WHAT IS Bueno, entonces... exactly?

Bueno, entonces... is the best selling language-learning program for the iPhone, now available on DVD and instant download! Featured by Apple as New & Noteworthy, tens of thousands are already learning Spanish with Bueno, entonces…

Taking the most effective elements from traditional audio books and software programs, Bueno, entonces... has revamped language-learning by incorporating those features into a 1-on-1 Spanish lesson format, where you sit in on private classes with fresh audio/visual teaching tools, a huge improvement over programs currently available on the market.

Bueno, entonces... takes you inside 30 private Spanish lessons with Jimena, a gorgeous Spanish instructor, and David, her jackass student from London as he learns Spanish in beautiful Buenos Aires. Like learn-Spanish reality TV, but without the guilt of getting addicted, because in just 5 weeks you'll be speaking Spanish conversationally.

To learn more about Bueno, entonces, go to General Linguistics.

Check out this video. Best way of learning Spanish!

Check out more videos and more spanish immersion classes on youtube

PARAGUAY: Health Insurance for All (Registered) Domestics

By Natalia Ruiz Díaz

It took 42 years for social security health care coverage for domestics to extend beyond the limits of the Paraguayan capital.

The measure adopted by the social security institute, the Instituto de Previsión Social, could potentially benefit some 290,000 people – mainly women – working in domestic service throughout this impoverished landlocked South American country of 6.1 million, as well as their families.

"This is a huge stride forward which will help improve the living conditions of domestics in Paraguay," the president of the Association of Domestic Service Workers (AESD), Solana Meza, told IPS.

The challenge now is to get employers to register their domestics with the social security system, which very few have done.

Although health care coverage is obligatory for formal sector workers under Paraguay's labour code, only as of this week do all domestic workers have a right to health insurance - 42 years after the inclusion of that stipulation in the social security institute's charter in 1967.

Domestic workers were not covered when the Instituto de Previsión Social was established in 1943. That situation began to change when a special system for health insurance for domestics went into effect in Asunción in 1967. The aim was to gradually expand it to the whole country. But that never happened.

The social security institute's health care insurance covers maternity, non work-related illness, work-related illness and accidents, surgery, dental care, medication, hospitalisation and a disability subsidy.

Read full article at IPS News

Convicted Paraguay torturers kept earning salaries

ASUNCION, Paraguay -- Three police chiefs imprisoned for torture have finally have been fired after collecting their salaries from behind bars since 1995, Paraguay's interior minister said Tuesday.

The former officials are serving 25-year terms in maximum security prison for human rights offenses under the dictatorship of Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, including the torture of opposition politicians.

Stroessner was toppled in a 1989 military coup, but the regime's allied Colorado Party held on to power until 2008.

Interior Minister Rafael Filizzola called it unfortunate that the convicts - Camilo Almada Morel, Lucilo Benitez and Juan Martinez - were able to collect pay for so long.

"This government promised to do everything in its power to strengthen democracy and avoid situations that may weaken its credibility and the democratic system," Filizzola said.

Read more at Miami Herald

Top ten most unsanitary practices in Paraguay...

But you grow to love!!

I snagged these from my friend Mark because they are so right on, and I think are applicable in all parts of Paraguay, with MAYBE the exception of some rich people in the capital city. I did add a few personal touches that tend to stretch the boundaries a tad more.

1) Sharing the same guampa and bombilla (drinking cup/bottle and metal straw when drinking Terere). In other words drinking after multiple people usually sitting in a circle and using the same straw, even random drunks and bus drivers...I may or may not be speaking from personal experience.

2) Being served and huge central trough of food among many people, and all sharing one set of silverware, or not using silverware at all!

3) Being served a plate of food on a plate recently used by someone else, and not yet cleaned. Same goes for glasses.

4) Being expected to use the tablecloth as your napkin, that is, grabbing the table cloth and wiping your mouth and hands on it. Table clothes are usually changed every 3-5 days.

