Donald's Sharebook 

AMIGOS VIAJEROS, LOS INVITO A VISITAR AMERICA CENTRAL, ESPECIALMENTE EL SALVADOR, Y SUS
HERMOSO LUGARES, Y GENTE MUY MUY SIMPATICA.
ESPERO QUE PUEDAN TENER PRESENTE ESTA INVITACION, Y CUALQUIER CONSULTA NOS
CONTACTAN.

Buena senda para todos, y apunten: El Salvador en América Central!

TRAVELER FRIENDS, A SPECIAL INVITE TO VISIT US IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND ESPECIALLY EL SALVADOR, beautiful and unique off the beaten path
places to visit with us, and people are very friendly.
Print out and keep this invitation, and any questions contact our projects through our provisional web site..

If required, local drivers (often a pick up truck travesing back roads) and native guides are available for rural eco and cultural trekking.

INTRODUCTION

"Dear traveler, trekker or volunteer visiting El Salvador, perhaps for the first time. We are a non profit organization dedicated to the development of rural tourism in El Salvador. What we offer is more than just native guides and transport to beautiful places and meeting friendly people. We offer to you as well, a peek through our eyes, from the inside out, into the heart and soul of El Salvador as never before.

Personalized service. Design your own itinerary around El Salvador and to neighboring Central American countries with us. We contract local drivers and transportation and utilize native guides in rural and remote areas

Go where you want to go when you want to go. All we require is that if you are traveling to El Salvador from
abroad, is that you make contact with us initially by e mail well in advance of your departure so we may assist you in planning further your journey after arrival, within your budget and time frame limitations of course.

Local drivers with insured vehicles, trained native guides for eco, cultural and historic treks, bi lingual guide/interpreter volunteer based in San Salvador to assist those who are not able to speak Spanish.

For those concerned about the availability of budget (2-3 Star) lodgings throughout El Salvador, our organization shall be more than happy to contact these establishments, usually family run guest houses/bed and breakfast in the capital city or small unique lodging places in the countryside, if desiring to make reservations.
Again, all we ask is for you to contact us well in advance of your arrival.

"DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED EL SALVADOR FROM THE INSIDE OUT"

STEP INSIDE CENTRAL AMERICA...LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Experienced Native Guides based in El Salvador, The Heart of Central America! Transportation in Insured Vehicles with skilled local drivers.
Mayan Ruins of Tazumal, Pyramids, Chalchuapa, El Salvador Intensive Cultural Tours Central America In El Salvador and Guatemala we offer to the visitor intensive cultural, crafts, historical and eco tours with bilingual native guides. Study Spanish in Central America or Volunteer to help one of several worthy causes ranging from human
rights to disaster relief...special welcome to groups, artists, travel writers and other journalists, photographers, women traveling alone, gays and lesbians. Our organization is not affiliated directly with any political party neither religious groups, however we tailor the itinerary to the client's needs and budget limitations and connect you if possible with whomever you wish to meet and escort you wherever you wish to travel. Period. Do contact us well in advance of your departure so we may help you to plan your journey…..El Salvador & Central America…..More than just trekking, more than just studying Spanish….more than you can imagine!

UN PASO PARA ENTRAR EN CENTRO AMÉRICA... ¡COMO NUNCA ANTES!

Guías turísticos nativos y experimentados con base en El Salvador, el
Corazón del América Central. El Salvador Viajes culturales intensivos a Centro-América. En El Salvador y Guatemala ofrecemos al visitante viajes culturales intensivos a los artes y a la naturaleza y la artesanía con un guía.
Estudie español en Centro América u ofrézcase como voluntario para ayudar en una de varias causas dignas desde causas de derechos humanos o como ayuda en aliviar zonas de desastre. Damos una especial bienvenida al grupos turísticos, a los artistas, escritores sobre turismo y otros periodistas, fotógrafos, mujeres que viajan solas y los gays y lesbianas. Nuestra organización no es afiliada con ningún partido político o grupo religioso, no obstante acomodamos el itinerario a las necesidades del cliente y las limitaciones de su presupuesto y le conectamos de la mejor manera posible con quienquiera que desee encontrarse. Lo acompañaremos dondequiera que desee viajar. Mucho más que solamente Trekking y mucho más que solamente "tomando recorrido".

UN PAS À L'INTÉRIEUR DE L'AMÉRIQUE CENTRALE... COMME JAMAIS AVANT !

Guides indigènes expérimentés au El SalvadorExcursions culturelles intensives en Amérique Centrale En El Salvador et Guatemala nous offrons au visiteur des tours intensifs culturels, écologiques et d'artisanat avec un guide local Étudiez l'espagnol en Amérique Centrale ou offrez-vous d'aider dans une de plusieurs causes dignes comme des causes de droits de l'homme et le soulagement de zones de désastres. Nous souhaitons un spécial bienvenu aux artistes, aux auteurs de et d'autres journalistes, aux photographes, aux femmes qui voyageant seules et aux gays et lesbiennes. Notre organisation n'est pas affiliée avec aucune partie politique ni un groupe religieux. Toutefois nous concevons l'itinéraire en fonction des besoins du client et les limitations de budget et nous vous communiquons le plus possible avec n'importe qui que ce soit que vous souhaitez vous réunir et nous vous accompagnons là où vous souhaitez voyager. Plus que juste le trekking, plus que juste étudier l'espagnol…et plus que vous pouvez vous imaginer!

