Sustainable travel
  • Unique Travel Destinations
  • Mindful stays
    • About us
  • Responsible Travel
  • Search
  • Menu
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

DORIS – SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR

a strong-hearted and powerful woman

We were headed to the beautiful beaches of El Cuco when we met Doris at San Miguel’s bus station. Doris actually the first person we were lucky to get to know during our journey through El Salvador. Wanting to stack up on our food and snack supplies, we asked her for help to find stores. Doris got up, asked us to watch her stuff, and promptly returned with some fresh papaya and typical El Salvadorian snacks. Doris refused any money from us, we returned the favor with some cold Salvadorian beer. All set we started our journey to El Cuco with Doris, the best company possible. Doris was as eager to hear our story as we were to listen to hers. The bus ride offered the perfect opportunity to share memories and exchange stories. Like many El Salvadorians Doris grew up under modest circumstances. Her father has left the family very early.
Nonetheless, she spent a carefree childhood on the coast. She soon realized that despite some financial struggle, she and her family were rich in love and freedom. Back then nothing made her happier than feeling the sand on her bare feet while playing with her siblings by the water,

By the time she turned 31, life had changed, and she had to provide for her four children. With a heavy heart, Doris decided to build a future in the city. So she moved to San Salvador and was lucky to find a fulfilling and providing job. As much as the move had helped her to live her life, the city also robbed her of her beloved son. Tragically, El Salvador is still struggling with gang violence, and many continue to fall victim to murder. Despite the hardship and this heartbreaking blow of fate, Doris had never lost her courage. She told us that the freedom and love she had experienced in her childhood and youth still give her strength today. It provided her with the courage to carry on and give her all to her remaining three children. She worked even harder and learned that diligence affords her independence and freedom. Especially the tragic death of her son made her appreciate life and its little moments so much more.

Doris is a woman who reinvented herself.

What is vital to Doris?

Doris draws her strength from her religious beliefs and God’s love. Honoring God is essential to her. Her faith made her the resistant woman she is today and gave her the strength to overcome pain and suffering.
Respect is also a cardinal value to her. She has learned that only those who respect their fellow human beings can expect respect for themselves.
Doris considers helpfulness to be one fundamental pillar of life. One should take nothing for granted and always be aware that there is a person in the world who is even worse off than oneself.
Last but not least, her family is the most essential thing in life. Family to her is the basis of all being.

  What does happiness mean to Doris?

To Doris, happiness means her children’s happiness. She is very thankful to have a job that will enable her to create a better life for her children. She knows that she is blessed that despite her personal heartache and the still prevailing hopelessness amongst the young population in El Salvador, her remaining children have not fallen into the arms of criminal gangs promising fast money.

Would you like to live in another country?

Yes, her heart belongs to El Salvador, but she would like to live somewhere else for two reasons. On the one hand, she would want to move to a more developed and wealthier country because she sees a chance not just to earn money to survive but to actually built something. It would make life easier for her not only to live from hand to mouth. She really wants to create a secure future. It would allow her children to make decisions for their future, not based on financial pressure but out of choice. On the other hand, Doris is super curious. She loves leaving her comfort zone and getting to know the world and its people. She would love to know more about different ways of living and different customs. Doris is dreaming of living in the US, Germany, or Argentina.

Doris’s recommendations for travelers to El Salvador

Try to get to know the El Salvadorians! Don’t be afraid and don’t let prejudices get in the way of getting to know us. Above all, don’t be shy to talk to engage in a conversation. El Salvadorians are very respectful and will not impose a conversation and leave you alone if they feel like you are uncomfortable. If you don’t actively open up, you miss out on getting to know El Salvador beyond newspaper headlines.
The El Salvadorians are very excited about tourism. They are aware that their country may offer lower living standards and suffers from many prejudices. Despite the prevailing poverty, social indifference, and issues, El Salvadorians want to share their love for their home country.
Besides this incomprehensible open-heartedness, there is so much more the locals have to share. Unfortunately, only a few people can get this glimpses. Glimpses into a purposeful, courageous, and relaxed country.

DISCOVER EL SALVADOR

Country, people & food culture

Our El Salvador itinerary

Copan, Honduras
Belize, Central America, El Salvador

Copan - a pleasant if not surprising stop in Honduras

We traveled to Central America a couple of times and had the chance to see several Maya sites along the way. Each impressive in its own way. Contrary to other Maya ruins across Central America. You'll often have Copan to yourself. The mysterious archaeological site boasts remarkable hieroglyphics and sculptures. On top of that, the town of Copan itself is drop-dead charming.
Read more
0 Comments
/
31. August 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Copan-Honduras-Maya-Ruins-11.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-08-31 20:13:072019-08-20 18:07:06Copan - a pleasant if not surprising stop in Honduras
Santa Ana, El Salvador colcanic crater lake
Central America, El Salvador

Santa Ana - a volcanic crater lake and colonial charm

Excited for the last volcano for this journey was awaiting us tomorrow. Volcano Santa Ana's incredibly impressive crater marks the highlight for many travelers coming to El Salvador for a good reason. We were left speechless (and breathless) when we first set our eyes on the turquoise crater lake.
Read more
0 Comments
/
16. August 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Ana-El-Salvador-36.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-08-16 19:19:402019-08-20 18:07:29Santa Ana - a volcanic crater lake and colonial charm
Travel El Salvador: Ataco on Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
Central America, El Salvador

