La Luna is built on the idea of showcasing Salvadorian artist and promoting art in its many forms. The restaurant is always changing as new art exhibitions are brought in. There’s live music every night, from classical music to salsa, jazz, and even folk music. Musicians come from all over the country and even all over Central America. Sometimes there’s poetry readings and even workshops to encourage local art. An upcoming event is the one man theatre act featuring Mexican artist Ermis Cruz.

The charm of La Luna isn’t just their dedication to local art but the great food also. Along with the bar food staples like nachos and cheese platters there are some really interesting offerings. The plato de bocas mixtas has an assortment on cheeses, olives, quail eggs, tomato, cucumber, hearts of palm, and bread sticks. The kicker here is the quail eggs; they make this appetizer totally tasty.

Some other really cool options include the Sopa Azteca which is like a spicy tortilla soup. Another favorite is a Luna creation called the Zangolote, a hot chicken sandwich with avocado, beans and cheese. The atmosphere in this place is perfect for a fun night out with friends or even a night to make new friends. The music, the art and the food come together to celebrate Salvadorian art.

Open for twenty years now, an evening at La Luna is fun and even educational in a way. The truth is that La Luna never disappoints. If you want a fun night out on the town, head right to the moon, La Luna is Buenos Aires, San Salvador.

Know of another great hangout in El Salvador? Leave a comment.

A must see example of this architecture is the Palacio Municipal de las Bellas Artes. Here modern
art meets classical Salvadorian arts and crafts. Built in 1911 by Jose Jerez, as a family home and later
donated to the municipality this building became the municipal building in the late 1920’s. In 2001
the building suffered some major damage from an earthquake and was left to gather dust. In 2008 a
remodel was completed and this local treasure was reopened to the public as an art museum. Now the
17 rooms and inner courtyard are teeming with life and culture educating newcomers about Salvadorian
art and history. Inside there is also a lovely café where you can drink the local brews. If you enjoy art and
architecture then a visit to Palacio Municipal de Bellas Artes is a must.

Just a few blocks away is another impressive sample of Jose Jerez’ work; known as Museo Tecleño.
Built in 1902, it was used as the local penitentiary until the earthquake of 2001. In 2010 the remodeled
structure was reopened as Museo Tecleño, now showcasing historical artifacts related to the
penitentiary. On display you’ll find anything from pictures of famous former inmates and pictures of the
civil war to artifacts used in torture. Grim as it may be this is a part of Salvadorian history that gives us
outsiders real insights into the local culture and how hardship has shaped this culture.

Santa Tecla is one of so many places in El Salvador that are unique and so special you just have to visit. If
you haven’t been there yet, get in your car and drive straight to Santa Tecla. You’re going to love it.

Have you visited Santa Tecla? Tell us your experiences and recommendations in our comments section!

There are many cultural differences between Salvadorean, American and European culture. For example, the traditional roles in the family unit have survived the test of time here. Husbands work, wives stay home and raise the children. Families and their extended family remain very close. Some even live together in small homes. Closer to the city there are more women who work outside of home and divorce is not as uncommon as in the more rural areas.

Salvadoreans are friendly and hospitable. They will share their meals with total strangers even if they have very little. Refusing food is even considered offensive. Food is an integral part of Salvadorean culture. Pupusas and encurtido, corn tortillas, corn atol drink and tamales are amongst the most common Salvadorean food. These delicious dishes are largely based on a high corn diet, but Salvadoreans also take in a lot of local fruits and vegetables.

Another aspect of Salvadorean culture is respect. Respect is shown to elders by addressing them as Usted or by their title as Señor or Señora. Wealthier people regardless of age are addressed Don or Doña. When entering a room the guest is expecting to go around the room and greet each person individually. When walking down the street it is considered polite to say hello to each passerby, particularly in smaller communities. Most Salvadoreans are loving and caring, thus they treat everyone with respect and extend their hospitality to all.

