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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