In October 2019, I accepted Erwin and Sylvia Annau’s offer to get to know El Paraiso Verde better. In a group of about 20 other curious individuals, we were warmly welcomed by both of them at the airport in Asunción. After having lunch at a fabulous restaurant, we continued our journey to Villarrica by coach. Erwin proved to be an excellent tour guide, providing a wealth of interesting information about the country—not only regarding politics and the economy but also about customs, traditions, and the history of Paraguay.
We spent our first night in Villarrica, as there were several items on the agenda for the next day in that town. In addition to visiting the headquarters of Reljuv, a doctor’s appointment was necessary to apply for the Cedula. We also explored the city in more detail. In the late afternoon, we traveled to Cazaapa to visit El Paraiso Verde for the coming days. The travel group was unique; we had a lot of fun together and participated in many activities. The food was generally excellent, and there was often the very popular and delicious Paraguayan asado, sometimes accompanied by Erwin’s guitar skills.
At that time, the project was, of course, not comparable to what it is today. Many things were still in their infancy and had yet to be developed. However, the Annaus’ vision was impressive. That’s why I decided to purchase a plot of land, an apartment, and another property. The decision to leave Germany had already been made long ago, and my intuition was positive about the whole thing. Moreover, I had trust in the founders, so the rest was just a formality.
Upon returning to Germany, my first stop was the notary’s office to certify the contracts. The following months were spent preparing for emigration—quitting my job and parting with many possessions.
On November 1, 2020, in the midst of the COVID hysteria, the time had finally come. The flight went smoothly. Upon arrival, there was a triumphant cheer—it was finally done! A staff member from El Paraiso Verde was already there to pick me up. The Annaus and the settlers gave me a warm welcome. The following weeks felt like being at a summer camp. Alongside full catering, there were many leisure activities. The time spent with all the new faces was exciting and varied—there was never a dull moment.
Over New Year’s 2020/2021, I traveled for the first time—to Encarnación, a city with over 100,000 inhabitants in southern Paraguay, near the border with Posadas, Argentina. The entertainment options there were significantly greater than around Cazaapa, which impressed me. From then on, I wavered between staying in El Paraiso Verde and building a house or trying my luck in Encarnación. As a 45-year-old single man, I ultimately decided on Encarnación. So, after a little more than three months at EPV, I went to Erwin and Sylvia with a heavy heart and informed them of my decision to leave the settlement. The Annaus were understanding, and we parted on good terms.
Next, the process of reversing my investments had to be arranged. By June 2021, I had already received a check for the sale of my apartment. For the investment property, which had increased in value by over 6.5%, it was agreed that the payout would be made in 15 installments upon maturity. Everything worked smoothly. In 2023, I decided to sell my last property as well. Until then, I had considered it a safeguard and possible refuge—a kind of Plan B. However, by that time, the well-known disputes within the leadership of El Paraiso Verde had begun. As a result, the payout process was delayed until I was invited to El Paraiso Verde on February 7, 2025. The money was paid out, and there are no further claims on either side.
My experiences with Erwin and Sylvia Annau have been very positive. Their approach is professional. But on a personal level, I can only express my full respect for them—the conversations were always pleasant and diverse. It is difficult for me to understand why there are always people speaking negatively about them. I certainly do not share that opinion.
Andreas P.