Jan. 24, 2019 – El Salvador – I’ve been getting acquainted with the culture in El Salvador and tagging along as David and Nancy Slinde of West Bend embark on their 30th mission trip to the Central American country.
Following a visit to the Iglesia El Rosario, one of the finest churches in Central America, we toured a street market in the area of Libertad Plaza. The food vendors had steaming metal pots and were working the dough for pupusa being doled out on the hot grill.
Fresh papaya and plantain were sliced up and blended into juice. There was also a mix that looked rather nasty; passersby were drinking the concoction with a straw shoved into a clear plastic bag. According to our tour guide, Arnoldo, it was a pale mix of orange juice and egg. “Don’t judge it until you try it,” he said.
The Slindes warn against buying any produce or items off the grill because of the low level of water quality and sanitary standards. Bakery was apparently safe so the treat of the day was a freshly made quesadilla for 50 cents. It had an airy muffin-like consistency and was about the size of a large grapefruit with sesame seeds on top.
Updates & tidbits…
-The street markets are crowded for a week day. Armed guards/police can be seen on every street corner and riding in the beds of pickup trucks.
-The Slindes have asked if I feel safe and I do, although I wouldn’t wander around a lot by myself. If I did, my head would be on a swivel and I’d always have my hand on my money. Even our tour guide, Arnoldo, encouraged us to stay together, and he won’t bring us down certain streets.
-At the churches we see other Americans or Canadians; our height and white skin are the giveaway.
-I’ve spotted more than 10 young people wearing Star Wars shirts.
Click HERE to read more about the Slindes adventure in El Salvador.