5) Sharing a glass with any acquaintance remotely known, when drinking almost any beverage.


You'll love the rest!!! Go to Rohayhu Paraguaype.

Bueno Entonces Reviews

I'm moving to buenos aires and BUENO, ENTONCES was recommended to me as a cool way to learn spanish. I really dig it so far. the concept is creative, it is fun to watch, and the content is challenging. I'm happy they don't dumb it down for you , but I can see why some people think it's a little fast. Truthfully, I had to watch the episode twice to feel I'd gotten everything. I love the ease of having it on my iphone and watching it at my convenience. It's hard for me to commit to a physical class (due more to laziness than time constrictions), so it is a great alternative way to learn spanish.
by ivegotmeow

Read more reviews at Facebook

Al Paraguay hay que sentirlo. Watch this Video!!!

I found this video, which is promoting tourism in the country. It shows great places to visit sometimes!




Check it out, the girl is really sweet and the places are super cool.
To watch more video, visit YouTube

Bueno, entonces... Spanish Class 3

Check out this dynamic and fun Spanisg classes.
Learn some more at YouTube

This is the Congress in Paraguay. Nice Pic!!!

Check out more pics of Paraguay at Flickr

Paraguay Embassies and Consulates

Here you’ll find a link to Paraguay embassies and consulates overseas, link to foreign embassies and consulates in Paraguay, and (because this is an English language website) full listing of contact information for the embassies and consulates of English-speaking nations in Paraguay.

Would you like to see a link to the list of Paraguayan Embassies and Consulates in your country? Conversely, would you like to see the embassies and consulates of your country in Paraguay listed on this page?

Embassies and Consulates of English Speaking Countries in Paraguay

United States embassy
1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue
Asuncion, Paraguay
City: Asuncion
Phone: 95 21 213-715
Fax: 95 21 213-715
Web Site: http://paraguay.usembassy.gov/
Email: paraguayusembassy@state.gov
Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM Except Paraguayan and American Holidays.

See where your embassy is at Go South Expat

Currency Converter

Use this currency converter to calculate how much your currency is valued at in any other country of the world. In some countries of South America the currency fluctuates continually (based on the value of the U.S. dollar) and residents become accustomed to using a currency converter (or checking the newspaper) daily to view the exchange rate for a particular day. In other countries the currency is more stable.

Use the currency converter at Go South Expat

Ruins in Py. These are in Trinidad!!!

Great place to visit if you're in the country. Check out this video!

Bueno entonces. Spanish Classes Review

I gave a generally positive review of “Bueno Entonces” in Episode 23. I purchased another couple of episodes and my impression still stands: they are surprisingly well-done, professionally polished and entertaining…. the way these little episodes are set up really give you a feel for the way Spanish is structured. Additionally, I have to add that Jimena’s voice acting is superb. Seriously, she plays the “straight-man” role really well. Es decir, el personaje que hace de serio en una pareja de cómicos. I’d definitely recommend that you check these out—and if you’re on your way to Argentina, they are a *must.* It’s one of the very few resources out the that gives you a feel for the way people speak in Buenos Aires.

Fun, dynamic, and effective Spanish lessons.

Read more reviews at buenoentonces.com/blog

10 Types of Expats

1. The Closet Depressive

The closet depressive is my favorite figure. By day this expat is cheery as a spring flower; at home, alone, when the windows and doors are shut, she stares at the floor in the corner. She always turns a smiling face to you, not because she is trying to fake happiness, but more because she doesn't want to bring you into her depression. Her depression is too personal to share. It is too deep. Only Buddha could fathom the suffering. The closet depressive runs from sincerity, lies to herself about her situation until she actually convinces herself - albeit temporarily - of an international bliss. She never complains nor wearies your ears with harangues. But some days you may not see her; she has stayed home, brooding in silent sadness, thinking about how wonderful it is to be in a new culture.
2. The Cultural Pluralist

The cultural pluralist, through and through, wants you to know that your ethnocentrism is real and that it is really quite nasty, actually. She tries to win over your prejudices and convince you that this other type of lifestyle you're immersed in, though "different," though dissimilar to your own traditions and habits, is an alternative lifestyle that is just as equally valid, vital, normal, worthwhile, and meaningful as your own, or as a previous life you remember with nostalgia.

