At just 23, Bianca Belén Nuñez Martínez is already balancing the final stage of her Business Administration degree with a role in Human Resources at multinational company Nestlé. Yet, beyond her academic and professional life, she speaks most enthusiastically about travel, culture, and the experiences that shape who she is.
“I have always loved discovering new places,” she says to The Asunción Times as she reflects on a recent journey that took her far from Paraguay’s familiar landscapes.
Sentimental value of Paraguayan traditions
Despite her international outlook, Bianca’s connection to Paraguay remains deeply personal. She speaks warmly about the simple joys of home: the food, the people, and the traditions that define everyday life.
“I love spending time in the countryside with my grandmother. In Colonia Manuel Gondra, I learned how to make chipa, a memory that continues to ground me. Those moments create a real sense of belonging,” she adds, highlighting how tradition and family shape her identity.
A special message for Bianca Nuñez
The journey to the Falkland Islands began with a simple WhatsApp message. Bianca Nuñez recalls how her mother, Raquel Martínez, sent her information about a regional contest organised by the British Embassy in Paraguay.
“She knows how much I love travelling.” Encouraged to apply, she never quite expected what would come next.
When the acceptance email arrived, her reaction was immediate. “I read the first lines and screamed. I ran straight to my mum and told her I needed to unpack my winter jackets.”
From that moment, excitement took over.
A journey marked by persistence
Getting to the Falkland Islands was not straightforward. Bianca traveled alongside participants from across the region, including Argentina, Uruguay, and also from the United Kingdom.
Their first attempt in January was cancelled due to bad weather. “We had to go back home,” she recalls. But a second attempt in February proved successful, with a long route through Santiago and Punta Arenas before finally landing at Mount Pleasant and reaching Stanley.
“It was a long trip, but I was excited the whole time.”
“It felt like being inside a film.”
Bianca Nuñez’s first impression of the islands was immediate and striking. “The trees lean in the direction of the wind. That was when I realised how strong it is.”
What follows is a series of unforgettable encounters with nature. Penguins, sea lions, sheep, ponies, and caracaras fill the landscape, turning every moment into something cinematic.
“It felt like being inside a film.”
Seeing penguins up close was a highlight. Bianca particularly enjoyed the Rockhopper penguins on Sea Lion Island, which reminded her of childhood films. One moment, however, stands out above all: mistaking penguins for dolphins at the shore.
“We could not stop laughing.”
Representing Paraguay abroad
Throughout the trip, Bianca was conscious of her role as a representative of Paraguay. “It was an honour,” she says simply.
In conversations with others, she found herself sharing stories about Paraguayan culture: its bilingual identity shaped by Guaraní, and its traditional dishes like chipa and sopa paraguaya.
“Above all, I emphasised the warmth of our people and their willingness to help others.”
About future plans
After such a transformative experience, Bianca Nuñez is already thinking about her next destination. Europe, and especially the United Kingdom, sits at the top of her list.
“I want to explore its culture, landscapes, and history.”
For now, however, she carries the memories of the Falklands with her. An experience that not only broadened her horizons but also deepened her connection to home.
