There was that time in Notrthern Honduras where I met new friends...and we spontaniously decided to go to El Salvador! The freedom and spontaneity of back packing is really the best part of it all! We needed at least four people to arrange transportation to El Salvador though, so my new German friend and I spent the better part of an afternoon and evening crashing hostels around town, trying to persuade other backpackers to come to El Salvador with us. Of course, somehow we ended up with a group of seven people, as jumping on board with other people's crazy ideas seems to be the general rule of backpacking. Off to El Salvador then!

We were heading to Santa Ana not far from the border. We arrived after dark, and after finding a hostel, we made our way down town to find food. The streets were deserted and very dark. The city had a bit of a reputation, so we felt really lucky to have managed to put together a group of seven people. Walking in a big group, we felt reasonably safe, but I remember thinking, since I came backpacking on my own, that I would not have liked walking around by myself.

Once down town we found the most charming eating place and spent our evening enjoying overselves, gorging on amazing El Savadorian food and drinks.

There was that time our group of seven travellers made a home of the most amazing hostel in El Salvador (according to the Lonely Planet guide books, that is). The "Hostal Casa Verde" was an amazingly cozy place. Centered around an indoor court yard with fresh spices growing, we decided that we were all longing for a nice home cooked meal. We went shopping for groceries and then back to the hostel to make a group effort to produce the most authentic spaghetti bolognese. Somehow I became head cook. The hostel had two large kitchens and with four people working together and fresh basil, tomatos and pasta, we wipped together the most homey meal I had on the entire trip.

There was that time we jumped on the bus from Santa Ana and headed to the Santa Ana volcano. We spent a dray trekking up the volcano (guide, unfortunately, mandatory). At the top of the volcano the view down into the acid crater lake was visible. First (and only) volcano trekked in El Salvador!

There was that time we hopped on a (very colourful) bus trip down Ruta de las Floras in El Salvador. The road twirled along a number of little towns, beautifully painted with floral patterns and motives. We went through little shops and goofed around in oversized hats found - and were equally amazed and conflicted when we came upon a stray female dog whos was, quite clearly, in the middle of being gang raped by a bunch of male dogs!