Their culture makes Salvadoreans the lovely people that they are. It is our role to embrace that culture, it will only enrich our lives and experiences in this wonderful country.

Want to see more of Central and South America? Join our network of wandering gringos at The Gringo Travel Network.com.

Decameron Salinitas is located on the pacific coast only a short drive away from San Salvador. The rooms’ decoration is soothing and festive all at once. They are spacious and a wide array of amenities are available to make your stay even more comfortable. Every room has a great view of the gardens or the pool.

During the day you can eat all you want at the buffet. The two buffets are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or eat a Thai, Jamaican or Mediterranean dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants. All with a beach view. After a full meal you can hit the gym or pamper yourself at the Spa, treat your self to a massage by a professional. Participate in the different activities, games and contests led by the staff throughout the day or take a tour into El Salvador’s best tourist destinations.

At Decameron you can swim in the ocean or any of the four pools. Have a drink at the bar, there’s four right at the beach, so you can enjoy the view with your favorite drink in hand. At night time enjoy the various family-friendly shows. Then you can choose between a good night’s sleep or dancing all night at the Disco. Whether you’re there for the dancing or just for the drinks, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.

If you need a break form your hectic lifestyle or you just want to treat yourself to an all-inclusive weekend , Decameron Salinitas is your best choice in El Salvador. Stay at Decameron Salinitas, eat, drink and be merry.

•                  Pupusas and Curtido. Pupusas are basically corn stuffed tortillas, similar to Mexican gorditas. The dough is made from Masa (corn flour) and water kneaded and rolled into a small disc. Then after adding the filling, usually cheese, beans or meats like chicharrón (fried pork rind), the dough is folded over the filling and shaped into a tortilla and then cooked on an ungreased skillet. The result is delicious.  Pupusas are usually served with a cabbage and carrot vinegar salad called Curtido and tomato sauce. There’s pupuserías all over El Salvador and they’re usually really cheap. Pupusas are even frozen and exported to countries like the United States, but nothing comes close to the real thing.

•                  Horchata is a very popular drink all over Central America and Mexico. Horchata varies from country to country but the basic components are sesame seeds or morro, almonds, vanilla, cinnamon and water or milk. The taste is sweet and spicy, simply wonderful. Many Salvadorians make horchata at home and restaurants usually have fresh horchata as well. There are also prepackaged powder mixes at the supermarket that taste pretty good when prepared with milk.

•                  Quesadillas Salvadoreñas are very different from Mexican quesadilllas. This cheese coffee cake is super popular here. It’s made from Parmesan cheese  or shredded queso fresco, sesame seeds, flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, sugar and butter. It’s very simple and really tasty. Some prefer to use cornmeal which tastes like cornbread with cheese which is, in one word, magic.

These are only a few examples of Salvadorian cuisine, you will likely find that there are as many similarities as there are differences between this food and the food you’re used to. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. Now that you know what to expect, you are better prepared and  you will successfully circumvent culture shock and fall in love with Salvadorian food and culture.

Apaneca means “the river of the winds” and the city holds up to its name, with constant breezes throughout the day. Many wind barriers are created using coffee bushes, making the whole region very picturesque.

There are lost of different sights to see in Apaneca, such as the Laguna Verde and the Laguna de las Ninfas, and touring a coffee plantation is a must.

While in Apaneca you should definitely plan a trip to Ataco. This small mountain town, just 5 kilometers from Apaneca, is home to Diconte Axul, one of the most famous textile and handicraft stores in El Salvador. The store is well known by everyone, and is just a couple blocks from the main park.

At many beneficios, as coffee recollection sites are called in Spanish, you can tour the premises free of charge. However, they do expect you to buy a bit of their gourmet coffee, which at between $5 and $10 per pound, is a steal!

The Big Gringo travel Central and South America trying out new things and reporting back to you – my faithful readers – so that you might enjoy your travels. Here is some information you might also find valuable:
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Find out more about Visa Programs in Belize at my website about ==> Living or Retiring in Belize.