EIN SCHRITT INNERHALB MITTELAMERIKAS... WIE NIE VORHER!

Erfahrene gebürtige Führer in Guatemala, in El-SalvadorIntensive kulturelle Touren in Mittelamerika In El Salvador und in Guatemala bieten wir dem Besucher, intensive kulturelle Eko- und Handwerk- Touren mit lokalem ReiseFührer. Studieren Sie Spanisch in Mittelamerika oder erbieten Sie sich als Freiwilliger, um mit einer der Sachen, von den Menschen-Rechten bis zu Unfallentlastung, zu helfen. Wir bieten ein spezielles Willkommen den Künstlern,
Spielraumverfassern und anderen Journalisten, Photographen, den Frauen die alleine reisen und den Homosexuellen und Lesbierinnen an. Unsere Organisation ist mit keinen politischen oderreligiösen Gruppen gebunden. Wir können den Reiseweg laut der Notwendigkeiten und Budgetbeschränkungen des Klienten anpassen und, wo möglich, Sie
begleiten wo Sie reisen möchten und helfen Ihnen, mit irgendwelchem sich zu treffen. Mehr als Trekking und mehr als nur Spanisch lernen und was sie sich gerade vorstellen möchten!

Nederlands:"El Salvador in Centraal Amerika een waar museum van kulturele en ecologische aventuren.Gepersonalizeerde tours in uw eigen taal.Alle individuele en groepsreizen zijn getoetst aan uw eigen stijl
en budget."Let's go amigo" in Centraal Amerika levert de beste programmas en internationale vluchten.Exclusieve bestemmingen en evenementen in elk land.Slechts een kontakt voor 5 Centraal Amerikaanse naties!"
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CINQUERA, A REMOTE PARADISE SET IN THE HEART OF EL SALVADOR!

CINQUERA EL SALVADOR CULTURE, CRAFTS, ECOLOGICAL TREASURES AND LIVING
HISTORY OF THE RECENT ARMED CONFLICT...ALL ROLLED INTO ONE!

Cinquera Cabañas El Salvador... Seeking short term volunteers presently in or traveling through Central America to assist with eco and cultural tourism project..non profit cooperative funded in part by
international aid organizations ....

Advice to Backpackers/low budget travelers, we are sorry, however due to reasons of comfort and personal security, neither any of our volunteers nor native guides are able to accompany travelers on public transportation in El Salvador. If planning to take buses to small villages and rural areas such as Cinquera, be advised services are
limited, so give yourself extra time to travel around.

CINQUERA

Cinquera-Rural Tourism-Pilot Project

As well as eco tourism, Cinquera boasts historical and cultural sites, the village was destroyed during the worst years of the civil conflict in El Salvador in the early 1980s and those residents who survived either hid out in the nearby caves (which are viewed on tour with trained uniformed guides from the community) of fled the country.
After the peace accords of 1992 former residents began trickling back to Cinquera and in effect this small town was "reborn". Aside from the rain forest tour, there exist in Cinquera historical and cultural sites such as the church, a building which stood alone and empty of worshipers throughout the armed conflict." The Uniformed native guides
will escort you every step of the way through the rain forest, trails have been constructed. Local transportation to and from Cinquera provided from San Salvador or Suchitoto, Cinquera is a small village where everyone knows everyone else and there is no crime, For those with vehicles and camping gear, camping is available at the park entrance... …siempre dando caloroso bienvenidos a todos!

Again, all we ask is for you to contact us well in advance of your arrival.

... …siempre dandole caloroso bienvenidos!

More on our provisional website...

http://www.geocities.com/welcome_to_elsalvador/

"I reside in El Salvador, a small country, tragic history, 97% deforested. Invite any and all to travel here and give of your time a few days, a couple of weeks.

Really required at this time, ONLINE assistance ok, as I realize that few of you have the time and money to travel abroad now...is an IT pro with some web design skills who is able to help our organization set up a really 'pro' website that will assist over 5,000 artisans in rural El Salvador to market their crafts overseas at fair prices. Few hours of work for you, you get credit. Many craftspeople working all day at home, every day, 7 days a week, for less than $1.50 per day, exploited by fellow nationals, who pay low and sell high, the majority of the hand made items are being resold in Europe at very high retail markup. The artisans have now formed their own co-op and legal company. I am able to translate any content from Spanish into English and other languages, my associate from English into Spanish.  More information E mail welcome_to_elsalvador at yahoo.com" Subject = El Salvador

There are over 5,000 artisans now working in their homes, recently with the help of my local associate they have formed their own company, co operative joint venture
with office space donated by a local small business person, we require reps and marketers in Europe/North America. One of the applications I plan on using online is Redtienda view: www.redtiendaelsalvador.com/ also in English and contact the CEO, for a reference Erik Olsson, resides in Sweden e mail eolsson at redtienda.com Ref: Don Lee, El Salvador. Erik is fluent in Spanish and Swedish is his native tongue.

We are starting up the project on a "shoestring", I translate content from Spanish to English for International Marketing...the system now is that these artisans sell locally to native "coyotes" at very low wholesale prices, the coyotes then ship to wholesalers and retailers abroad.

