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 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 #29, Sergio Benítez from Paraguay.
Meet Sergio Benítez
Sergio Benítez, 40, is a Paraguayan software engineer who spends his core hours writing code and building programs. He also dedicates his spare time to teaching English to beginners. He views his teaching role as a rewarding side quest that helps him keep his communication skills sharp in ways studying and media consumption simply cannot match.
Looking for opportunities to meet new people and test his English-speaking skills, he has also taken part in gatherings such as the Afterwork English Networking event. Sergio has found them highly beneficial as real-world experiences that helped him gain greater confidence in his linguistic skills. With a very open and friendly attitude, he shares with us his personal views on Paraguay and travelling abroad.
What is your favourite place in Asunción, and why?
“Probably the Costanera, Asunción’s waterfront. It is a really nice and relaxing place. I used to go there a lot in the past since I used to live in downtown Asunción, but now that I am living in a different city, I do not go there as much anymore. Whenever I can, I like to go in the evenings to appreciate the beautiful sunset and to just walk around with my family and girlfriend.”
What is your favourite place outside of Asunción, and why?
“Encarnación. It is a very beautiful city, although the last time I was there was three years ago, for a vacation trip. I also went to that city’s Costanera, which was a really nice place to visit.
Outside of Paraguay, I have already been to Brazil about ten times, to visit places like Camboriú and Rio de Janeiro. I have also been to the Dominican Republic for a friend’s wedding, which was such a beautiful place! I had an amazing experience there. The water at the beaches is really warm, and it is just a beautiful site. Brazil also has really nice beaches, although the water is colder there. So, the Dominican Republic is just perfect.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“Definitely the people. Everyone is just so friendly here. We are really friendly people. Also, my family and friends, we are really close to each other.”
Do you miss anything from when you were living in Asunción?
“I lived in Asunción for around four years as a kid. Later, I moved here again during high school, to the San Vicente neighbourhood next to the city of Lambaré, and it was a pretty nice place to live because you have everything there.
For example, on the weekends, you have so many options, so many places to go to, like the Costanera, where I could just go every single day to relax. Compared with my current city, we do not have many things to do there. So, when I want to go for a walk, I usually need to go to the Ciclovía of San Lorenzo city, which is a really beautiful place as well.”
If you were to move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“Definitely the food. I think the best thing in Paraguay is the food. My favourites are mbeju (traditional savoury flatbread), chipa guazú (cake made with corn kernels, onions and Paraguayan cheese) and chipa almidón (savoury pastry made from a cornmeal dough). Although I am not a big fan of chipa so’o (chipa almidón with seasoned ground beef), I recommend the one filled with chicken and Brazilian cheese, which I had during my trip to Encarnación from a street vendor in Coronel Bogado District selling traditional food with a twist.”
Driven to improve his language fluency while connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, Sergio discovered a very receptive community aiming for the same goal and ready to engage with him at every occasion.
Meet Sergio Benítez
You can find Sergio Benítez on Instagram or in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events – every other 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 #28, Nicholas Ravazzani From The US: “Almost Impossible To Be Alone Here”
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”
