Some weeks ago, having returned from Guatemala, I realized that Semana Santa (the Easter week) is near. I also realized that people here make kind of a big deal about the holidays connected to it . Thirdly, I realized that I have no plans and that I want to do something.  Lastly, I took a look at the map and noticed that I’m actually not more than a 10 hour bus ride away from the Caribbean. The conclusion that I managed to make of all these gradual realizations at about half way through Semana Santa was that I should take some days off and head to the Caribbean! It was Tuesday. On Wednesday night I was at a gas station hanging out with a random bunch of eager salvadorean holidaymakers ready to board a bus and start an all-inclusive tour to the Honduran Bay Island of Roatán.

 

dsc05997

I had no other wish than to swim in the turquoise sea and lie on the beach. And I got plenty of that indeed. 3 days was just enough for it not to slip on the boring side. I also made a few further observations of Salvadoreans. Firstly, I was surprised how, for many meetings, most of the people showed up early. Usually we are used to things proceeding rather slowly with a lot of waiting. Na-a, a few times I was the last person missing and I arrived at a sharp hour! Secondly, the waking up hours to join the tour activities were insane! At 6-7am… That was a turn off. But then again, after breakfast I could sleep on the beach.

The third thing was not that much of a new notion, but more something I already was aware off and what just got a stronger validation – the lack of the kind of clear and structurized communication I am used to.  There was not much clear information given along the way. Rather the tour leader lady just told someone something and then the word was either passed on or people just observed and followed. Things ran smoothly nevertheless. No one was ever left behind, everyone knew where to be and at what time etc. It was actually pretty amazing. A very interesting cultural beahaviour pattern.

Here are a few snapshots. I still cannot believe that I took the bus to the Caribbean. :)

Advertisement