Seeking distributors worldwide, e mail or message for information.

If you are unable to assist, no problem, perhaps you have some contacts who are able to assist us a few hours on line. I and my associate are technically "challenged" and due to lack of funding at present we are using public computers until a suitable office can be rented in capital city with an Internet connection. I've met 8 year olds who know far more about computers than I ever will, in fact when I was 8 years old it was "Life on Mars", AM Radio, 45 and 78 rpm records,  land lines and telexes, black and white TV (yet nobody ever locked their house and as long as I got home by dark my parents did not worry) Well, if plan to visit us in El Salvador, we'll take you to some small villages in rural areas where, like 1955 up in the usa, there exists no crime and people help one another in times of trouble, no one goes hungry, self sufficency, yes the NGOs and the rest of the development set come and go, my associate, a marine bioligist and conservationist, native of El Salvador, has lived among and worked with the local inhabitants for years.

Our project is sustainable. Contact on line by e mail or message. In English, español, Deutsch, français o italiano

Saludos

Information Courtesy  of "Welcome to Cinquera" in El Salvador

No doubt some of you may wish to reloc<te, retire, work or volunteer here one day!

**Common Sense Travel Advice for El Salvador and the rest

of Central America for Sensible People!

**Remember, advice is cheap, it usually takes me a few

minutes of my time to answer some sensible travel

questions and to point you in the right direction, as

well don't just take my word for it, check with

others who have traveled to the areas you wish to

visit, usually you will find these persons, eager and

willing to aid you, on the travelers forums such as:

Join free:

www.travellerspoint.com/

www.bootsnall.com/

www.gonomad.com/

www.tripadvisor.com/
 
www.lonelyplanet.com/ Thorntree Travel Forum*
 
 Check out the non profit hospitality portals to make local contacts in each and every country you wish to visit:

Couch Surfing www.couchsurfing.com/

Be Welcome www.bewelcome.org/

Hospitality Club www.hospitalityclub.org/

CENTRAL AMERICAN LINKS

www.travelingo.org/south-america/el-salvador/san-salvador/fo…

www.worldtraveltips.net/centralamerica/ Select your
region and country to view tips, i.e.

www.worldtraveltips.net/centralamerica/view.cgi?country=El+S…

www.gocentralamerica.about.com/od/elsalvadorguide/El_Salvador.ht…

www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/

www.studentuniverse.com/i-central-america-travel.html

(Student Travel, has Student Airfare Booking on line)

 
www.travel-journal.org/ central-america/

 
www.airfare.bootsnall.com/
Good Airfares, Bootsnall can
help you 'plan' your trip RTW or just to one city and return!
 

www.exitotravel.com/ Consolidator, Airfares, Hotels,
Tours , Latin America only. US Based website with toll free number.

BUSES

www.goodtimebob.com/buseslinks.htm Central American Bus Links
 

www.ticabus.com/ Tica Bus International serving all
Central America

www.kingqualityca.com/ King Quality International buses
Guatemala to El Salvador , Honduras and Costa Rica
Website in Spanish only. Excellent Service.

www.hedmanalas.com/ Hedman Alas 1st Class Buses, Services all around excellent services to major cities and destinations in Honduras and Guatemala

 GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

http://www.xelapages.com/ Excellent Guatemalan Web Portal based in
Quetzaltenanago

http://www.atitlan.com/ All you need to know about Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

http://www.aroundantigua.com/ All you need to know about Antigua , Guatemala

http://www.antiguatours.net/ Walking tours of the Colonial City of
Antigua and more.

http://www.nimpot.com/ All you need to know about Guatemalan Textiles,
Portal based in Antigua .

http://richarddetrich.wordpress.com/ Panama Weblog for
Ex Pats and Travelers alike.
 
http://www.therealcostarica.com/ Everything you need or
want to know about Costa Rica , common sense advice, no bull.

http://www.ticotimes.net/ Costa Rica 's weekly newspaper
 on line edition, Central America 's oldest English Language Paper.
 
www.hondurasthisweek.com/ The Weekly English Language Newpaper of
Honduras , on line edition.

http://hondurastips.honduras.com/index.htm Honduras
Tips....a complete guide to traveling Honduras

http://www.moon..com/planner/nicaragua/index.html
Moon's Nicaragua travel planner.

http://www.vianica.com/ Best Travel Portal for Nicaragua English & Spanish

Also check out:
http://www.moon.com/catalog2/la_nicaragua.html
'Living Abroad in Nicaragua '

Central America Information and Maps:
www.enjoycentralamerica.com/

Lots of links on this site:
www.travel.org/central.html
 

Surf this lengthy and informative website for Central

America only information:

www.alfatravelguide.com/english/index.htm

in English, Spanish, Svenska

*Surfing these websites, then if you wish, posting and asking questions  on
the various travellers forums and asking questions
should be a good start.
 
--------------------------------------------------------
I, the the writer, am a long term resident in El
Salvador, Guatemala and some time as well in Honduras
and Nicaragua since 1985. So I know the local customs,
culture, language and many subtle things travelers may have
not have the time to learn.

presently I am a volunteer co
ordinator/translator working with small projects based in El Salvador assisting these small
non profit organizations to implement their receptive
eco and rural tourism projects as well as native crafts
projects. More information contact me by private
message or e mail welcome_to_elsalvador at yahoo.com
in English, Spanish, German, Italiano or Portuguese. I or another volunteer will try to answer your inquiry within two (2) working days when possible. IT and web design advice and assistance always required!
--------------------------------------

MORE ON TRAVEL…..

