After a year away attending college, I was ecstatic to revisit my hometown, my family, and my friends. However, weeks passed and I felt estranged, alienated from my own country – but why? Have I been away for so long that I feel like an outsider? One night, I read on a blog:
Sitting in the heart of the Central America region, [El Salvador] boasts incredible national parks, long stretches of beautiful beaches, [and] a plethora of inland attractions” (Hoffmann, 2016, para. 1).
Thinking about it, maybe I need to reconnect with my country. But I only have little time left. Should I visit the lake? The beach? Maybe the volcano. What about the city? Or should I visit a town? How about all of them – in just one week.
LAKE LIFE
The Coatepeque lake. My favorite place of the bunch. The lake is the crater of an inactive volcano that has been flooded. The dock that you see in the picture is brand new since the old one was destroyed in an earthquake in 2001. I do cherish this place. Many sunsets and sunrises were spent with my family, playing board games and appreciating life. Several boat trips and parties with my friends, floating and jet skiing around, contemplating the small but glamorous natural beauty that we live in.
Sadly, violence used to cloak El Salvador’s headlines in newspapers. Today, we can proudly say that the country is the safest it has ever been, and for the “increasing number of [tourists] who are making the effort, the rewards are plentiful” (World Travel Guide, 2017, para. 4). I could not agree more. El Salvador truly is a hidden gem.
CITY LIFE
The nightlife in El Salvador used to be so boring before I left. On my arrival, I was staggered at the number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that have opened up. Downtown was full of life.
Friday nights were great for hopping between bars and nightclubs. Dancing to the blasting music of Latin reggaeton and getting to meet new people was incredibly overwhelming, yet a memorable experience. Saturdays were great to go out with friends to the plaza to shop stores, try new restaurants, and watch a movie.
BEACH LIFE
Surf City – home of the biggest waves in the world. Or known by its original name: El Tunco (pig in Spanish). Why? Take a look. I enjoyed the hot weather listening to waves crashing while drinking a cold beer with my folks. “In the Salvadoran culture, it is important to cultivate close relationships.” (Corsatur, 2022, para. 4) Being able to spend time with my loved ones is important for me. It is something I value.
I had never seen such a vivid place at night. Restaurants and bars were full of people laughing and enjoying their meals. Streets crowded with tourists and vendors selling handcrafted accessories. Everyone with smiles on their face. Including me, who came back with a bracelet that I bought to remember this trip.
VOLCANO LIFE
The hot weather can be inescapable. Head to the Boqueron Volcano. Up in these territories, the weather changes from tropical to a bit chilly, with a smooth breeze that will get you ordering a hot chocolate in no time.
Taking a walk introduced me to various little handicraft shops and thematic restaurants. Alongside my cousins, we were able to share some laughs while we rode a colorful slide in between the foggy climate and the trees swaying in the wind. Certainly, a time to remind ourselves to live in the moment.
TOWN LIFE
I spent my last day celebrating my grandma’s 70th birthday over at her house in Santa Ana, a town one hour away from the main city. Our yearly tradition continued: my father barbecued and my grandma cooked us a cake. After lunch, we headed for the town center.
It was my first time there. I got the chance to walk around the park and visit the ancient town cathedral. Eighty steep stairs later, we were greeted by an astonishing panorama of an aged city. At the top, we shared conversations and smiles. It was a great way to celebrate the gift of life and to say my goodbyes.
This trip was full of lessons and experiences; creating memories that I will take with me forever. Reconnecting with my relatives and my peers were the whole purpose of this journey. Sometimes, it is important to remember who we are and where we come from.
Fortunately, El Salvador is a place I can delightedly call my home. And for those who are seeking an adventure, exploring a new country and its natural beauties, I highly recommend you to visit my country. You will feel welcomed, valued, and most importantly, delighted.
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