Complete text, visit Expat Exchange

Living Abroad is Good for Kids

Do children benefit from living overseas? Most British expats seem to think so. A new survey just out from the British bank NatWest and the Centre for Future Studies says 67% of British expats believed their children had received better education abroad and a resounding 93% thought expat life had benefitted their children. Our family's personal experience would echo this. My son had just turned 9 when we first went overseas and he was educated in 5 different schools, in 4 different countries (including our home, Canada). To be fair, the overseas schools he attended were all private, very expensive and full of middle class children, so I have no doubt those factors had the most impact on the quality of his education, rather than the fact that they were overseas. However the experience of living overseas, that is the education he got outside of school, was priceless and will no doubt affect him for the rest of his life.

Read full text at Expatriate Life

10 Things to Know Before You Move to Central or South America

I have received many emails over the years from readers of my Blogs who are interested in moving to Central or South America from the US or other 'developed' countries'. The majority of people who requested information are involved in cross-cultural relationships. I have first-hand experience with a cross-cultural marriage. For women, I recommend that you investigate lagringasblogicito and hondurassprouts. These are blogs written by excellent women writers who are married to Honduran Citizens.

Here are some tips that I picked up from years of actual cross-cultural communications as well as first-hand experience, a grand total of 24 years residence in Mexico and Central America.

1. Be informed (Know) before you go. Read! Read! Read! Surf the Internet and purchase up-to-date print Guidebooks, country specific to where you wish to relocate. Talk to as many people as you can who have lived in Central & South America.

Always spend at least 2-3 weeks in your target country, city or region before deciding to make the move. Seeing is believing. Never rely on internet sites, user groups, forums or blogs as your primary source of information. Never arrange to purchase Real Estate abroad from any website nor contract expensive Real Estate & Relocation tours online. One Woman, whom I know, spent $200 USD a day in Costa Rica on 'Real Estate Tours', returned home broke and bitter after a week. If you do not have a friend or relative in your target country who you are able to stay with (try not to stay in a Resort or Luxury Hotel unless on a genuine vacation) take this advice: "I would recommend couchsurfing.com for meeting locals. You don't have to couchsurf (Stay) with them you can meet for a coffee / drink, local tour or whatever. They'll show you around and you'll get to do things most tourists don't do -- and offer insider information on their area. Also try out bewelcome.org. Both organizations are non profit boasting thousands of Latin American members.

Continue reading these tips at Expat Exchange

Vibe's learning experience. Check it out!

Day 3 in Buenos Aires

I’ve had an AHA moment today. My teacher is very cute. His name is Martin and he’s 're-argentino'. That means REALLY Argentino in Argentino. He spent a year in Ireland teaching Spanish last year and he missed Buenos Aires a lot.. We talk a lot about Argentina and about the culture, about the crazy chaos of it all, the subversive attitude of the Argentines towards politics, finance, all that jazz. The Bulgarian likes to talk a lot about the Argentine girls, I don’t blame him. They mainly have very very long hair and are very pretty.


Martin says Bien, Entonces.. a lot. Or Muy Bien, entonces... I ask him why doesn’t he say Bueno, entonces (like the name of the course of course) and he explains that “Bueno,” often is something you say when you’ve had a enough of talking, or have had enough of talking about a particular subject. He explains that when somebody starts going, bueno bueno bueno on the phone, basically they are telling you that the conversation is over and they’ve had enough.

