People from every corner of the globe are drawn to Asunción, where Paraguay’s laid-back capital has quietly become a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambition. Each Tuesday evening from 18:00 to 21:00, digital nomads, expats, and friendly locals come together at the ever-popular English Networking event organised by The Asunción Times. Held in a different charming bar or restaurant across the city each week, these gatherings offer the perfect blend of Paraguayan warmth and international energy. In this “People of Asunción” series, we introduce you to the inspiring people who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #2: Patricia Fretes from the United States.
Meet Patricia Fretes
Patricia Fretes, born in the US from Paraguayan parents, is born and raised in New York. Since she was a little girl, Patricia frequently has come to Paraguay. She shares her thoughts about living in both countries, how different it is, and how she has seen Paraguay’s capital change.
Where are you from, and how long have you been in Paraguay?
“This time, I have been here two months straight. The longest I have so far. I am planning on moving here permanently. Life in New York is very hard. It is very expensive, and very fast. You do not have time for your family, not for your friends, and you do not have time for yourself.”
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“I am a real estate investor. I build homes and then I sell them. Aside from that, I take my career to be a language teacher. I give private lessons in English and Spanish to expats that just arrived in Paraguay.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción, and why?
“My favourite place in Asunción is Parque de la Salud (Health Park), a very exotic park to me. I love the trees, the plants, and the flowers. It is different because I am not used to seeing that kind of nature in the city. New York is not tropical, and I love tropical. It is not crowded, but very relaxing.”
What is your favourite place outside of Asunción, and why?
“One of my favourite places outside of Asunción is Paraguari. Not a lot of people know about it, and it has beautiful views from above. You can see the beautiful landscape, and it is very relaxing. There is a lot of nature.”
Do you see any differences in Asunción as the city from your childhood?
“Absolutely. There is a lot more built now, compared to back then. I see a lot of improvements within Paraguay; a lot of infrastructure that have been built since. A lot of business that did not exist, a lot of streets that have been improved, although we still have a lot of work to do here in Paraguay. Another difference is that when I was little, centro (downtown) was way more popular than it is now.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“It is a different type of life here. I get to see my family more, and I have more time for myself and more time to make friends. Sundays in Paraguay to me feel like a mini pandemic. In New York nothing really closes, there are always people around. It is always busy. In here, some places are closed, and there are less cars in the streets.”
“On Sundays it is kind of a ghost town. So when I first came here, and experienced a Sunday as an adult, it was a big cultural shock because I am not used to pausing and relaxing. It took me some time to get used to, but now I am actually enjoying it.”
What do you miss from home?
“I have to say I miss the food. I miss having so many options. That is the only thing I miss, alongside my family.”
If you would move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“I do not know if I would take something with me, but I would definitely miss the calmness that Paraguay brings. I love the experience of unity within people, whether be friends or family. In New York no one is willing to help you. In Paraguay it is the complete opposite; people treat you very kind. Very genuine people.”
Meet Patricia
You can bump into Patricia at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events – every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00, popping up in a different lively bar or restaurant across Asunción! Check our What’s On Guide to discover exactly where the next one is taking place.
Also read: People of Asunción #1, Simon Kerzel From Germany: ‘Paraguay Feels Like Genuine Freedom’.
