As part of the Paraguay-Taiwan World Sandwich Day celebrations, The Asunción Times is featuring stories from some of the many Paraguayans who live in Taiwan. Here, Ingrid Pereira tells us about how she came to Taiwan, and why she is involved in the Earth Sandwich Project.
“I am Ingrid Pereira, a Paraguayan MOFA scholar in 2024, and I am currently in Taiwan studying Mandarin Chinese. However, my journey here has not only been an academic pursuit but also a path of personal and diplomatic growth, where I have had the opportunity to connect two cultures that, despite the geographical distance, share common values and visions.”
“Before embarking on this adventure, I was a dance and music teacher in Paraguay, where I dedicated myself to preserving and sharing our rich folkloric traditions. Art taught me to value culture and exchange as ways to build bridges between people and countries, and this interest in intercultural relations drives me to want to study International Relations and Diplomacy in the future.”
“Coming to Taiwan has been an enriching experience, not only because of the opportunity to learn such an important language as Chinese but also because it has allowed me to deepen the relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan. One of the projects that has captured my attention the most during my stay here is the Earth Sandwich, a concept I learned about thanks to my fellow Paraguayan MOFA scholar, Valentina Paris.”
“The Earth Sandwich is a project that, at first glance, seems like a simple idea: two groups of people at opposite points of the world place a slice of bread on the ground simultaneously, forming a “sandwich” with the Earth in the middle. However, for me, the meaning goes far beyond a curious or fun action.”
“I find this project fascinating because it symbolises the connection between countries that, although geographically distant, are deeply linked by diplomatic relations, cooperation, and friendship. Paraguay and Taiwan are a perfect example of this connection. Even though our nations are on opposite sides of the world, they share a history of collaboration and mutual respect.”
“Participating in the Earth Sandwich allows me to creatively represent these relations, and it is a way to show that diplomacy is not only about treaties and formal agreements but also about symbolic actions that strengthen human bonds.”
“As an artist, I have always believed in the power of art and culture to build bridges between people, and now, as a student in Taiwan, I see how this same principle can be applied to international diplomacy. The Earth Sandwich, with its simple but powerful representation of global connection, is a perfect way to illustrate how international relations can be close and accessible.”
“This project inspires me because it is not only a creative action but also a reminder that, in today’s world, physical distance does not stop us from being more connected than ever.
Being part of this experience has shown me how relationships between countries can be built through small but meaningful gestures. The Earth Sandwich is a reminder that, although we are separated by thousands of kilometers, Paraguay and Taiwan continue to share a strong connection based on mutual respect and cooperation.”
“My time here in Taiwan has been transformative, and I am excited for what the future holds, both for me and for the relationship between our two nations.”
“In conclusion, being part of the Earth Sandwich and studying in Taiwan has allowed me to see the world from a new perspective. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and represent my country in this context. My goal is to keep building bridges between Paraguay and the world, and I am sure that this experience will be key to achieving that goal.”
