Saturday January 17

Yesterday we left Casa del Monte by taxi and went to Atyra. Our taxi was half as much as what we paid the chap that offered us the free ride up to Casa del Monte two days ago. We stowed our packs at the municipal office and set off around the town on foot. There were signs with messages of inspiration and about equality and respect in the park. The town was very tidy with lots of nice houses and helpful people. Just no hotels or hostels.The women who had helped us find the municipàl office when we arrived by bus two days ago gave me a big hug and kisses She was so pleased to see me again.Another chap was hitching up his oxen and insisted on giving me a ride. Several groups of men have business doing leather work but we couldn´t see any other source of income for this perfect little town in the middle of no where.

At noon before the municipal office closed for the weekend, we collected out packs and went to the bus station. Because we didn´t jump right up and holler and flag the bus to stop, it just drove right on by. We knew what to do when the next bus came by! It was only $ 1 to travel the 60 km to Asuncion. It took us several hours of bumping along in the bus. Windows were open. Seats were hard. People laughed and talked and people kept getting onto the bus for a short distance. While they were on the bus they tried to flog stuff--- suckers. chipas, icecream cones, chocolate donuts, candy. One man was even flogging mens underwear. Another chap that had gotten on with six enormous bags of buns bought a three pack size small. He didn´t look like a size small to me!!!!!
One man got on with a huge box taped and tied and then proceeded to talk loudly on his cell phone, while another chap gave us a loud spiel to buy him cds and dvds!!!

Eventually we arrived in Asuncion. Now, suddenly, we can have to be afraid of everyone even the little kids. And even the mosquitoes since dengue fever is around. And it is so incredibly hot that we just have to stay inside in the afternoon. We did do a long walking tour of the central area this morning. Lots of wonderful wonderful old buildings and houses and presidencial palaces etc. I have never been a beer lover but quickly Jim and I have formed the habit of stopping to split a large cold cervasa.