Hotels and Lodgings…depends on your budget, upscale
2-5 Star accommodations in Central America may be
easily booked on line, http://www.tripadvisor.com/
For those travelers on Medium Budget, Low/Moderate Budget
to Upscale I would recommend the 'Alpha Travel Guide
to Central America ', a no nonsense, practical portal
about and for all the Central American countries in
English, Spanish and Swedish (see list above also)
www.alfatravelguide.com/english/index.htm

No "bells and whistles"
 
LOW BUDGET TRAVEL
If traveling on a low/backpacker budget you'll find
many small hotels and other unique lodging places in
El Salvador and the region that are quite economical
compared to European/North American prices, for
comfort and safety I would check out the B and B's
and Guest Houses in the cities and large towns and
even cheaper 'hostel/backpacker' style
accommodations are plentiful in travel destinations
such as Antigua and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala , Granada
in Nicaragua and many of the popular beach and mountain
destinations in Costa Rica .

EL SALVADOR, CENTRAL AMERICA'S HIDDEN GEM..
There are many lodging
bargains in El Salvador , but make sure you do not stay
in the crowded, dangerous and polluted 'Centro' or
Downtown, when in San Salvador , stay in the western
part of town near Metrocentro Mall and the National
University, the lodgings located on pleasant tree
lined streets in nice areas, near San Salvador 's
'Bohemian District' for overview of nightlife check out:
La Luna Casa y Arte
http://www.lalunacasayarte.com/ (español)
and the ads on the El Salvador section of Revue Magazine in English: www.revuemag.com/ in pdf format.

View www.theotherelsalvador.com/ excellent bi lingual website for El Salvador with dozens of links. English & Spanish

 Nice virtual tour of El Salvador on...
 www.4elsalvador.com/
 
www.travelpages.com/el-salvador/san-salvador/guides/87001.html

and www.cityguides-worldwide.com/ElSalvador/86998.htm
 

A great site for Budget-Moderate travel has many other
El Salvador city pages such as: Suchitoto, the
Colonial City where this website is based….
www.gaesuchitoto.com/

San Salvador city guide….An amazing city with lots of cultural and night life!
www.cityguides-worldwide.com/ElSalvador/35653.htm

Upload in pdf the 'Guatemala Revue Magazine’ online….
You shall view many, many Adverts and a few very excellent
Articles on this on line edition, same as print edition, which will give one a good overview of
Guatemalan and El Salvadorian travel, all the articles
Are archived.
 pdf format only, url: www.revuemag.com/
The Guatemala Revue Magazine boasts large Guatemala
section, El Salvador section and smaller Belize and
Honduras sections. Monthly, in English.

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PRINT GUIDEBOOKS
 

Now, here's where your Guidebook(s) come in!! Unless

you've been here a dozen times or have a Salvadorian

or Central American spouse and planning on a family

visit, you'll require a good up to date Guide Book

or two or three, which I recommend you read and study

and re-read again before your arrival, magically on

arrival you'll know more about the native culture,

customs, history and getting around El Salvador ,

Guatemala, etc. than most natives. I lived in New York

City 12 years and never took the time to visit many of

the 'touristic' sites.

Guide Books and Maps, regional and country specific for

Central America usually available in travel section of

large bookstores or Amazon.com

www.footprint.com/ The Mexico & Central America

Handbook

www.lonelyplanet.com/ Lonely Planet Guide Books

http://www.moon.com/ Moon Travel Guides - Excellent

 http://www.roughguides.com/website/shop/products/Central-America.aspx
Rough Guides to Central America
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TO THOSE INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS WHO SPEAK SPANISH

**When Central Americans do travel within the region,

usually on weekends or holiday periods, they travel

with family members in large groups. This is called

'turismo interno' - internal tourism. There are

many fine local guides, tour operators and

driver-owners in El Salvador that advertise locally

and will take visitors on tour with advance notice at

reasonable prices. If you speak Spanish you are able

to save a lot of money rather than go with the more

expensive inbound tourism outfits, as well as meeting

and travelling with locals, at times the locals may

invite you to their home after the tour, especially in

El Salvador or Nicaragua ! The local tour operators

advertise in the classified sections of the daily

newspapers and on Spanish language local Internet

portals.During holiday periods El Salvadorian

operators conduct excursions in Mexico , Guatemala ,

Honduras, Nicaragua , Costa Rica and some go as far as

Panama, prices and quality vary so check around,

always ask to inspect the vehicle first and inquire

with local friends as to which companies are

reliable or contact writer of this bloq.

Many locals in El Salvador often travel weekends to

make pilgrimages to Catholic Shrines in Antigua and

Escuintla, Guatemala, etc. Religion is practiced here

in El Salvador by a large majority of people, Roman

Catholic or Evangelical, be polite and respectful of

other's beliefs and opinions at all times.

