I live in a very small rural village, called Picada Itatí. This village belongs to Fracrán, the newest state of Misiones. There are no official records about the population of Picada Itatí, but I think we are a few dozen people. The state of Fracrán has a population of just over 500 according to the last census of 2022.
Picada Itatí is an extremely quiet place where people don't usually come. Instead, when young ladies and boys grow up, they go to any big city searching for better professional possibilities. There aren't many options here when you think about your future: you will be a farmer or the owner of a very small store. In almost all lands you can see yerba mate growing, the first industry here. Two or three families grow tea, wood or some vegetables to sell.
When you need something in this village, it's very important you know how to get it. There are just a few small stores: a basic warehouse owned by Mr. Aco, Mr. Milani's hardware store and two rustic bars. But on the other hand, everybody is very willing to help you. All the material things we haven't here are very rewarded because of the people's love and kindness. The lifestyle is actually different from a city. Anxiety or mistrust have no place here.
The Picada Itatí's infrastructure is terrible, if it exists. Do you want water, gas or electricity to live? You'll have to get it with your own hands. You need to make a deep perforation in your land to find water, go to the nearest town to get a full gas cylinder and make your own electrical connection to have light at home. But it’s an effort that may be worth it. Here you can see and hear a wide variety of animals, especially birds. Curious fact: Misiones has more than 70% of the bird diversity of Latin America. Every day I can see toucans, teros, ducks, trushes, owls, woodpeckers…
