My Stay at an El Salvadorian Resort

Before leaving San Salvador we were told never to go downtown (by a local no less). But since I'm from Atlanta and John's from L.A. we figured how bad could it be, right? Although this sounds like the set-up for a awful though much deserved experience, we had no problems and quite enjoyed it. We took a bus to our next destination, Izalco. I had heard stories about these things and was happily surprised to have my own seat. Then the bus stopped to pick someone up. And again. And again. It seems anyone could just wave it down, and before long there were two of us crammed into my seat for one. I was one of the lucky ones though, since most of the late arrivals had to stand for the two hour ride.

Izalco is a small town at the base of a volcano. My guidebook mentioned a resort that included horseback rides up the volcano. Unfortunately it had no map and the town slanted up a hill. Noone seemed to know where this place was but finally we discovered it was only about another mile away. Luckily some local offered us a ride in the back of his truck for $3. The resort had promised an all inclusive package of room, dinner, and horseback ride for $25. The room was said to have a fan, TV, and shower. Well, it had none of the above. Technically it had a shower but the water was never on. We also had no sheets or keys and soon were locked out of our room . About the only thing they did have were spiders, big ones, and all over the room. They also had a pool but it was too green to swim in. Despite this though it was a beautiful place. We were the only guests there (that tells you something...) and toured the extensive orchard and surrounding countryside. Our "guide/bodyguard (who was 18)" took us to a river, which turned out to be a trickle of water. They had all sorts of animals, including a hawk crossed with a chicken and a gigantic rodent that ate fruit. They also had a baby boa that bit an old man who got it out for us. Dinner turned out not to be included, but they did have an American-trained chef who made some good grub. The next day we took our horseback ride, which was also not included in the price. The volcano was closed due to recent erruptions, so we rode out into the country. It was beautiful. My horse didn't like to trot and lagged behind, and since I don't speak Spanish I couldn't tell him to "giddy'up!" I got plenty sore and a sunburn, but it made the day worth it.

We left and took a bus over a mountain and past some volcanoes. The road had many twists and turns and the bus flew down it like a roller-coaster, only with semi-trucks coming your way on the track; the fact that the locals were screaming did not give me confidence. This country is amazing but unfortunately very polluted; the locals toss their trash right out the window! Now we are in the city of Santa Ana, which is actually kind of nice. I tried to buy a tortilla today and was given a stack of about thirty for a dollar, so I'm all set for the next few days. Hopefully I'll figure out how to get some pictures on here soon. Better go now and get back to my hotel before it gets dark...