Paraguayan Ambassador to Korea Ceferino Valdez hosted a special guest at his residence in Seoul: 78-year-old Tranquilina Franco, who won a round-trip ticket and two-week trip to Korea.

Franco won the expenses-paid vacation participating in a marathon in her South American home town, Asuncion, Paraguay, through her participation in a marathon co-sponsored by the Korean Embassy which is celebrating with Paraguay the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

What made the trip so special is not only the fact that the near-octogenarian won the ticket in a 26-mile run, or even that she traveled 36 hours on multiple flights from Paraguay to visit Seoul, but that it was her first trip to any country outside South America.

“I see Korea as a very advanced country. I admire everything I have seen so far in terms of infrastructure. For example, I loved the Seoul Tower as well as the countless bridges crossing over the Han River. I also felt very amazed at how people work really hard in Korea. It is a real testimony that Koreans love their country,” said Franco.

She had help, however, from Paraguayan students Maria Angela Recalde Ramirez and Daniel Benitez Davalos. Sarangbat Foundation, a Korean nonprofit active in the South American nation, arranged for two Paraguayan students with outstanding academic standing to accompany Franco in Korea.

Franco has long been an avid walker and marathon participant, so the trio took part in a marathon here, the “Hi Seoul Marathon” on Oct. 14.

“My training starts when I leave my house and walk through Asuncion’s streets very early in the morning at 5 o’clock,” Franco said. “I walk a little more than 5 kilometers every day.

“I love to participate in marathons because it helps me stay in good health at my age and to socialize and meet new people.”

Valdez said they visited all the great sites in Seoul during their 15-day trip, including the DMZ, as well as experiencing first-hand the Korean cuisine and traditions.

“This is actually something I haven’t prepared myself for. Destiny and my faith allow me now to get to know a completely new culture despite my age,” said a beaming Franco.

The three returned to Paraguay on Oct. 19 after a two-week trip here.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)