First Week Completed

It has now been a week that I have been in El Salvador, and I have three more yet to come. I have already had opportunities to experience many aspects of the culture and history here.

This travel experience has been different for me, as it is the first time I have flown (and dealt with customs and all that other fun airport stuff) by myself. It is also the first time that I have traveled anywhere that does not have a large global tourism industry.

Therefore, it is quite safe to say that I "stick out" here. That also means that there is much for me to learn here.

Brian Rude, my host/tour guide/taxi service/language interpeter/everything else I need help with, has already taught me much about the politics in El Salvador, and the foreign relations between El Salvador and other States.

It is simply sad to see a place so impacted by civil war.

It is also sad to see the negative impacts that other States, and my home State-- Canada, can have in El Salvador.

With only being hear a week, I do not feel comfortable making too many claims about political situations. However, I will continue to openly learn.

Another thing I am trying to learn is Spanish. I want to be able to have better communication.

Even with my minimal Spanish, I have been able to have some conversation. The combination of many people studying English for school and the power of Google translate has made many conversations possible.

There are also a few things that are universal regardless of language. For example, it is incredibly funny to watch a Canadian striker miss a wide open net against El Salvador. My Spanish-English dictionary does not need to show the translation of laughter.

Music is also a language that I think I can understand a bit better than Spanish. Playing and enjoying guitar is understandable in both Spanish and English. As well, sharing YouTube videos of favorite songs is a fun way to communicate. I take pride in introducing some citizens of El Salvador to Mumford and Sons. I have also loved being introduced to local music, and sometimes even attempting to translate it.

With one incredible week down, all I can say is that I look forward to what the next three weeks have in store.

Caleb.