Leon, Nicaragua has a reputation for liberalism, intellectualism and independence. There are three major universities and several smaller ones, the largest cathedral in Central America and a World Heritage Site, a dozen or more ornate churches (think baroque and neoclassical) and an art gallery hosting the largest collection of Central American artists anywhere. […]
I really enjoyed my time in the Ruta de las Flores area of El Salvador. Juayua was the perfect base to explore this diverse region of small towns, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, festivals and very friendly Salvadoreans. Now, after seven weeks in Central America without one look at the Pacific (since leaving Northern California) I was […]
Ahuachapan is a bustling colonial town of 38,000 inhabitants just 16 km from the Guatemalan border. I passed through it’s busy bus terminal and traffic choked central market when I first arrived in El Salvador. I returned for an afternoon while staying in Juayua. A walk around the lovely Plaza Concordia and a pita lunch […]
It was time for another volcano hike. The destination this time was Volcano National Park home of three very large volcanoes. The tallest, Vulcan Santa Ana with last eruption in 2005, was the goal. Although the park is not too many kilometers from Juayua where I have been staying all week, it required catching a […]
El Salvador is a wildly colorful place. A bright palette is in evidence everywhere. The following are some examples of the many murals, paintings and other art media I have been enjoying this week. Next is a small section of the front driver’s side windshield of a chicken bus I was riding in today. I […]
I have been staying in the lovely town of Juayua, El Salvador, for several days now. Each Saturday and Sunday the town hosts an “international” food fair which draws many visitors from San Salvador and various countries. The streets are taken over by food booths, live entertainment, and last Sunday there were even belly dancers! […]
Four hours, one border crossing and two busses later I arrive in Juayua, El Salvador. Juayua is a small town in the mountains in the Ruta de las Flores area, named for the profusion of wildflowers that proliferate from November to February. I have decided to stay at the Hostal Anáhuac which was highly recommended […]
I have left beloved Guatemala and recently arrived in El Salvador. I was in Guatemala 37 days and could have easily stayed longer. Guatemala is a land of contradictions. There is diverse physical beauty and also diesel smoke, grim, water pollution and deforestation. There is poverty and lack of opportunity to advance, yet incredible warmth, […]
In which Bob and Bing get the girl, sing a song and all is resolved. Arthur Freed where are you? I’m ready for my closeup Mr. De Mille. I awaken Sunday morning and it is a bright sunshiny day! (O.K. Now I suppose I will have that song stuck in my head for awhile.) We […]
Stepping outside my comfort zone. Spontaneity, e.g., “What do I want to do today? Not watching television, films, and limited internet time. Seeing new places; experiencing diversity of natural beauty. Meeting new people. Experiencing new, old and ancient cultures and ruins. Fine-tuning my ability to flex and be in the heart of the moment. Swimming […]