 ----------------------------------------------------------

TO THOSE LEARNING TO SPEAK SPANISH

***Speaking Spanish. .If you don't at all start

learning at home before your departure, tapes, a

tutor, conversation club, classes, whatever, if on a

basic conversation level or above find someone to

practice with, it is my opinion that if you are

traveling, say 3-4 weeks in the region, it is really

useless to spend the first week or two in a "Spanish

School". If worse comes to worse bring a very good

phrasebook and do a lot of pointing. A tip: I've

lived down this way, way down south, 21 years and used

to escort a lot of visitors to the highlands/carib

coast/honduras/el salvador out of Antigua, Guatemala,

some couples had studied for several weeks at

Antigua's best Spanish Academies, in school proper

Castillan Spanish is taught, no "street lingo" nor

slang of any kind, as soon as we were in the

countryside, my clients froze up, when I ordered for

them and used the word 'vos' (slang familiar for

'you' in El Salvador and Guatemala ), these poor

gringoes asked what 'vos' meant! They were taught

to use Usted and Ustedes (formal) at all times and in

the Indian Markets in Chichicastenango and Panajachel

these people 'flipped out' literally when I began

speaking the local native Kak'chiquel and Quiche

dialects!

I am listing a few good resources for Spanish

Schools:

www.salvaspan.com/ El Salvador

www.xelapages.com/ ** & www.aroundantigua.com/
Guatemala

www.123teachme.com/ List of Schools in Latin America &
Spain

** Visit Webmaster of www.xelapages.com/ (Tom) when in
Quetzaltenango Guatemala ,

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****SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUES

Recommend  not to travel to rural or remote areas with expensive cameras, videocam or other electronic
toys… a small digital camera will often do…
unless you are a Business or Upscale Traveler, staying
in a Hotel or resort with a room Safe and filming while traveling on
organized tour with security. Tour groups of four or more persons in El Salvador, through any licenced tour operator or the ISTU (Salvadorian Institute of Tourism) may make arragments in advance for National Tourism Police officers in uniform to accompany your group, no charge,  however tipping per diem expected and polite. Same with native eco and cultural guides who charge low fees compared to guides in developed countries..
 

DO NOT EVEN ASK …

1. Is El Salvador , Guatemala , etc., dangerous ?

2. To quote our friend "Good Time Bob" and old

Guatemala hand.. http://www.goodtimebob.com/ see

below***

 "So and So on this forum/bloq got robbed in ——-,

will I be robbed?"
 

Quick Answer:

4. I am neither Nostradamus nor The Prophet

Daniel!!…………………………………use

common sense, be aware on the road and start learning

Spanish TODAY..HOY MISMO if you don't speak any!

Check out http://www.livemocha.com/ and www.123teachme.com/  for free on line
tutorials. Hoy Mismo.......

From www.goodtimebob.com/ travel site……

"This is the number one question. Way over hyped.

I've been going to Guatemala since the 70's. Even

with the current economic and political issues it is

still a lot better than back a couple decades. You do

all the common sense stuff listed in the Lonely Planet

guide (or any other Guidebook)…it increasingly reads

like it is written by someone's

grandmother…lawyers must do the editing. Some

paranoia is worth while….

Here are the don't

do's......................................................................

Don't hike between villages around Lake Atitlan . Too

many spots where folks can watch you coming and make

sure no one else is around. There have been well

documented robberies and rapes.

Don't go up a volcano alone. Tours are cheap and they

have some kind of guard.

 
NEVER NEVER CAMP OUT WHERE THERE IS NO SECURITY, NOR IN AREA

WHERE YOU HAVE NO PERMISSION FROM PROPERTY OWNER....

If planning to camp in Central America, and not driving nor renting a vehicle best to have a travel companion or two or three and carry durable tents..if on a low budget and taking ‘chicken buses’ in and out of remote areas this may be often a difficult task..in some cases best to pool funds and rent a 4WD for a few days or a week.

Best site to contact locals who know camping spots in or near their local area www.couchsurfing.com/

Two websites with informating on camping and ‘boondocking’ (may include parking lots of Shopping Malls or Luxury Resorts!) in Central America are:

www.99DaystoPanama.com/ Has list of campsites Mexico & Central America

and

www.panamaorbust.com/ Good information, though some outdated, links.

Also www.drivemeloco.com/

New camping group online:

http://findingfinn.com/group/camping
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SAFETY AGAIN……
Remember you are not at home, where you know where and when to go or NOT to go..locals on the street in many places in Latin America will often give contrary advice and directions if you are lost, usually just to be polite…
 
The writer's own Words…..

For El Salvador and the rest of Central America the

warnings about the same, same old, same old:

**don't walk alone or in pairs after dark and take a

taxi home (if you don't have a ride)even if your

lodging place is only three or four blocks away,

sometimes it only takes 50 meters outside the bar or

night spot if thieves are following you and they hit

hard and fast.
 

**Be especially aware, never paranoid, in second/third

class bus terminals, crowded outdoor markets and city

bus stops, never carry a digital camera on public

transport unless concealed. Between countries take the

international Tica Bus or other first class bus lines,

remember all of the thieves now have cell phones, most

travelers do not carry cell phones away from home so

keep a low profile, got it?

 THIS IS IMPORTANT, SAD BUT TRUE........

