July 4th in El Salvador

There were no fireworks, but we had a terrific Independence Day in El Salvador. One of our contacts here - a professor at the Central American University (the private and Catholic university we visited earlier in the trip) - invited us to the condominium complex to which he and his wife belong. It is on the Pacific Ocean near the town of Libertad, about a half hour from San Salvador.

The beach itself is gorgeous, with strong waves and a heavy undertow. The sand is black, and it gets into your suit, your feet, your hair - everywhere! The water temperature is warm enough for swimming or simply playing in the waves, but the force of the water will knock you over and threaten to carry you out to sea. This particular complex has a large swimming pool, as well, so those who wanted to do laps or simply sit in the water had an alternative.

There are straw-covered cabañas where we could stay out of the sun, order seafood or frozen fruit drinks, and take a siesta. Despite the heavy use of sunscreen, a number of us got sunburned. We spent the entire day there, and drove back to San Salvador in the evening, stopping for a supper of pupusas and other typical Salvadoran food.

Most of us will not forget this different, but delightful, July 4th!