Tor ead more, visit beadventuresinba.blogspot.com

Vacation in Paraguay

Paraguay is indeed a joyous place full of compelling things to do and wondrous places to go. Paraguay Travel and Ecotourism Vacations shows just how beautiful a place it is to visit. Hiking trail, nature trails and the National Park are among the few activities listed which can be experienced when vacationing in Paraguay. Many events and prominent celebrations can be experienced can be experienced. A variety of crossings are available, including three from Argentina, two Brazil and one from Belize. Crossings that are waiting to be ventured.

To read full article, visit Total Paraguay

Programs and Events. US Embassy in Paraguay

Embassy Launches Scholarship Program for English Teachers

August 4, 2009

Chargé d'affaires a.i., Perry Holloway, launched the third edition of the Fellowship Program for English Teachers of public schools of Central Department and the Department of Itapúa on August 4, 2009.

During the ceremony, held at the “Clara Irma Piacentini de Cacace School”, a cooperative agreement was signed and a significant book donation with a value of fifteen million guaraníes was made to the school’s library. The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Luis Alberto Riart Montaner, and the Chairman of the Board of the CCPA, José E. Fernández Arrúa.

To read full article, visit paraguay.usembassy.gov

"One semester of Spanish" video

Check out this funny video

Fun, dynamic, and effective Spanish lessons

I’ve tried a whole slew of resources to maintain and improve my intermediate-level Spanish - magazines, private tutors, group classes, self-learning CDs, Spanish podcasts - but this is the first method I’ve tried that actually keeps me engaged and motivated. The characters Jimena and David are so charming, you are practically transported right to Buenos Aires with them. The visual component makes it about five times easier to learn and remember new words and grammar (versus most rich media language applications which are audio only). I’d strongly recommend this app to anyone looking to boost his/her beginning to intermediate level Spanish.

Check out this review at buenoentonces.com/blog

Outgoing Nuncio to Paraguay says Lugo harmed the Church by entering politicsOutgoing Nuncio to Paraguay says Lugo harmed the Church by entering politi

The outgoing Papal Nuncio to Paraguay, Archbishop Orlando Antonini, said last week that he hopes Paraguayans will acknowledge the suffering the Church endured over the decision by now President Fernando Lugo to abandon his vocation and enter politics.

“I hope Paraguayans acknowledge this suffering of the Church, this sacrifice that the Church made and that this be appreciated,’ the Nuncio told reporters as he said his goodbyes to the Paraguayan leader. He noted that relations between Paraguay and the Holy See have not been affected by the affair.

Archbishop Antonini said the Church would need years to digest what happened. “But this will be overcome. I am hopeful that in this process which has begun in Paraguay, this democratic evolution will continue,” he said.

After noting that Lugo’s fathering of a child is part of the problem, the Nuncio said the Church has long underscored the need for priests and religious to have a proper understanding of their political involvement. “Bishops and priests should bring the spiritual dimension to political and social life,” he explained.

To read complete article, visit the CNA

Learn Spanish With Bueno, entonces

Business in Paraguay

DOING BUSINESS IN PARAGUAY

STARTING A BUSINESS

STANDARDIZED COMPANY
Legal Form: Corporation
Minimum Capital Requirement: 0
City: Asuncion

Registration Requirements:

Procedure 1. Check the uniqueness of the proposed company name

Time to complete: 2 days

Cost to complete: USD 30

Procedure 2*. Draft the Company Deeds signed by an Attorney

Time to complete: 5 days (simultaneous with procedure 1)

Cost to complete: USD 600 (minimum or 2 to 3% of the paid-in capital stock of the company)

Comment: It is customary to resort to professional attorneys in drafting the company formation documents since they should be made in compliance of corporate laws and regulations. With regard to the registration, the presentation of filings and applications (i.e. by-laws to the Treasury Attorney Office, to the court, to the registries, etc.) need to be signed by an attorney (either as an agent or counsel of founders). The organization of companies by attorneys acting through Powers of Attorney is also a common practice. The estimate of the cost to complete this formality is 2 to 3% of the paid-in capital stock of the company or a minimum of $600. The attorney's fee for this particular task is established in the Attorney's Fees Law No. 1376/88, Art. 72 (1) .

