Meet Lilian
She is from Paraguay
Has been traveling since 2011 and has visited 10 countries
Travel Styles Hobby, Vacation, Work, Dance
Interview
How do we know one another?
Answer: We know each other because you were a Peace Corps Volunteer and lived in my family’s house for 2 years.
Where does your passion for travel come from?
Answer: I always wanted to explore the world and know what was beyond my country. Therefore, I studied Tourism and today I am licensed. I hope this gives me many more opportunities to travel.
What countries have you visited?
Answer: I have visited Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Hungary, Serbia, United States and Japan.
How were you able to travel to so many countries?
Answer: I started traveling as a folk dancer, promoting different aspects of my country’s culture and traditions. My dance group has not only gained local, but also international recognition. We’ve been invited to dance at shows in other countries. I proudly represent my country with fervor and patriotism. Also, I always liked to travel so I embraced every opportunity I had to travel.
Can you talk about your dance group? And where can people go to learn more about the group?
Answer: My dance group O’Leary Jeroky was previously associated with a World Organization called the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) which 119 countries of the world are associated with, so we received many invitations. Also through CIOFF, we were able to organize festivals called Lago Yguazú (named after the lake that borders our city). We also hosted dance groups from countries including Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Togo and Poland. Currently, we are no longer partners with CIOFF, but if anyone is interested in working with us, we have the Facebook page O’Leary Jeroky and can be contacted there.
Do you prefer to travel alone or in a group? Why?
Answer: I like to travel alone but also in groups. I think you can do more things that you like alone. In a group it also gives me pleasure as well because I’m able to share the moments with others.
What is the best part of traveling?
Answer: Getting to know places that I’ve seen on the internet. Or seeing places that have some important history that I’ve heard of or watched on TV. Also, doing things that are not common in your country and experiencing different cultures.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Answer: It is a very difficult question. I want to visit all of the countries. For the moment, I will go with Italy, France, and Switzerland because I read some books that made me fall in love with every detail of those places.
What advice would you give to people who want to travel, but don’t know where to start?
Answer: Start wherever! The important thing is to start. Once you start, you will not be able to stop!
Paraguay is not a place where people think about when planning a trip to South America. What does Paraguay have to offer visitors?
Answer: I think that Paraguay is like a hidden treasure in the world, specifically in the heart of South America. I have to admit that Paraguay lacks in a lot of areas that tourists find appealing. Once tourists discover this treasure, they’ll never forget it. Paraguay will certainly leave a permanent mark – leaving visitors with a desire to return.
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I have been in Paraguay:) and I knew Lili;] from folk festival 🙂 (I’m from Poland) it was great expierience, I love travel too I visited 47 countries till now and still I want more 🙂 but now I can just planned, afer covid I hope i will again start travelling because is like breathing <3
Hi Kasia,
Lili showed me the videos and photos from the Folk Festival that you attended. Your group’s traditional attire and performances were stunning! Now, 47 countries is impressive! Keep going! I’ve never been to Poland, but would love to visit!🙂