“The Police don't really care much if you are not

injured in a crime, just as at home, the police

usually have more pressing things to deal with, and

the Consuls at the Embassies have seen hundreds of

Police Reports and issued many new Passports for a

hefty fee! Never carry your passport unless leaving

the country, carry a photocopy.”

* At your own risk accept drinks, favors, gifts, lodgings or rides home from

total strangers, say those met in a 'bar', café or nightclub,

especially young women traveling alone or in pairs,

never tell strangers your itinerary and travel plans,

nor where you are staying. Guys, never take a 'bar

girl' you do not know back to your lodging place.

Guys, avoid those exotic red
light district nightclubs alone, you may wake up half
naked, broke and very confused the next morning, In
fact if you go out late night in any large Latin American city stick the main
entertainment districts, usually called 'Zona
Viva' or 'Zona Rosa', well lit and fairly safe. Every upscale Bar or disco will usually sport an armed guard inside or outside
 View the city entertainment guides above.

*Taxi Drivers and Hotel Employees are usually the
worst people you can ask about where to go out,
you'll usually always be directed to the most
expensive places, especially if you don't speak
Spanish. Start learning!

IF TRAVELING ALONE YOU HAVE NO 'FRIENDS' ON THE BUS NOR IN THE BUS STATION...MAKE 'FRIENDS' ELSEWHERE!
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 

Many many humanitarian aid organizations exist in Central America and require long or short term volunteers, with or without special skills, all year around..view these non profit portals for no cost or low cost opportunities, contacting yourself any and all organizations you are interested in working with well in advance of your departure..from another bloq of mine…”volunteering abroad, especially in the developing countries, as a volunteer, long or short term, you'll make valuable and lifelong friendships as well as trusted local contacts which may lead into full time employment in your chosen field locally. Ordinarily you'll have to pay your airfare and room and board to volunteer with many small projects as most have barely enough money to stay above water. Fundraising, a year round effort, often takes up much of paid staff’s time and energy! The 'pro' is you'll be there in your target country or region and not online behind a computer screen at home! The smiles of a child or family in need we have assisted beats any computer screen or laptop for me by a wide mile!
More information view these web portals:
www.idealist.org/ in several languages.
www.truetravellers.org/ English
www.volunteersouthamerica.net/ English, Spanish.

If traveling to El Salvador , meet us and we’ll point you in the right direction!
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RETIREMENT, RELOCATION, WORK AND TRANSITION ISSUES…

**For those desiring to retire or relocate, do business or work in Central America …

There sadly exist, as in any form of business (and purchasing land and real estate or establishing a small business with financing abroad way top of the list!) many relocation scams, volunteer

scams, real estate scams, and wannabe ex pat coaching and highly priced ‘seminar’ scams eminating from the Internet.

Advice….

It is always better to travel first to your target
country or region, look around with your own eyes and
make contacts and hopefully friends who have already made the transition before you make
any decision to sell your house at home and make the move to &lsquoaradise’ Never pay an on line based agency a fee to be placed as a
volunteer, nor sign up on the net for expensive real estate tours promising land deals and honest legal assistance, always try to meet these persons face to face and be cautious before signing any kind of contract or using your credit/debit card on line.
 

Our organization has a long term ex pat resident relocation specialist who will gladly give you a short and concise common sense assessment communicating via e mail, IM or telephone. Take it from there. You decide. Then… Read! Read! Read up on your target country, city or region!
 
Check out the links, read your guidebooks, make contacts and
and do your own homework! There exist several fine websites by long term ex pats for ex pats and wannabe ex pats
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*Often traveling on a very low budget in Central America is not for either the inexperienced idealist,
the bleeding heart, nor the faint of heart, nor
recommended for lone females not familiar at all with the
customs and local language. Poverty and street crime exist side by side in many underdeveloped or impoverished areas of
the countryside and in city slums, called ‘zonas marginales’ or marginal areas where gang activity is endemic, some,
though not all, police/security force members are
corrupt and the judicial systems in Central and Latin
American countries generally are weak, so often paying

*When conducting a vehicle a small bribe to get out of an untenable situation may
be preferable than the alternative, especially if
involved in an accident or altercation where there is no bodily harm..either in your own vehicle or a rental. If driving with US or Canadian plates YOU WILL attract attention..keep a low profile and be aware!

**This Bloq Courtesy of: http://www.geocities.com/welcome_to_elsalvador/

‘Welcome to Cinquera in El Salvador’
Rural Eco and Cultural Tourism, Native Crafts and more... contact our
organization via our webpages if interested.
 

¡Le Esperamos….con gusto!

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  This section for those contemplating relocating, retiring or working in Latin America

*Ten Things You Should Know Before You Move To Central or South America .....

Mexico and Central America are but a few days drive or bus ride from much of US/Canada..some retires are now driving down in RVs or 4WDs to explore or settle. It is now also possible, with RORO on container from Panama to drive to South America for the more adventurous, with lots of information online as well as print guides on 'how to' from those who have been there and done that...

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I have received many emails over the years from readers of my Bloqs who are interested in
moving to Central or South America from the US or other 'developed' countries'. The majority of people who requested
information are involved in cross-cultural relationships. I have
first-hand experience with a cross-cultural marriage, however, for Women I recommend
that you investigate lagringasblogicito and hondurassprouts. These are
blogs written by excellent women writers who are married to Honduran Citizens. As well, join www.expatinterviews.com/ an interactive world wide ex pat sites with links to ex pat life and bloqs everywhere.