Find out more about Learning Spanish in Antigua Guatemala at my website about ==> Antigua Guatemala for Gringos.

Juayua.com has photo galleries of the city, a calendar of events, hotel listings, info on tour companies, restaurants, news, transportation and more. It is like one stop shopping for this little town that is talked about all over the internet as one of the best stops on the Route of the Flowers.

I think my favorite is the “Comida Rapida” section, which highlights the three “fast food” places in Juayua, all right by city park.

If you are practicing your Spanish in preparation for the trip, this is a good place to come and read up, in Spanish, about the town.

I think it is great to see such a small mountain town in El Salvador working to promote itself through the internet.

Go check out the helpful travel tips on www.juayua.com!

The Big Gringo travel Central and South America trying out new things and reporting back to you – my faithful readers – so that you might enjoy your travels. Here is some information you might also find valuable:
Find out more about Retirement in Cuenca at my website about ==> Cuenca, Ecuador – Money Magazines #1 Retirement Spot.

Find out more about Visa Programs in Belize at my website about ==> Living or Retiring in Belize.

Find out more about Learning Spanish in Antigua Guatemala at my website about ==> Antigua Guatemala for Gringos.

In other countries I have traveled to, I often succumb, at least once, to eating at an American style pizza joint, like Pizza Hut, and I am always incredibly disappointed. Even in countries where there are local pizza chains, it is just never as good as Hungry Howies (GO MIDWEST PIZZA!).

Pizzeria Al Forno isn’t Midwest pizza, and it’s not a New York pie either, but it does what it does well. Pizzas are baked fresh, in about 15 minutes, and they use all fresh ingredients. They aren’t greasy, and they are reasonably priced. The sauce might leave a little something to be desired, but the toppings are excellent. It is the kind of place that pleases pretty much everyone in the pizza department.

You can also try a variety of appetizers, including garlic knots and cheese covered garlic bread. If you aren’t so much of a pizza fan, try the chicken and beef lasagna.

The Pizzeria Al Forno is located one block to the east of Central Park in front of the Despensa Familiar. The phone number is (503) 2469–2608, although no reservations are needed.

The Big Gringo travel Central and South America trying out new things and reporting back to you – my faithful readers – so that you might enjoy your travels. Here is some information you might also find valuable:
Find out more about Retirement in Cuenca at my website about ==> Cuenca, Ecuador – Money Magazines #1 Retirement Spot.

Find out more about Visa Programs in Belize at my website about ==> Living or Retiring in Belize.

Find out more about Learning Spanish in Antigua Guatemala at my website about ==> Antigua Guatemala for Gringos.

The hotel is a colonial home that has been converted, and keeps a very low key, cool, cozy style. Hammocks are strung up between support beams, there is a common kitchen for guests to share, and a number of random rooms to chill in with free internet access.

The private rooms have hot water bathrooms, the dorm rooms have a shared cold-water only bathroom and three bunk beds each (6 beds per room). Single occupancy rooms start at $15.00, and go up to $45 for quadruple occupancy. Double occupancy is just $25 a night.

Hotel Anahuac is a pretty cool place to nestle yourself into in Juayua. Visit www.hotelanahuac.com for more information.

Hotel Anahuac also offers tours to Los Chorros, the geishers and hot springs, and the 7 waterfalls. Tours are reasonable, ranging between $5 and $15 dollars per person.

If you want to learn more about travel in Juayua and other parts of El Salvador, click here.

Really, if you come to Juayua during the week, you are going to want to fill your days with different hikes, bike rides, and swims in anticipation of the weekend’s Gastronomic Fair.

That’s where Juayutur fits in. Although at the moment they don’t have a web-site, you can call Edgar Antonio Alfaro at 011 503 2469 2387, or just stop by the office!

Make sure you make the time for visiting Los Chorros, exploring the underground tunnels, and if you have a chance and like coffee, don’t pass up a tour of the coffee farm and processing plant.