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 #7: Daniel Gaudet From Canada.
Meet Daniel Gaudet
Daniel Gaudet is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada and a proud player of the Asunción based Gaelic football team, Las Arpas. He came to Paraguay with his girlfriend, with two suitcases, two guitars, and a dream.
How long have you been in Paraguay?
“I am originally from Nova Scotia, Canada and I moved to Paraguay In 2024. Based on my time here, I can honestly say that it has been one of the best decisions of my life.”
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“I work remotely here in Asuncion, doing outbound sales for a company based in the U.S. My girlfriend is in the process of opening her Music Therapy clinic. Honestly, it has been very surreal. In Canada my girlfriend and I were not living a bad life by any means. We had comfortable jobs, active social lives, and were saving up to buy a house. But we could not shake the mundanity of our day-to-day lives. We have always been adventurous people, and we had always envisioned leaving Canada at one point. So eventually we made a plan.”
“We had heard about Paraguay from my girlfriend’s father. He was doing some research on the country and told us how easy it was to receive residency, how once you receive residency that traveling to neighbouring countries is facilitated, and how as a resident the top tax bracket was only 10%. Four months later we ended our rental agreement, sold our belongings and packed two suitcases, two guitars, a dream, and got on a plane.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción, and why?
“Wherever the next The Asuncion Times event is being held, haha. Those events are always a great time, full of intriguing people from around the world. And usually at different venues, so you get to tour around the city, getting to know places that you otherwise may not have known about. While simultaneously making new connections and friendships.”
What is your favourite place outside of Asunción, and why?
“It is hard to say; I really enjoyed my time in San Bernardino and, having grown up next to water my entire life, Encarnación was very refreshing, being able to go swim whenever I wanted, but I have to say Luque, specifically the Hockey and Rugby pitch. This is where we hold our trainings for our Gaelic football team, Las Arpas, and where I have made so many amazing friends and memories in the process.”
“The ground owners have been extremely welcoming and supportive of us and our goals to expand our team, so it kind of feels like a second home to me at this point.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“What really struck me about Paraguay is how anything feels possible. I am not sure how to describe it, but it feels as if the American Dream is alive and well here. You can sense it in the people too. They are industrious and hardworking, but without the stress that comes from jobs that are all-consuming in their demands and expectations.”
“It is encouraging to know that my goals and aspirations are obtainable here, and that when it comes to my work, I get what I put in. It is just the general vibe of the country. Everyone here works on achieving something, whether local or from abroad. It is very interesting seeing those dynamics play out. It feels special, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
What do you miss from home?
“The people. I have always had a wanderer’s soul, but it does not make the goodbyes any easier. Luckily, Paraguayan hospitality is second to none. It reminds me a lot of Nova Scotia. The people are friendly and engage in meaningful conversation. They genuinely want to hear what you have to say and get to know you better, and to me that is what garners a real sense of community. So, although it was hard leaving my loved ones back home, it has been amazing integrating into this growing culture.”
If you would move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“My thermos and some terere. I am completely infatuated with the drink, especially while playing intensive cardio sports like Gaelic Football or paddle. There is nothing more refreshing than that first pull of an ice-cold terere after running like a maniac in 30-degree weather. Although a Pilsen beer is a close second.”
Meet Daniel
You can find Daniel Gaudet on Instagram or better yet, bump into him 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.
People Of Asunción #2, Patricia Fretes From The US: “I Love The Unity Within People Here”.
People Of Asunción #3, James Meads From The UK: ‘I Love The Great Craft Beer Scene Here’.
People Of Asunción #4, Alexia Choi From South Korea: ‘Friends Made When I Arrived Are Still Friends Now’.
People of Asunción #5, Christian Díaz From Paraguay: “The Future Here Is Too Big And Too Bright To Leave”.
People Of Asunción #6, Lety Rodríguez From Argentina: “I Have Found The Most Hardworking People Here”.
