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.