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Yesterday, I shared a glimpse of Matt’s visit and our stay at Mangomar Beach House in Teotepeque. What made this visit especially meaningful was that the very place we stayed was once home to Elizabeth and her grandparents—years ago, when she was a young girl. As we walked the shoreline and listened to the rhythm of the waves, memories began to surface. What follows is Elizabeth’s story, shaped by the feelings and recollections that resurfaced during our time there.

On August 25, my son Mathew came to visit. It was a joyful day for Hugh and me—one of those moments that fills the heart with quiet gratitude. In the days that followed, we planned a trip to the beach, and I never imagined that my husband would reserve a ranch at Sihuapilapa Beach, the very place where I had lived for several years. Without knowing, I found myself standing exactly where my grandparents’ house once stood—a place woven into the fabric of my childhood, where laughter echoed. Mornings were filled with sunlight, running, and leaping with joy.
At the age of eight, my parents chose a new path, and we left that beautiful place behind. Now, at sixty-three, I return to find everything changed. Others now own that little piece of land where my early memories still linger.
I was blessed to revisit La Loma de Penas, where I used to search for starfish, colorful little fish, and seashells. I bathed once again in the saltwater pools left behind when the tide receded—just as I did so many years ago.
This journey was enjoyable. I hadn’t expected to return to the place of my childhood, and yet I did. And in doing so, I remembered how life once felt in that sunlit stretch of coast. It was a very happy trip.

Our son Matthew came for a long-awaited visit, arriving on August 23rd. Elizabeth and I met him at the airport bright and early—8 a.m.—and kicked off the day with breakfast at Denny’s in San Salvador. It was a simple start, but one filled with joy and anticipation.
After breakfast, Matt had one request: cigars. He was eager to bring home a few authentic Salvadoran cigars, so we stopped by a local cigar shop. He enjoyed browsing the selection and picked out a few to take back to the States. The rest of the day was spent meandering through San Salvador, shopping and soaking in the city’s energy before heading back home to Cara Sucia.
Sunday was a quieter day. We spent it catching up, sharing stories, and mapping out plans for Matt’s short but meaningful 10-day vacation.
One of the highlights was our stay at the Mangomar Beach House in Teotepeque, from Monday, the 25th, to Wednesday, the 27th. This oceanfront gem had everything we needed—an inviting swimming pool, a play area for the kids, and plenty of space to relax. There were seven of us: Elizabeth, Matt, and me, along with Luz, Adal, and their children. We grilled, swam, and spent time by the ocean. I even went treasure hunting along the beach, which brought back memories of earlier days. It was a beautiful couple of days filled with laughter, good food, and shared stories.
Later in the week, we took a scenic drive along the Ruta de las Flores. We stopped for lunch at Nubes Café, a charming spot with great food and a peaceful vibe. From there, we headed to Concepción de Ataco—a stunning town nestled in the mountains. It’s part of the Ruta de las Flores and is known for its vibrant murals, artisan markets, and cozy restaurants. If you ever find yourself in El Salvador, Ataco is a must-see.
We also made a trip to the port of Acajutla, where we strolled along the waterfront and enjoyed a delicious seaside lunch: the ocean breeze and salty air made for a perfect afternoon.
As always, time flew by. It felt like Matt had just arrived, and suddenly we were saying goodbye. He’s already planning his next visit—and this time, he hopes to bring his lovely wife, Vilma. Elizabeth met her during a trip to the States, but I’ve only spoken to her through FaceTime and phone calls.
I’m looking forward to meeting her in person.
I’ll be writing another blog soon. Elizabeth and I have been busy with home renovations—lots of painting and remodeling—so I’ll share those updates next time.
Below is a slideshow from Matt’s vacation. We hope you enjoy it, and as always, thank you for following our life and times here in El Salvador.

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July has been a busy month for Elizabeth and me. We are doing some remodeling and repairs to our home this month. We are painting the outside trim and repairing the floor tiles on both porches.

