March 21 Perspective

Since we were supposed to be in San Miguel, the plans for today and tomorrow are being thrown together. There are a group of students (& chaperones) from District 7040 (eastern Ontario and some Quebec and northern USA) who are working and doing some tourism in San Salvador. We hitched a ride with them to a Rotarian's house on the ocean. It was great to hear from high-school aged kids who are involved with such great service oriented projects. They're definitely having some fun while doing it, but they're focused on giving back.

We got some good exercise, and reflected on the differences we'd experience...country to country, and expectations to reality.

 

 

 

 

We arrive back for a tea, and were whisked away to Santa Ana, where we'll be staying until Thursday. The first day of meeting your new hosts/billets is always a little awkward. Will they speak English? Will the house be comfortable? Will they be genuinely interested in us?

Needless to say, the Rotarians in Santa Ana gave us the warmest welcome so far. We enjoyed Pupusas, their local dish, and even did a little dancing. Doug & I are staying with Mario, who owns 3 restaurants. We stop for a scotch and tour of two of them en route home. They are expansive places, and his staff are knowledgeable and engaging. His home is close by, and is warm and inviting without being over the top. Doug and I are roomies, and it feels like university again.

CGD