Train to nowhere

They call it the train to nowhere, although I’m not sure I’d agree. It actually goes from Asuncion to the lake town of Aregua. It is a bit odd to think that this is the national railroad of Paraguay, and that this is the only route it runs. Did I mention it only goes twice a month? If you choose to take this trip you will be riding on the only wood fed steam train still in operation today (if their claim is true). You’ll also get to ride in the original cars (thankfully with cushions added on to the wood seats)…or perhaps I should say mostly original. I know for sure that some of the windows have been replaced as a branch broke about 10 of them during our ride on Sunday. (Things never go quite as expected here.)

When we boarded the train on Sunday for our trip up to Aregua about all I knew was that we’d be going on a steam train, would get about 2 hours in the town and then would be headed back. There was so much that I just didn’t expect to be part of the experience, beyond even the window breaking and subsequent pause in the journey. It started out with some laughter as we noticed a “guard” dressed up complete with a painted on mustache. Continued with some small theater pieces given in the aisles of the cars. Confused by the appearance of joker, penguin and batman (I’m still not sure what they were doing on the train besides providing more entertainment). Surprised by the scene of people all along the tracks stopping outside to watch the train go by, wave and take photos (I’m convinced there were as many pictures taken by people watching the train pass as by those riding the train). Amused by the shock of seeing pigs in yards, my first pig sightings in three years (oh yes, that’s right, I have been in a Muslim country). Unclear as to the difference between a strawberry and frutilla when the frutilla looks just like what I’d call a strawberry (they say a strawberry is more purple…I’ll have to see for myself once the season comes). Entertained by some of the staff playing music on the way back down. Needless to say it was more that I had bargained for but a completely memorable and entertaining experience. It makes me wonder what else Paraguay has in store for me.