Elizabeth went to Houndours with her church group on the 8th and will be back tomorrow, the 22nd. I’ve been busy here, getting the repairs done.

I’ve also been working on a book that I’ve wanted to write for some time, and I’ve finally begun writing it. I won’t say much about it until I finish, but I will say that it’s about my life and the connection I feel with our Universe.

We have had quite a lot of rain, usually at night, but it has also been very hot here.

We are also getting ready for our son Matthew’s visit at the end of August. We are looking forward to that. Matt has not visited since 2023. He wants to do some sightseeing and see some of the beaches. We plan to take a trip through the Route of the Flowers, possibly spending a day at the Hot Springs in Ahuachapan and a few days at La Libertad. Of course, we want to do some grilling here at the house.

I am looking forward to his visit.

I have added a slideshow of the work we are doing on our house.

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The rainy season in El Salvador spans from May to October, transforming the landscape into a tranquil retreat of vibrant growth, offering a sanctuary of renewal. Heavy downpours are common, with the wettest months—June to September—characterized by frequent showers that often occur in the afternoons and evenings. Despite the intensity of the rain, hurricanes are rare in El Salvador due to its location along the Pacific coast.

This time of year also means dedicating long hours to yard maintenance. With the grass growing rapidly, we spend a significant amount of time cutting and trimming to keep our yard neat. Elizabeth also enjoys setting out new plants and flowers. Each session takes around seven to eight hours, using a push mower and a weed eater. To beat the heat, we work early in the morning, averaging about three hours daily—a routine that keeps both Elizabeth and me in great shape. By the time the whole yard is done, it only takes about four or five days before it’s time to start all over again!

One unexpected joy this season brought was the revival of two trees we had planted the previous year. Initially, they seemed lifeless, and we debated removing them. However, after the first couple of rain showers, they surprised us by budding fresh leaves. This uplifting moment truly made our day.

Aside from yard work, El Salvador attracts many travelers during the rainy season, especially surfers and water sports enthusiasts, who take advantage of the strong waves and cooler temperatures. The mix of rain and tropical beauty creates an unforgettable experience for visitors.

We’ve put together a slideshow of our yard maintenance journey, and we’d love for you to take a look! If you enjoy our content, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share our posts—it helps increase our visibility and reach. Additionally, your comments mean the world to us and help us continue to improve our services. Thank you for being part of our community!

On Sunday, Elizabeth and I made a day trip to Santa Ana to shop at the PriceSmart there. This was a beautiful, scenic two-hour drive through the mountains. We stopped at a roadside stand and bought some oranges.
PriceSmart is a company based in California, with locations throughout El Salvador and Central America similar to Costco or Sam’s Club. We enjoy shopping at PriceSmart about once a month. After shopping, we took the route to Ahuachapan, another beautiful drive through the country.
Since we had enjoyed our Mother’s Day lunch at El Jardin de Celeste Restaurant, we stopped by again for lunch. Elizabeth enjoyed the chicken, and I had the steak, both of which were served with mushroom sauce. It was a delightful day. After lunch, we headed home—another great day.
We’ve put together a slideshow capturing our day; we hope you enjoy it! If you do, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share our posts—your support significantly boosts our visibility. Plus, your comments are invaluable in helping us grow and improve. Thank you for being part of our community!”

Elizabeth and I set off on a little road trip to celebrate the day. Our journey took us to Sonsonate, where we traveled along the breathtaking scenic tour known as the Route of the Flowers. The weather was perfect—Sunday gifted us a radiant sky, making our sightseeing all the more enjoyable.

For lunch, we indulged in a delicious meal at El Jardín de Celeste, a charming restaurant nestled in nature. We enjoyed perfectly cooked steak accompanied by fresh salad and seasonal vegetables—a meal that delighted our taste buds. Afterward, we strolled through the restaurant’s enchanting gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and lush plants. To our surprise, we even discovered an area with animals—graceful turkeys, waddling ducks, and playful goats, adding to the charm of the day.

