In the States we joke men get big trucks to make up for things they lack. If I were to adapt the joke to fit Paraguay, I’d say men here get stereos.

Most people here don’t have cars. Dirt bikes and motorcycles are the more common family transportation. But, everyone has their stereo, and you’d be amazed how many families have giant stereos.

And they use their stereos. All day, starting between 6 and 8 in the morning and ending between 7 and 10 at night. There’s no way to avoid the joyous notes of cumbia and polka, sometimes competing between houses, everywhere you go.

We aren’t talking boom boxes. We are talking huge, 3 or 4, piece stereos with speakers for treble and for bass. They play radio and CDs or you can connect your pen drive or computer or phone.

We are talking club sound for a simple house party. Get ready to dance.