Photos

This is the Amizade bridge that crosses the Parana river separating Brazil from Paraguay. Last Friday morning at 9 o'clock I ventured across it! Already hundreds of Paraguayians and Brazilians were crossing it, laden with cheap stuff...and not so cheap stuff. The city of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, is in the background. Hundreds of Paraguayian soldiers were assembled at the border point just over the bridge. A big demonstration and lots of guns brandished. Seems like the Brazilians are cracking down on the uncontrolled importation of goods (many counterfeit) from China (via Paraguay) that cross this bridge into Brazil by the thousands every day.
I bought a Breitling watch in Paraguay for a paltry 80 euros...a superb imitation that only a watchmaker could detect as phony. I also bought a pair of converse sneakers for 15 US dollars, etc. etc.
It's boistrous, somewhat dangerous, and you better watch your pocket, but if you're searchin' for bargains, go to Paraguay!