Before heading home, we stopped by Bon Bon to pick up a special Mother’s Day cake. The sweet treat was the perfect way to end such a delightful celebration, which we enjoyed in the comfort of home after a wonderful day.

We’ve put together a slideshow capturing our stay, and we hope you like it! If you do, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share our posts—your support significantly boosts our visibility. Plus, your comments are invaluable in helping us grow and improve. Thank you for being part of our community!”

“Last week, Elizabeth and I had the pleasure of hosting family from the States. Spending quality time together was truly special. We even enjoyed a peaceful getaway, spending a couple of days at a charming Airbnb in La Libertad, nestled on a pristine, tranquil beach. It was the perfect retreat, and we enjoyed every moment.
We’ve put together a slideshow capturing our stay, and we hope you like it! If you do, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share our posts—your support significantly boosts our visibility. Plus, your comments are invaluable in helping us grow and improve. Thank you for being part of our community!”

Easter, or Semana Santa, is one of the most cherished and vibrant celebrations in El Salvador. This week-long event is deeply rooted in Roman Catholic traditions and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Holy Week Highlights

The festivities begin on Palm Sunday and culminate on Easter Sunday. Each day holds special significance:

• Palm Sunday: Marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with blessed palm branches.
• Holy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper, a day of reflection and communion.
• Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus with solemn processions and fasting.
• Holy Saturday: A day of anticipation before the joyous Easter Sunday.

Unique Traditions

One of the most captivating aspects of Semana Santa in El Salvador is the creation of “alfombras,” or street carpets. These intricate designs, made from colored sawdust, rice, and flowers, adorn the streets for Good Friday processions. Towns like Suchitoto and Sensuntepeque are renowned for their stunning alfombras, which blend religious themes with artistic expression.

Community and Reflection

Semana Santa is a time for Salvadorans to strengthen their faith, spend time with family, and reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. While the week is solemn, it also brings communities together in celebration and creativity.

Exploring El Salvador During Easter

Easter is an excellent time for visitors to experience El Salvador’s culture. From the historic streets of Panchimalco to the serene beaches of La Libertad, the country offers a mix of spiritual and scenic experiences.

Elizabeth and I wish everyone a beautiful and Happy Easter week.

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Elizabeth and I decided that we needed a new refrigerator. We brought the one we have with us over here almost 14 years ago. It was 10 years old when we made the trip, making it 24 years old.
We had been looking around and researching refrigerators for the last few months, so we had an idea of what we wanted. When we heard that Omnisport was having a sale, we decided to go to Sonsonate and check them out. We found the one that we liked and decided to buy it. The only problem was that it was in Chrome, and we had wanted a white one, but for the sale price, we could not pass it up. We then went and had lunch at Pizza Hut. Great Lunch!!
The following day, we were in Cara Sucia and saw a stove with the Chrome front on sale for a very good price, so we bought that. We now have the Refrigerator and stove, and they cost us over $400.00 less than the Refrigerator alone would have cost us if it had not been on sale. So we feel Blessed.

I have added a slide show of our dinner. We hope that you enjoy our post.
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Here it is, March. I can not believe how fast time is moving. Last month was Elizabeth’s Birthday, and we went to San Salvador to a very lovely restaurant, the Hacienda Real. We enjoyed an excellent meal; Elizabeth had steak, shrimp, and vegetables, and I had steak, mashed potatoes, and salad. We had cheesecake for dessert; Elizabeth had the blueberry, and I had the strawberry. The meal was excellent.
My Birthday was on December 28th, and I was very sick with the flu all through Christmas and until the first part of January, so I did not enjoy any of the holidays. Elizabeth’s birthday dinner was also my Birthday dinner.
We enjoyed the day and had a great time.
I have added a slide show of our dinner. We hope that you enjoy our post.
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