Originally from France, Tiphaine Poulon finds a home in the heart of South America, deeply connecting with the land, culture, and flavours that characterise Paraguay. After marrying Adilson Aguero Maringá, a professional Brazilian footballer with roots in Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay, Tiphaine embarks on a journey of cultural immersion that shapes her in profound and joyful ways.
First impressions
In 2022, Tiphaine travels to Paraguay for the first time with the intention of meeting her husband’s family. In Pedro Juan Caballero, a Paraguayan city on the border with Brazil out in the peaceful countryside, she discovers the cowboy life she has always dreamed of. Surrounded by welcoming people, incredible food, and traditions that contrast with her French origins.
“It was all new and crazy for me, but in a good way. I would take pictures and videos of literally everything!” she shares.
One of the first things that surprises her, is how much Paraguayans enjoy and celebrate food, especially meat. Compared to her French customs, the cultural contrast is immediate.
“French people will grab a coffee, and eventually a croissant at the weekend, but in Paraguay you can have meat for breakfast – and the good one! I gained three kilograms in my first week,” she laughs.
Beyond the richness of the food, Tiphaine becomes fascinated with the asado tradition and the use of quinchos: outdoor barbecue areas commonly found in Paraguayan homes for social gatherings. “Even the houses are different. They have a kitchen inside and outside of the house. How amazing is that!” she expresses.
Embracing a new culture
For Tiphaine, marrying Maringá, who played as a goalkeeper for Indonesian football club Bali United for the past two seasons, signifies more than starting a new chapter in life. It introduces her to a new culture and a unique way of living. “It takes me a while to adapt because I am still surprised by everything,” she reflects. “Even now, I am still discovering new things every day.”
Despite the initial challenges, she embraces Paraguayan life with affection and gratitude. “It is amazing, and I am loving it. I am very happy that my husband has a different culture from mine,” she says.
From the food to the traditions, lifestyle, and people, everything finds a special place in Tiphaine’s heart. In particular, the warmth and openness of Paraguayans leave a lasting impression.
“I love that the day starts so early here. At 5 or 6 AM, people are already awake and starting their day. You can stop by someone’s house early in the morning without calling first, and no one will be disturbed,” she notices. “For a French person, it is totally surprising, because you could never visit that early, drink their coffee, and not have called them first. So, I love how friendly Paraguayan people are.”
Tiphaine Poulon & chipa: A love story
When it comes to Paraguayan food, chipa immediately captures Tiphaine’s heart. “I love chipa so much. That was love at first sight.”
On her first visit, it is Maringá’s mother who introduces Tiphaine to this beloved staple, welcoming here into Paraguay’s culinary traditions. “She picked us up in the city and bought chipa, fresh from the morning, and it was so delicious. I ate five!” she fondly recalls.
A home in the countryside
Although the food is the first element that captivatedTiphaine, it is the countryside lifestyle in Pedro Juan Caballero that truly enchants her and helps her discover a new place to call home. “It is amazing. I love it… I feel like I am in a cowboy movie with the cows, the horses, and the hats!” she says excitedly. “It is like a dream for me because I am kind of fascinated by the cowboy lifestyle.”
Far from the fast-paced rhythm of urban life, rural Paraguay offers a peaceful environment filled with nature, animals, and vibrant culture. “We take care of the animals, eat a lot of barbecue, drink a lot of tereré, and it is so funny for me because it is so different from France,” she says.
Deeply connected to Paraguay
After three years of visiting Paraguay, Tiphaine now feels deeply connected to the country. “Now I feel at home here. I am still learning the language, but coming every holiday here feels like coming home.”
Learning from the people and embracing their customs proves especially meaningful. “I learn a lot from them, especially how to take it easy when it comes to life’s issues. They are always so relaxed and believe in God, which makes me feel safe.”
With a broad international perspective and experiences in various countries, Tiphaine’s bond with her husband’s Paraguayan roots continues to strengthen with each visit.
“Paraguay is safe, the people are lovely, and the food is amazing.”
For more about her Paraguayan adventures, follow Tiphaine on Instagram.
