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 every week, these gatherings offer the perfect blend of Paraguayan warmth and international energy. In this People of Asunción series, we introduce the inspiring individuals who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #11, Manelle Mairif from France.
Meet Manelle Mairif
Manelle Mairif (39) was born in France but grew up in Ecuador. She has been living in Paraguay for more than a year. Manelle has a recruiting business and helps Paraguayan workers find jobs with both foreign and local companies.
Why Paraguay?
“I was looking for a very stable and calm country. Then I visited Paraguay and Asunción and I just fell in love with everything. So I decided I wanted to stay here and that was pretty much it.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción?
“I have so many. I really do not know. It is so hard to choose because there are many wonderful places in Asunción. I am a very big fan of beef shawarma-style sandwiches, but actually everywhere is good. It is hard to choose. I love walking at Parque de la Salud. I also love going to any café and working there. Coffee is really good everywhere.”
What is your favourite place outside of Asunción?
“I really, really like Altos in the Cordillera Department. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There is so much nature and I just really like it.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The people. One hundred per cent the people. I love Paraguayans. They are so kind, nice, helpful and friendly.”
What do you miss from home?
“I miss the mountains. Paraguay does not have any. I think one of the reasons I also like Altos and Paraguarí as well are the hills from there.”
What would you absolutely take with you if you moved away tomorrow?
“Tereré. Actually, when I travelled here for the first time, I discovered tereré and brought it back home. So, while I was waiting to move here, I was drinking tereré just to hold on until I moved here permanently. I brought about five kilos of yerba mate for tereré to Ecuador just to wait.”
You can find Manelle Mairif on Instagram or, better yet, bump into her in person 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.
