Before I left the United States someone said, “Are you out of your mind going to El Salvador!”
He wasn’t asking a question either.
Also, the State Department suggests tourists choose another destination.
I went anyway, and I trusted Overseas Adventure Travel, the tour company I travel with often, to have their feelers out with their Central American staff.
What did I discover? A friendly, welcoming country that is learning the art of tourism. I couldn’t help but be encouraged. I can overlook the lack of English from the wait staff when there is a sincere effort to please. No matter where I went, Salvadorians were happy to meet and engage with me. They’re curious, too.
In no way did I feel unsafe, and of course, I kept my wits about me no differently than in my home area. My rule of being aware of my surroundings holds true in traveling. If what you have heard about roving gangs in El Salvador frightens you, then remember that gangs are everywhere in the world.
The wrong information is getting out to the public, and it makes people fearful. That’s such a shame. It’s another complicated issue I’ve simplified in my explanation. I’ll write more in depth later. Right now, I have to travel on.
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