Here are some tips that I picked up from years of actual cross cultural
communications as well as first-hand experience, a grand total of 24 years residence in Mexico and Central America .

1. Be informed (Know) before you go. Read! Read! Read! Surf the Internet and purchase up to date print Guidebooks, country specific to where you wish to relocate. Talk to as many people

that you can who have lived in Central & South America. I spoke to, worked with and knew personally, counting some as friends, many
Latin Americans living in the USA long before I moved here.

Always travel in person at least 2-3 weeks to your target country, city or region before deciding on making the move. Seeing is beleiving. Never rely on Internet Ex Pat sites, user groups, forums or bloqs as your primary source of information, never arrange to purchase Real Estate abroad from any Internet website nor contract expensive Real Estate & Relocation tours online, one Woman I know spent $200 USD a day in Costa Rica on 'Real Estate Tours', returned home broke and bitter after a week. Always go and see for yourself, if you do not have a friend or relative in your target country you are able to stay with (never stay in a Resort or Luxury Hotel unless on a genuine vacation) take this advice: "I would recommend couchsurfing.com for meeting locals. You don't have to couchsurf (Stay) with them you can meet for a coffee / drink, local tour or whatever. They'll show you around and you'll get to do things most tourists don't do. Insider information as
 well on their area. Also try out www.bewelcome.org/ Both organizations are non profit hospitality portals boasting thousands of local, some ex pat, bi or multi lingual, Latin American members. Save hassles, avoid pitfalls floundering around on your own.

Start taking some Spanish or Portuguese lessons online and also in frontal classes or with a native speaking tutor at home well before departure. Build a language 'basic' foundation then stepping up to intermediate and advanced is easy once in a Spanish speaking country, in all Latin American countries, excepting Belize and Guyana, former British Colonies and parts of the Caribbean coasts, only a small percentage of your local neighbors will speak English. Also understanding avoids often costly, in time, money or hurt feelings, misunderstandings! 'Malentendidos'
 

2. Find a cultural mentor. Long term resident or trusted bi lingual local. I befriended a couple of younger, less experienced ex pats during my
first years living in Guatemala . Upon arrival to Central America many years ago I was lucky enough to have a relative and was introduced into a small social network of both ex pats and locals..invaluable.
These people were very gracious in helping me with many
day-to-day tasks in the beginning, teaching me to be independent step by step and not to rely on locals to 'hold my hand'. A good mentor can and often will point out errors in judgement

Social contacts and personal relationships are very important throughout Latin America .
 

3. Choose your home and neighborhood carefully. Look for one that will
accept you, and where you will feel comfortable. Cheap rent in a poor
neighborhood may sound great, but in the long run, you may be robbed
or worse.

Keep a low profile and never divulge your personal or work information or give out your address to overly friendly strangers.

4. Go slow at first. Don't expect to work at the same pace as you did

in the US/Canada/UK, etc.. Things are just simply harder to get done in Latin America . And slower. Always. Often people show up late, very late, for appointments.Never reprimand locals for this, unless they are in your employ and have business commitment with you. 'Life in The Tropics' amigo mio!

Don't take yourself too seriously and keep a sense of humor.

5. Try not to make general assumptions about Latin Americans. Just as you

would not want those in the country you are relocating in to assume that every US or Canadian citizen is rich,

white, and arrogant, you should not assume that all Latin Americans are alike. Listen to locals and ask questions.

6. Expect a testing period. Friends, contacts and co-workers need time before

you are accepted into their trust. Once you are deemed trustworthy, the doors will fly open.

7. Expect life to be a bit annoying in the beginning. Cold showers are the

norm in many areas. Air conditioning is most often a luxury. Water and electricity

sometimes fail on a daily basis. In some areas Internet Connections are slower than at home.

8. Try not to complain. Accept that Central or South America is different than the US/Canada/UK.

9. Look for the good things in your adopted new country, such as the beautiful mountains,
rustic rural national parks or beaches.

10. Be humble. One of my favorite phrases in Spanish, " I don't
understand." "Yo no lo comprendo" A humble attitude goes a long way in getting along with
co-workers and friends. Even if you feel you 'know', always get a second opinion from a native or long term ex pat resident friend. Never try and 'one up' or be arrogant with newer relocating arrivals, I know a woman in my country, from US, who will break into and dominate any conversation in Spanish, even though her Spanish is lacking, she tells new arrivals she is 100% 'fluent'.

So, if you choose to live in a gated community or 'condos' with other ex pats from your country, be advised that gossiping and one upping (what a person who feels inferior does to make themselves feel superior) is a fairly common pastime in any and all ex pat communties, far better to 'go native' and live among locals, if at all possible for you. The phrase 'the good, the bad and the ugly' has been used in ex pat lore for generations. Recommend against instant friendships or trust on sight simply because a person is from your home country. Proceed with caution, as you would at home.

I hope these tips help some of you who are contemplating relocation and/or retirement to
Central or South America .

