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DOUGLAS – SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR

the determined father

We met Douglas’s German girlfriend at our hostel in San Salvador. It didn’t take too long until we met Douglas and his good friend Isaac and started to hang out. From the first moment, Douglas seemed like a strong character, somebody who is passionate and fierce. Over the many days and good-night beers, we were lucky to get to know Douglas and his exciting and challenging life story a bit better.

Growing up with a father who held a high rank in El Salvador‘s military and a strong, confident mother his childhood was well protected. His upbringing may be 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.

Tattooed at a young age, Douglas now also bears the struggle of discrimination. In a country where gangs with tattooed members have spread terror for decades, a young tattooed Salvadorian is always in danger of police harassment.

Growing up, Douglas was a shy guy, chubby with pimples. He told us he was very insecure and the pressure from within his family and outside. Until today small daily things are not possible for him. He can’t take public transportation, he has to be careful when being out at night, he has to make mall decision with extra caution. His father’s career and his tattoos overshadow very many things.

His life changed drastically when his first son was born when he was 18. He grew up from one day to another. Wanting to be a role model, Douglas took on the responsibility. Holding his son for the first time has changed him and made him the strong man he is today. The miracle was in his arms gave him confidence. He started making decisions indecently for the good of his son and himself.

What’s important to Douglas?

His son and the role he plays in his life. Right now everything in his life is dedicated to building a safe and promising future.

To Douglas respectability and loyalty are fundamental values in life. He promised himself to always be there for his son, to support him and make decisions based on the people he is most fond of. It became undeniable how benevolent, caring and protective Douglas was of his close friend and his girlfriend. The guy who describes himself as not so friendly, actually always looks out for his surrounding and does so with a stern, but loving manner.

What makes Douglas happy?

His son. Spending time, caring and providing for him makes Douglas happier than anything else in the world. But many times, we could witness a happy and blissful smile when we were talking to his German girlfriend, Alissa. She makes him happy, and it’s visible that he wants to make her happy, too. When you look at them, the decisions and commitment they made to each other become visible. 3 months after we left El Salvador we heard the happy news that Alissa and Douglas are expecting their first child together. Both of them are very happy and are looking forward to the future.

Would Douglas like to live in a different country?

That’s a tough question to answer because he loves his country despite many implications which make life more difficult.

If he could freely choose a place to live, he would despite his love for his country, choose Europe. He would love for his children to go to school without fearing implications with kids whose parents are implicated in gangs. After all, Douglas is a parent, and he appreciates all the opportunities Europe has to offer, especially with regards to security and education.

Since Alissa and Douglas are having a baby together, Douglas is about to uproot his life in El Salvador to start a new life in Germany. We’ll keep you posted when we’ll meet Alissa and Douglas in Germany.

What does Douglas recommend to travelers visiting El Salvador?

Don’t let the gang-related headlines keep you from visiting El Salvador. While there might be little ways out for the locals, gangs stay away from tourists and its actually pretty safe!

He recommends visiting the capital for a while, but to really get to know El Salvador, its culture and soul, Douglas urges to spent a longer period of time in the villages.

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.
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31. August 2018
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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.
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16. August 2018
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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.
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26. July 2018
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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.
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19. July 2018
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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.
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10. July 2018
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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.
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27. June 2018
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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.
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23. August 2018
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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
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11. August 2018
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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.
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13. July 2018
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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.
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3. September 2018
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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.
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1. July 2018
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