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. Every other Tuesday evening from 18:00 to 21:00, digital nomads, expats, and friendly locals come together at the ever-popular Afterwork English Networking event organised by The Asunción Times. In this People of Asunción series, we introduce the inspiring individuals who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #33, Michelle Yeh from Taiwan.
Meet Michelle Yeh
Michelle Yeh is originally from Tainan, a city in southern Taiwan. The 30-year-old describes her hometown as “full of architecture and culinary heights.” She arrived in Paraguay to take part in an internship programme at a non-profit organisation. In the following interview, she shares her experiences of travelling, working and living in the South American country.
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“I came here for a Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative project. I am currently doing an internship at TEDIC, the Association of Technology, Education, Development, Research, and Communication. I work at the TEC group. My primary responsibilities include helping the organisation develop practical plugins for management and security. I am also responsible for upgrading their website to enhance overall security and risk management.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción, and why?
“I would say Centro (Asunción’s Historic Centre) is my favourite place. I live there, and I really appreciate the architecture. There are also many interesting museums which help me learn more about the history of Paraguay. Plus, seeing cute crafts and barro (clay art) has truly added colour to my time here.”
What is your favourite place outside Asunción, and why?
“In the last two months, I have been to Areguá, Ciudad del Este, Filadelfia, and Encarnación. It is hard to choose. Areguá is a cute town where I had a great time picking strawberries. But I really like the cleanliness and the atmosphere of Encarnación. It is a very chill and relaxing place.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The beef, which is really fresh, and the people, who are very friendly. I have a few stories about the people I have met. One time, I was confused about how to use the bus card machine, so I asked a woman for help. Even though she was not quite sure how it worked either, she stayed and kindly helped me figure it out.
Another time, a man lined up behind me when I was struggling to communicate with a clerk. He probably wanted to speed things up, but he kindly stepped in to help me in English anyway! He also reminded me not to use my phone on the road, because there is the risk of it being stolen.”
What do you miss from home?
“I have an ‘Asian stomach’, so I really miss drinking hot pot soup. In Taiwanese restaurants, we cook ingredients in soup right at the table. Sometimes in individual pots, and sometimes we share a big pot with friends or family. In Paraguay, I have found Asian food restaurants, but no places where I can cook hot pot.”
If you would move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“As for abstract things, the memories, the people I met here, and the happy times we spent together. Also, what I learned from TEDIC, the engineering skills and the way they promote their ideas and values. As for souvenirs, I would choose tereré tea leaves along with the cup and straw. It is such a unique culture!”
Meet Michelle Yeh
You can find Michelle Yeh in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events, held every other Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00 at a different 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 #32, Julia Medina From Paraguay: “That Warmth You Find Here…”
People Of Asunción #31, Fabio Vitto From The Netherlands: “I See Lots Of Opportunities Here”
People Of Asunción #30, Kerrie Hallam From England: “I Hope To Make My Home Here”