Procedure 3. Notarize the Company's Deeds

Time to complete: 3 days

Cost to complete: 0.75%-2% of the paid-in capital stock of the Company , depending on the capital

Comment: The Notary's fee for this particular task is established in the Notary's Fees Law. Usually a licensed attorney drafts the by-laws while the notarization (public deed to be included in the Notary's protocol and registered at the public registries) is done by a licensed Public Notary. Attorneys are not legally authorized to notarize or certify documents.

To read more, visit Alo' Expat

South America Inside Program to learn Spanish. Paraguay

Our partner school in Asuncion belongs to the best language schools in Paraguay and the professional and highly qualified teachers will help your Spanish to progress as fast as possible! Furthermore, you will also have the opportunity to learn Guaraní, an indigenous language of South America which is still spoken in some countries bordering Paraguay. The school hosts students from around the world and therefore has a very multicultural atmosphere.

Highlights: Spanish Language Courses
The language school in Asuncion offers two main course systems, Spanish and Guaraní. You choose between group and private classes and also determine how many classes you would like to take per day. If you would like to be more flexible, you will also have the opportunity to take classes only two or three times a week. Classes take place every day from Monday until Friday. One class lasts 55 minutes. In a group class there is a maximum of six students. You can start your classes any day of the week and will take a short placement test on the first day. If you want to learn fast and study the Spanish language very intensively, you can also take classes at home.

Read more at languagestudy.goabroad.com

Learning Spanish!

Check out this video!

Getting there

Bus

Negotiating Paraguayan borders can be schizophrenic; on the bus, off the bus, on the bus… Ask the driver to stop at immigration (locals don’t always need to) and be sure your papers are in order. Note that some bus companies claim to travel further into Brazil than border towns, but actually change buses after crossing the border.

Boat

Boats cross into Asunción and Encarnación from Argentina, but immigration procedures are more complicated if entering by boat. With patience and stamina, unofficial river travel from Concepción to Isla Margarita on the Brazilian border is possible.

Air

Paraguay’s only international airport is in Asunción. Direct international flights from Asunción are limited to neighboring countries: Buenos Aires, Argentina; La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia; São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Iquique and Santiago, Chile.

Visit Lonely Planet

Paraguay map

Ver mapa más grande

Paraguay sunset

Beautiful Paraguayan sunset!!!

Maradona expresses confidence against Paraguay

MEXICO CITY — After losing three of the last four qualifying games, and scoring only three goals, Argentina is teetering on the edge of missing its first World Cup since 1970.

Diego Maradona, the Argentina coach who predicted a victory prior to Saturday's 3-1 loss to Brazil, still talks with hollow certainty ahead of Wednesday's even more critical match at Paraguay, however.

"We'll go (to Paraguay) with the same confidence as always," said Maradona, considered by some to be the game's greatest player.

A loss against Paraguay could drop Argentina into sixth place in the 10-team South American qualifying group. Going into the final two qualifying matches next month, Argentina could be faced with missing out on not just one of the top four spots that advance automatically, but even fifth place, which gets a playoff spot.

Read full article at USA Today.

Brief info Paraguay

Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay (Spanish: República del Paraguay, pronounced [reˈpuβlika ðel paɾaˈɣwai]; Guaraní: Tetã Paraguái), is one of the two landlocked countries which lie entirely within the Western Hemisphere, the other being Bolivia, both in South America.

It lies on both banks of the Paraguay River and is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Because of its central location in South America, the country is sometimes referred to as Corazón de América — Heart of America. As of 2009 the population was estimated at over six million.

To read full article, visit Wikipedia.