Loma Plata - a colony of warmth

Today is already the second day in Loma Plata. I am currently taking a nap on the terrace, playing with our little household dog, and processing the first few hours in a foreign country. Unfortunately, we still don't have our luggage, but the people here are helping us out. I have already received several sweaters from our host mother on the first evening, and the hospital staff have collected 3 bags full of clothes for us. The kindness of the people is overwhelming. Even yesterday during the tour of the hospital, it was noticeable that the staff were truly happy to have three students from Germany with them. We were shown a lot and given a small preview of the next six weeks. On Monday, we will start working and are already looking forward to it 😊

Yesterday, we did a little shopping because we really wanted fresh clothes. I don't know how I imagined buying clothes in Loma Plata, but certainly not the way it happened yesterday. Completely overwhelmed by the piles of clothes, I must have looked slightly confused because a friendly saleswoman quickly came to my aid and asked me directly if my clothes should be expensive or cheap. Um, expensive or cheap? I don't think I've ever been asked that question first in a store, but okay. Since I actually have enough clothes in my backpack and didn't want to unnecessarily spend money from my travel budget, I answered that the clothes should be rather cheap. I quickly realized that there was little selection and that the question of fashionable cuts would be out of place. Well, fresh clothes are fresh clothes, whether high waist, low waist, or oversized - as long as the clothes are fresh and clean, although I still have to get used to the feeling of wearing them.

Today, we visited the Mennonite Museum together and were warmly welcomed by the tour guide. Over the next few weeks, we have the opportunity to take various tours with him to explore the flora and fauna of Paraguay, because especially here in the Chaco, there are living beings that have long been extinct in other countries. After all, in Germany, I would never have come across a capybara on my way to work.

The temperature fluctuations are still bothering me a bit. This weekend, it is supposed to be as cold in Paraguay as it hasn't been in the last three years, and to be honest, I wasn't prepared for that. At night, I'm a little cold, and right now, I could use a cooling cocktail and a fan because the sun is scorching. From Monday onwards, the nights are supposed to be more pleasant, and I hope that my luggage with the summer dresses will finally arrive as well 😊

by Lea