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 #16, Rosa Ortiz from Paraguay.
Meet Rosa Ortiz
Rosa Ortiz, also called Rose, (38) was born in Asunción. She is working at Choice Learning Center as a teacher, and she has a small business dedicated to events. She lived in England for one year, another one in Australia, and another 6 months in the United States, but most of her life has been in Paraguay.
What is your favourite place in Asunción?
“I really like the area of Ñu Guasu, Parque Guasu, with all the trees and nature. Also, I like to go there to walk or jog. Another one is the Mariscal López area, which feels very safe and is close to my home.”
What is your favourite place outside of Asunción?
“My favourite place is Paraguarí; I like that city very much. Also, Encarnación, if I could live in another city, I would live there. But I also love the vibe of Ciudad del Este, a vibe that is not common in other places in Paraguay.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The food, the meat, the people in general, they are very nice. But especially the food.”
If you were to invite people to The Asunción Times networking events, what would you say to them?
“If they want to meet cool people, practice their English, learn about other cultures or realities, and do some networking, they should come!”
How did you find out about The Asunción Times networking events?
“Through Instagram. A friend of mine used to send me the invitation for these events, and last year I came. I wanted to go to an event to meet new people, so we came together and found interesting people and some of the organisers. I made new friends here.”
As a Paraguayan yourself, how is it to talk to newcomers at these networking events?
“At the beginning, it was weird, but fortunately, because I lived abroad and met many people there, we had a lot to talk about. It was cool to meet people from different places, some of which I had also lived in.”
What would you recommend a newcomer to do in Paraguay?
“To try all the Paraguayan food! They also have to go to Paraguarí, because of the places where you can connect with nature and enjoy activities. In Asunción too, but I would say they should go outside the capital and explore different cities like Areguá, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, and definitely the Chaco as well.”
If you moved away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“Every time I go abroad, I definitely take yerba mate with me, even though they sell it in some other places. I also take dulce de guayaba (guava jam) and chipitas.”
Meet Rosa
You can find Rosa Ortiz 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.
Read previous episodes of People of Asunción
People Of Asunción #15, Esteban González From The U.S.: “I Can Feel That Paraguay Is Growing”
People Of Asuncion #14, Adam Venning From Canada: “I Just Feel At Home In Paraguay”
People Of Asuncion #13, Lana Pedro From Brazil: “I Came To Paraguay And Found Many Opportunities”
