It was a little over 18 years ago, when our son Kris  decided to offer a summer of service, working with the youth in El Salvor, that I first heard about this country located in the heart of Central America on the Pacific Ocean.  Little did he (and we) know that he would find the woman of his dreams (Susy) and a  couple of  years later we would be in El Salvador to attend his wedding.  We had a wonderful 10 days, celebrating and getting to know the many members of our dear daughter-in-law’s family.  We got a small taste of the country but not enough to satisfy our thirst.

Fifteen years later we returned to El Salvador, this time the country of residence for our son and his family.  We stayed three weeks and, thanks to Susy and her family, we got to explore the real El Salvador through wonderful adventures.  Since we are retired and spending time with our grandchildren is our top priority, we decided to spend close to 6 weeks in El Salvador (primarily in San Salvador) this year.  Our time was filled with many activities with ample time to experience living like the locals. 

When I tell people that my son and family live in El Salvador the almost universal response is: “are you not afraid?” and/or “isn’t El Salvador one of the most dangerous countries in the world?”  Having been raised in Iran, working in Salinas, California, living in Israel and walking the streets of several major cities in the world (Kula lumper, Dehli, Rome, Paris, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta and so on) my response is an unequivocal, no.  Like any other part of the world there are areas that are unsafe and as long as you know the rules you will have nothing to worry about.  In fact, the REAL El Salvador has much to offer to a willing, attentive and adventurous visitor.  Following our some of my observations and adventures:

El Salvadoran villages (we visited several including Panchimalco – with a cultural museum, Ataco – filled with beautiful and colorful arts and objects which happens to be the birth place of Susy’s mom.) Each village has a different feel.  What is common is the cleanliness and nice people trying to make a living selling whatever they can (from delicious hand shaved ice to coconut water, green mangos, water and ALL sorts of nick-nacks , some very beautiful.) 

The village of San Sebastian was known for its beautiful and colorful textile.  There are only two stores left.  I was so glad to find a house warming gift, a beautiful handmade table cloth, for our niece, there.

The village of Nuevo Cuscatian is very unique as it is an experiment in creating a safe place for ALL its citizens.  There is a huge interest in education with a free library (very nice) offering free WiFi for all, starting with the very young.  Woman are encouraged to learn trades, such as sewing, knitting, hair styling, etc.  Since 2012 four hundred women have been in the program and have started their own business.  The village hosts a free clinic for its citizens so they do not have to travel the long distances to the city clinics.

The national food of El Salvador is Pupusa.  They are delicious!!!  We especially like the toppings, the salad (picked vegetable) and the salsa :):) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pupusa

We had many great meals at many nice restaurant but our favorite was the food we got from the trucks and in the villages.  You can find tons of inexpensive fruits (especially my favorites, the tropical fruits) and vegetable along the road, at the local market or at the fancy supermarkets. 

There are several stretches of pretty beaches.  The water is warm and good for swimming.  Our grandchildren, like our kids, love the ocean and all of the water sports.  There are serval lakes in El Salvador, one minutes away from Susy’s birth town, Santa Ana (an hour drive from San Salvador.)  We attended a most awesome wedding at this lake and spent the night and the next day enjoying the family, the water and the scenery.

Salvadorians like their fireworks, which one can buy, is any quantities, anytime of the year.  Fireworks, celebrating the New year, started a few days before and continued in to the early morning hours of January 1.  It was especially nice to be on the balcony at our son’s newly built home with the panoramic view of the city and the fireworks, this year.

Having household help is very common in El Salvador, the two ladies employed by our sons are angels.  They love our grandkids and take such a good care of them and the household.  We are so grateful for the peace of mind that their help has brought to Susy and Kris.

There are several good private school in San Salvador.  A good number of the graduates are admitted to top universities in the States, Canada and throughout Europe. Our grandchildren attend the British school and are thriving.   

We love the Baha’i community of El Salvador.  There are a lot of youth and junior youth in the community and all seem committed in building a stronger, more unified and safe community.  One of our fond memories was having breakfast with a precious 90 plus year old American woman who had pioneered, with her now deceased husband, to El Salvador in the 1950s.  It was an added bonus to be with her daughter and grandchildren (one of whom, a very active youth, lives very close to Bosch Baha’i school.)  Our children are lucky to have, for next door neighbors, a wonderful Persian and El Salvadoran Bahai’i couple with three children, all great role models for our grandchildren.   

Click on the link below to see more photos:

https://goo.gl/photos/gyMwAgQ2CpgHkozJA