Ruta de Las Flores - picturesque trip through colorful villages

El Salvador's Ruta de las Flores is a real gem. The 40 km winding road is seamed by the picturesque villages with excellent food markets. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do from discovering coffee plantations to volcano hikes and swims under stunning waterfalls.
Read more
0 Comments
/
26. July 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Ruta-de-las-Flores-El-Salvador-51.jpg 561 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-07-26 19:14:382020-01-26 18:11:32Ruta de Las Flores - picturesque trip through colorful villages
Suchitoto, El Salvador colorful houses
Central America, El Salvador

Suchitoto - the place of flowers and birds

Suchitoto almost feels like a little journey in time and space after we visited busy San Salvador. The city's name originates from the Nahual language and translates into "place of flowers and birds." Known as the cultural capital, Suchi's colorful historic houses are home to art galleries, boutique hostels, and NGOs. On top of that, little Suchitoto offers and exciting surrounding for outdoor and history enthusiasts.
Read more
0 Comments
/
19. July 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Suchitoto-El-Salvador-8.jpg 661 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-07-19 18:08:282022-03-08 18:54:17Suchitoto - the place of flowers and birds
San Salvador, centro Historico
Central America, El Salvador

San Salvador - a resilient capital, rich in history, scars and hope

San Salvador, El Salvador's resilient heart. The capital bears deeps scares, many of them still visible at Centro Histórico and in the hearts and memories of its inhabitants. Its heartache was omnipresent, yet the city's fierce determination for a better future, its hopes and aspirations are infectious and the reason why San Salvador is our favorite capital in Central America.
Read more
0 Comments
/
10. July 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/San-salvador-El-Salvador-3.jpg 835 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-07-10 20:00:162020-02-26 13:12:07San Salvador - a resilient capital, rich in history, scars and hope
El Salvador's best beaches: Playa esteron, El Cuco at sunset
Central America, El Salvador

Surfing El Salvador: Discover El Cuco & Playa Las Flores

El Cuco is a sleepy little village. It’s busier on the weekends as many El Salvadorians come to enjoy the stunning beaches. El Cuco is winged by two impressive beaches on either side, Playa Esteron, a remote white-grey sand beach, and Playa Las Flores, which boasts world-class waves for surfing.
Read more
0 Comments
/
27. June 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/El-Cuco-El-Salvador-11.jpg 561 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-06-27 19:41:252020-01-26 18:08:30Surfing El Salvador: Discover El Cuco & Playa Las Flores
Page 1 of 212

People of El Salvador

People of El Salvador
People

Isaac - a San Salvadorian in pursuit of freedom

Do you know those people who just put a smile on your face? People who just let you get carried away and blossom. Isaac is one of those people in whose presence you can immediately feel comfortable. His authentic and humorous personality inspired us.
Read more
0 Comments
/
23. August 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/People-of-El-Salvador-1-1.jpg 746 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-08-23 22:04:172019-08-10 18:30:29Isaac - a San Salvadorian in pursuit of freedom
People of El Salvador
People

Douglas - the determined father

Growing up with a father who held a high rank in El Salvador's military and a strong, confident mother Douglas' childhood was well protected. His upbringing may have been privileged compared to many El Salvadorian families, but also caused many challenges in daily life which we couldn't even imagine. With his father being an ex-military and aspiring politician, the family has faced threats from gangs.
Read more
0 Comments
/
11. August 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/People-of-El-Salvador-2.jpg 751 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-08-11 19:52:422019-08-10 18:26:31Douglas - the determined father
People of El Salvador
People

Doris - a strong-hearted and powerful woman

We were headed to the beautiful beaches of El Cuco when met Doris at San Miguel’s bus station. Doris actually the first person we were lucky to get to know during our journey through El Salvador. Wanting to stack up our food and snack supplies we asked her for help to find stores. All set we started our journey to El Cuco with Doris, the best company possible.
Read more
0 Comments
/
13. July 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/People-of-El-Salvador-3-1.jpg 614 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-07-13 20:00:262019-08-10 18:29:53Doris - a strong-hearted and powerful woman

Salvadorian cuisine

Empanada recipe
foodculture

Empanadas - a recipe to feed your nostalgia

When you travel through Central and South America, there is no way around them: Empanadas! Whenever we feel nostalgic, we take out this recipe and reminisce about our time traveling. Sold in buses and on the streets this typical "fast food" is not just cheap and easy to eat to the go but comes literally millions of variations. They can be filled with all kinds of meat, seafood or with vegetables.
Read more
0 Comments
/
3. September 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Empanada-recipe-food-culture-El-Salvador-1.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-09-03 20:09:252022-03-08 18:54:17Empanadas - a recipe to feed your nostalgia
Pupusas Recipe
foodculture

Pupusas recipe - El Salvador's national dish

Pupusas - without a doubt our most frequently eaten dish in El Salvador! Pupusas are not only the cheapest, easiest and most commonly found dish in El Salvador, but they also come with various fillings. Accompanied with a spicey cabbage-carrot salad, Pupusas can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Read more
0 Comments
/
1. July 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Pupusas-recipe-food-culture-El-Salvador-2.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-07-01 20:18:232019-08-17 19:55:53Pupusas recipe - El Salvador's national dish
© Copyright - Unique Universe 2019
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • Contact
  • Imprint
  • User privacy settings
San Salvador – a resilient capital, rich in history, scars and hope San Salvador, centro Historico Suchitoto, El Salvador colorful houses Suchitoto – the place of flowers and birds
Scroll to top
  • de