The writer has assisted dozens to relocate in the Central American region in the past, however I answer only common sense questions and urge wannabes to travel first to their target area and do their own research..sadly, no free lunches..if you have a spouse or partner (cross cultural relationship) native to the country you plan to relocate in, by all means try and stay with his/her family there, even better if family are humble or so called 'poor' people, you shall learn far more in a short time than taking the 'upscale' ex pat route, where you just may be another 'blank white face' looking for real estate, spending Dollars, Euro or Sterling. Again proceed with caution, the Internet is virtual, guidebooks are in black and white and face to face: family, friends and contacts are priceless!

Buena suerte. Buen Viaje.
 
Information Courtesy  of "Welcome to Cinquera" in El Salvador

Pilot project development of sustainable rural cultural, crafts and ecotourism 'off the beaten path' in El Salvador.

Feel free to contact us via the website at any time.

http://www.geocities.com/welcome_to_elsalvador/

I know the way out, I've been here many times......

In light of recent events we are all aware of...not only in the "US" but Globally....

The economic meltdown

Homelessness and much much worse.
I have "hands on" experience.

I was once homeless in the USA, fell through the cracks, dealing with severe emotional and mental disorder, was not properly dx ed at that time, so had no meds, seems many more new homeless who could not handle the streets and public shelters on the way if this financial crisis deepens.

I shall do whatever I am able to help the innocent, especially women and children, the elderly.
No I have no pity for active adult alcoholics and addicts (those who choose to drink/use) who refuse treatment, veteran or not.

Had I remained bitter I would have died on the streets of New York or Miami
I sought help, was turned away, and went elsewhere where a least a hand was extended, then out of nowhere appeared an old friend from my earlier days in 12 Step recovery, he saw me, people were contacted and I was able to get back on my feet. Took several months for me to stop seeing parks, bushes and vacant houses as places for a nights shelter and to start to enjoy life again. This was many many years ago, when it was bit easier to deal with the "system"
As Americans we ought to come together and those able lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. A lot to be angry about for sure. Anger and rage saps my energy. Helping another helps me to forget my problems...for those of us who have been there, done that and walking the walk lets band together somehow.
For me heping a homeless mother and child fill out forms, guiding them through the proper channels seeking help would be more rewarding than taking a $300 Million Bonus as a CEO of a corrupt financial institution. Perhaps Congress should fine these CEOs and others Millions as well as jail and the monies should go into a fund for those who have lost their homes and have no where else to go except shelters.

Basically, if you are now in a deep hole with no way to climb out, I, a survivor of homelessness and much much more, an "Angel" if you will, are one of those who are able to jump into the hole with you...of course you may say to me "Now you are trapped down here with me!"
My answer..

*"I know the way out, for I’ve been here myself many times!"*

Require a 'tough love' Life Readjustment or Relocation (if planning on moving to another country) Coach? I may be your 'man', if not, shall try and put you in touch with a man or woman who possible may be of assistance. Serious only. Message to me.

Never wait for Government to get it done...Don’t hold your breath if your city, state or worse, federal government tells you they will act soon!

Estamos a tus servicios tan pronto llegues a El Salvador y serás nuestro huésped de honor y gustosamente te acompañaremos a los extraordinarios sitios que tu quieras visitar a lo largo y ancho del país.

Muestras de la cordialidad en las diferentes localidades las podrás comprobar con las sonrisas y hospitalidad de su gente. Muestras de “bosques petrificados”, áreas de acampar en los hoteles campestres en las zonas rurales que rivalizan con los hoteles de “5 estrellas” en El Salvador y a la tercera parte del precio.

Compras de manufacturas o artesanías son parte de los recursos de las montañas y a lo largo de sus cristalinos ríos. De primera mano transpirarás en muchas áreas que durante el pasado conflicto, fueron las zonas en donde convivían los civiles con los ex combatientes.

Y, para finalizar apreciados visitantes, todos los pueblos y comunidades que nosotros visitaremos se encuentran libres de la criminalidad y los problemas. No te preocupes.

Historia

Cultura

Artesanías

Ecoturismo

Hospitalidad

Ven a El Salvador....venga con sus amigos..

Seguridad....Confort.... Aceptación

Adéntrate en El Salvador con nuestros guías nativos y vea el país nunca antes visto

Nuestro servicio no es caro y ajustamos el precio a su presupuesto

Te daremos asistencia en la planificación de tu viaje

Para más información visita: http://www.geocities.com/ welcome_to_elsalvador/

Le esperamos

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San Francisco was a beautiful city when I lived there so many years ago, as did my friend who authored the post below on a user group, for many years in days gone by, when life was simpler.

Read the paragraphs written below..then... I ask..is this Freedom?

Not for me, at my age, a sincere recovering alcoholic with a disability. I am able to get along with just about anyone regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, sexual preference, religious belief or lack of it, etc. My many years in 'recovery rooms' f2f and online have taught me to have patience with others, respect differences and love and take care of myself.

At least I had the common sense to relocate out of the US many years ago

Sadly, I am a city boy who thrives living in a cosmopolitan urban enviroment...however when a person of my age cannot walk down the street nor express his or her opinions if a bit 'contrary' to popular opinion, whatever that may be, then I shall stay put, since I am divorced and have no mate, nor children, moving to a small town in the US just would not resonate with me.

But this..and New Orleans, well you know..below sea level and New York and Boston way beyond my budget

I shall happily stay where I am.....for the time being!

About the "freaks and anarchists"

(I was in the 6th Grade in 1957)