Concerts in Paraguay

Yesterday was a holiday in Paraguay. I didn't write a blog post because I didn't get out of bed until 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Why, you ask? Well this was what I was doing Sunday night until about 5 am. 

Since my two and half years in Paraguay I have had the chance to go to several concerts I would have never thought to go see in the United States, and some I wouldn't have gone too mainly because it would have cost me a fortune. Over the years many big name singers, groups and DJs have started to put Paraguay on their South American tour lists, something that wouldn't have happened 5 years ago, and I have definitely take advantage. Here are the people I have seen in the last 2 years:

Lady Gaga

Paul Van Dyk

Martin Solveig

Sean Paul and Taio Cruz

Jack Johnson

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike

*Getting all dressed up for the Lady Gaga concert. Like my hair bow?

I love live music and dancing the night away but it can get pretty pricey after awhile if you want to see the big names. That has been one of the best parts about living in Paraguay all of the concerts I've gotten to go to have cost me less than $40. There is something kind of awesome about seeing a concert in another country in a way it connects you to the  people in  that county too. Everyone loves music and you are all there for one reason to have a great time and hear some awesome music.  

Next time you are abroad you should see if there are concerts you can see in your time there!

Have you been to any concerts in another country?

Songs That Will Inspire You to Travel

Music is magical, it can transport us far away from wherever we are and take us somewhere different. It can inspire us to see new places, meet new people and go on an adventure. Whether you use this playlist on an over-night bus trip, 10 hour plane ride or just to cure your wanderlust woes, take a look at these songs that capture the allure of travel. The following songs are a mixture of different genres (and decades) but, have all hit home with me at some point in time.

* I love this video. You might recognize some famous and hilarious faces*

What songs inspire you to travel? 

Let Me Tell You About Where I Live

I am currently living in a small city, San Ignacio, in the southern department of Misiones, Paraguay. The city was founded in 1609 by Jesuit priests Marcial de Lorenzana and Francisco de San Martin. It was the first Jesuit mission in the region and because of this San Ignacio has the oldest Jesuit ruins in Paraguay. The ruins are very small in comparison to some of the other ruins in Paraguay, but hey they are still the oldest so that is pretty cool. 

San Ignacio has roughly 25,000 residents but, still definitely has a small town feel. That is one of the things that I love about it. You walk down the street waving and smiling at everyone you see and everyone knows you. It is the best of both worlds, the small town vibe, but also the hussle and bussle of a bigger city. They have town events and it seems like the whole town comes to participate. For example, every Sunday, in the main town plaza there is a Serenata Focklorica, which recently celebrated its 19th anniversary, where there is performances of traditional Paraguayan music and dance. 

The orchestra Ars Barroca of the Catholic University in San Ignacio performing at the Serenata Folklorica. The song is entitled "Cazador Arekaja"

One of my favorite performances of the night was from the Grupo de Oro (The Golden Group) which is the seniors dance group. They performed a very lively and funny dance that really got the crowd going. Take a look.