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sweatin' it out in Asunción - a session drummer's guide

@Hugo Barrett3/11/2026blog
sweatin' it out in Asunción - a session drummer's guide

alright, first things first - i just checked and it's a steamy *29.81°C there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. if you're a touring session drummer like me, you know that humidity can wreak havoc on your gear. but hey, that's part of the adventure, right?

anyway, let's talk about Asunción. it's not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of a drummer's paradise, but hear me out. the music scene here is surprisingly vibrant, and the locals are always down to jam. just don't expect them to show up on time - the concept of punctuality seems to be lost on them.

Father baptizing his baby with water

now, if you're looking for a place to crash, i've got a couple of recommendations. the Hotel Westfalenhaus is a solid choice - it's clean, comfortable, and the staff is super friendly. plus, they've got a nice little bar where you can unwind after a long day of drumming. if you're on a budget, you might want to check out the Asuncion Hostel - it's a bit rough around the edges, but it's cheap and the location is hard to beat.

Baby being baptized with water poured on head

as for food, you can't go wrong with the street vendors. i know, i know - everyone says that. but seriously, the empanadas here are out of this world. if you're feeling adventurous, you might want to try some of the local delicacies like sopa paraguaya or chipa. just be prepared for a serious carb overload.

oh, and if you get bored, Buenos Aires and Montevideo are just a short drive away. i mean, they're not exactly close*, but they're definitely worth the trip if you've got the time.

i heard from a local that the best place to catch live music is at the Quintal Do Zé on weekends. apparently, they've got a killer house band that plays everything from jazz to cumbia. just don't be surprised if you end up staying out until the wee hours of the morning - the nightlife here is pretty wild.

Baby being baptized in a church basin

anyway, that's all i've got for now. if you're planning a trip to Asunción, just remember to bring plenty of deodorant and an open mind. it's not the most glamorous destination, but it's got a certain charm that's hard to resist. and who knows - maybe you'll even pick up a few new drumming techniques while you're here.


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About the author: Hugo Barrett

Just a human trying to be helpful on the internet.

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