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 #28, Nicholas Ravazzani from the United States.
Meet Nicholas Ravazzani
Nicholas describes his background as difficult to place on a map. He has lived in nine countries, spending roughly one-third of his life in South America, another third in the United States and the final third in Europe. Although he was born in the US, Paraguay remains an important part of his family history. His father grew up in Paraguay after moving from Uruguay as a young child, while Nicholas also has aunts and cousins living in the country.
Before returning to Paraguay, Nicholas spent six years in London. He now divides his time between international work and Paraguay, where he has lived on and off for three years.
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“I am structuring and financing infrastructure projects. Infrastructure means transportation, energy and social infrastructure. I also look at industrial projects. My job essentially is helping someone turn an idea into a reality. Say someone wants to build a car manufacturing plant. They have this great idea, but they have nothing. What I will do with them is work with them from the beginning and show them how they can turn that idea into reality.”
His work involves everything from engineering studies and financial models to finding financing for projects. “The idea is that at the end of this process, my clients would have the studies and business built. Then I would bring them the cheap money for the loan to make that project happen.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción?
“I enjoy the rooftops around Shopping del Sol, particularly because they remind me of how quickly Asunción is changing. I remember the first time I went to Asunción for work, in August 2023. I sat on the terrace there and looked over that area, and there were no high-rises. The actual transformation here is insane. The amount of development here is unfathomably quick, how quickly everything is growing.”
“I also enjoy the terrace at Distrito Perseverancia and walking along La Costanera.”
What is your favourite place outside Asunción?
For Nicholas, his favourite destination outside the capital connects directly to his family history. “For my favourite place outside Asunción, I would have to say Pilar. My great-grandfather moved to Pilar from Italy more than a century ago and became involved in industry, agriculture, livestock and energy generation. I have visited the factory, schools and Basilica connected to my family, as well as speaking with people who remembered my great-grandfather.”
“I saw the Pilar Manufacturing Factory. I crossed a street named after him, I went to a lot of schools in Pilar that he founded, and I went to the Pilar Basilica that he also founded.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The people. There is nowhere that I have been to where family values and friendships are valued as much as they are in Paraguay. It is almost impossible to be alone in here.”
What do you miss from home?
“I miss the urbanism of London. I miss the fact that I could walk everywhere and that there was really good public transport. I am very active. However, Paraguay has one advantage that makes the transition worthwhile. I feel like every time I come to Paraguay, I gain weight because the food is delicious.”
What would you take with you?
“Probably a bunch of steak and dulce de leche.”
After living in nine countries, Nicholas Ravazzani continues to find reasons to return to Paraguay. His work connects him with the country’s future, while his family history connects him with its past. Above all, however, it is Paraguay’s people and close relationships that keep drawing him back.
Meet Nicholas
You can find Nicholas Ravazzani in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00. 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 find out exactly where the next one will take place.
Read previous episodes of People of Asunción:
People Of Asunción #27, Mariana Martínez From Paraguay: “One Of The Best Cuisines Here”
People Of Asunción #26, Marcelino Hudalla From Germany: “I Could Be An Ambassador For Paraguay”
People Of Asunción #25, Micah Koppang From The U.S: “People Are Amazing Here”
