Their laughter reflected in the spurt of embers drifting silently into the distant sea of shimmering stars. The scent of salty and melodic smoke found its way to my nostrils. It’ s from the still blazing asado in my hands. The meat was tender and carried a unique hint of charred wood only attained through the method of cooking. Bats could be seen dashing through the smoke from time to time, squeaking eagerly to find their next meal of insects, their ceaseless chatter occasionally being broken by the soft cooing of owls awakening for the night.
20 | Travesía • revista estudiantil