Stephen and Jessica are a Californian couple who we met on the M/V Ushuaia and currently reside in Asuncion with their two kids, Devin and Daisy. Very kindly they had offered to put us up. In true American fashion, we began our stay with a McDonald's drive-thru and then found ourselves watching the Champion's League Final in T.G.I. Friday's with half of the US Embassy a couple of days later. After the game we met Jimmy and Will, Sam's friends also traveling within South America, for a few (and a few more) beers in Kilkenny's Irish Pub, an amusing evening.

Asuncion is a contrast of colonial buildings and shady plazas with smart suburbs and ritzy shopping malls . It was here that Paraguay became the first country on the continent to declare its independence in 1811. The city also saw the British construction of one of South America's first railway lines (Asuncion - Encarnacion). The most impressive building is the pink Palacio Lopez with its mirrored facade reflecting the nearby slums along the bank of the river.

Stephen and Jessica treated us to a fantastic meal at Paulista Grill, an all-you-can-eat 'churrasqueria' (Brazilian steak house). It was difficult to say 'no gracias' to the constant flow of waiters appearing at the table with succulent cuts of meat on swords. Throw in the biggest salad bar that Sam has ever seen, a fresh pasta chef and an assortment of exotic deserts and the result was two content and very full travellers.

It was great to catch up with Stephen and Jessica and we were very grateful for their hospitality during our stay in Asuncion.

Onward bus to Concepcion, 6 hours.