Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Recent Comments:
Your Kickstarter Vacation. My Money. No. {Gadling}
Apr 25th 2013 11:17AM Bravo, Pam!
The Pacific Ocean: Is It Really True That One-Third Of Young Americans Can't Find It? {Gadling}
Apr 22nd 2013 9:27PM Sean, your final sentence elevated this post from interesting to @$%!&* fantastic.
International Adventure Guide 2013: La Paz And Southwest Bolivia {Gadling}
Apr 17th 2013 2:01PM Thanks so much, Linda! And you're right, it is a bit Wild West there. I didn't want to do Bolivia a disservice by portraying it as dangerous, or these activities as being that way, because it all comes down to the outfitter you choose. But even with that said, please use good judgement if you visit.
Ex: I was doing the Tupiza to Salar de Uyuni circuit, and we visited some geyers and mudpots. There's no fence surrounding them, so just because you CAN walk to the edge, doesn't mean you SHOULD. Our guide had some horrifying stories about unsavvy travelers.
Buen viaje,
L
Whereaguay? First impressions Of Paraguay, South America's Most Underrated Country {Gadling}
Apr 14th 2013 12:13PM I like you, Louis.
By the way, Chile and Argentina are more widely known for the harboring of Nazis, post-WWII. I have a forthcoming story on Paraguay's community of Nueva Germania, where I'll delve into this whole aspect of the country's history, which is not as horrific as has been portrayed in recent media reports.
Best,
Laurel
Whereaguay? First impressions Of Paraguay, South America's Most Underrated Country {Gadling}
Apr 7th 2013 8:10PM Dear readers,
I don't usually engage with trolls (especially those using fake names), because it's a waste of time and energy. But I find it really curious when people tell me that my opinion and experiences aren't real (i.e. that comparisons of Asuncion to Rio or Hanoi are "ludicrous," or that Paraguay bears no similarities to Brazil (I beg to differ, as do the many Paraguayans I've spoken with).
Trying to tell someone--especially someone who has some sort of expertise in a realm, such as travel--that their opinion or comparison is invalid because you happen to disagree is...lame. You can hate on Paraguay or my writing all you want. But please don't crap on everyone's parade just because you don't happen to share the same opinion.
The curse and blessing of the internet is that people can express their opinions to articles such as this. Just be sure your feedback is valid, propaganda-free, and polite. There's no room for flaming or attitude in this, or any other, comments forum. Please keep the thoughtful feedback coming, folks. It's great to hear about your experiences and interest in Paraguay!
Best,
Laurel
Whereaguay? First impressions Of Paraguay, South America's Most Underrated Country {Gadling}
Apr 5th 2013 8:01PM Hola everyone,
I'd just like to say that commenter Natalia Goldberg is being modest; she's the author of the 2012 ultimate guidebook, "Other Places Travel Guide: Paraguay." I'm flattered to have you on here, Natalia! I'm staying at the excellent Black Cat Hostel right now, and the owners were saying how terrific you are.
Everyone, if you're even contemplating a trip to Paraguay, get Natalia's book. It's been in my hand since I got here, and I've found it beyond useful, informative, and reliable. It's also responsible for my fat ass, because I can't stop eating the empanadas at Lido Bar.
Thanks for your feedback, Natalia!
Saludos,
L
Whereaguay? First impressions Of Paraguay, South America's Most Underrated Country {Gadling}
Apr 3rd 2013 6:35PM Hola, wonderful readers,
Muchas gracias for your comments! I'm here at a Paraguayan farm reading them to the owners, and they're getting a kick out of how much love their country is getting, as am I.
A few things: You all provided great feedback, and thanks for addressing some facts that I inadvertently misrepresented. You are correct, yerba mate and stevia are from Paraguay...I meant the nod to Argentina as a reference most readers could connect with, given the connection that country has to mate.
I also forgot to add that the horse carts are a very common site in Concepcion...you will see them in Asuncion, but they hardly replace cars. Sorry to mislead you.
And yes, I know there's no beach....although I did just get back from an epic 2-hour tubing trip down a local river =. My point there was that Paraguay should be the next Brazil because of the climate, and similarities in geography, food, and general tranquilo pa attitude, as well as proximity and affordability. Like Bolivia is the new Peru...
I appreciate all of your clarifications and comments, and please keep the coming! there's definitely a lack of Paraguay tourism info. out there, and I'm excited to see that there is a lot of love for Paraguay from Gadling readers. It makes me look forward even more to writing about this amazing country.
Abrazos de Paraguay,
Laurel
Video: Japanese Customer Service Is Different From Ours {Gadling}
Feb 27th 2013 3:38PM Eh! I stand corrected--thanks, and duly noted.
Laurel
Classic Scandinavia: Celebrate Fat Tuesday With Swedish Semlor {Gadling}
Feb 11th 2013 12:03PM Anna,
I'm just about to drink my coffee, and suddenly, I feel...incomplete Thank you for giving me yet another reason to get to Sweden, and for sharing your recipe. You had me at "almond paste."
Happy Fat Tuesday,
Laurel
Adventure Guide 2013: Aspen {Gadling}
Feb 8th 2013 1:20PM Hi Seb,
Aspen/Snowmass visitor's bureau can help you out with anything you need with regard to local ice-climbing, including guide referrals: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/.
Be safe out there!
Best,
Laurel
