I am leaving for a first trip to El Salvador in the morning. I am actually going on personal business and may not have much time for hobbyist activities. In any case with a lot of help from Mapachie and Excat over at TSM, I have collected quite a load of info. I'll start organizing it and adding to this thread when I return, If anybody is in the mood to get a jump on it, feel free.

Here is a good summary link to drill into El Salvador info. I am going to be a little slow getting things together here as I don't have much time prior to 12/15.

http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/ca/salvador/

I have to say after my first brief visit that I was very impressed with the beauty of the country, the friedliness of the people, and the quality of the restaurants etc. in Zona Rosa.

I have received some warnings about this being a potentially dangerous locale. I would not go exploring blind around here.

Cityog,

Any info on the quake aftermath ?

Gitano

Cityog,

I have been unable to get through to Zona Rosa or La Libertad since the quake. I am especially interested in damage reports around La Libertad. I haven't heard anything about that area in the news. I hope that is a good sign for my friends. Hope everthing is ok with your people.

Cuídate - Gitano

If anyone is interested in following the events in El Salvador here is a link to an online newspaper that is doing an incredible job of getting the news available. There is a link on it for donations. Guys these people are hurting real bad. I have always felt that as a group we were pretty good for extending a hand to the underdog. This looks to be about as bad as it gets.

http://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/index.html

Here is a link to a listing of the damages and deaths by area. It's grim.

http://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/NACIONAL/infograficos/DAnOS_PAIS1.pdf

Gitano

Gitano, sorry buddy I have been away from my computer for a couple of weeks. I spend a night in AB last week and my favorita was very concerned about my family down south, I thought this was very interesting. Anyways La Libertad only suffered A little bit of damaged compared to other areas, I think you have visited San Diego Beach and surrounding beaches, as far as I know they are ok. As for the Zona, the buildings are more structurely sound. If you speak or read spanish try this site WWW.laprensa.com.sv or try www.eldiariodehoy.com

Bushpilot, I just read your posting sorry for not e-mailing back.

Cityog,

Gitano and BushPilot are the same person. I retired the BushPilot id and became Gitano because I wanted something that felt a little more Spanish. Anyway,

I read Spanish and have been following El Diario de Hoy. La ciudad de La Libertad had 10 deaths and wasn't badly damaged. El departmeto de La Libertad had over 500 of the 700 deaths and was the worse damaged area in the country. The big landslides occurred here and wiped out blocks of houses. It's really bad.

My friends live in this area, but not in the worse parts like Nuevo San Salvador and Las Colinas. There are thousands of destroyed homes here. It's really sad because these are poor people who were already living on the edge. My friends are well, but in a little shock. I am going down again on 2/3. If you want me to do something, let me know. Can't carry anything ya mis maletas son llenas con cosas por mis amigos.

Cuídate - Gitano

I visited a place called La Officina. It resembles a normal residence on the outside and offers services such as haircuts. You pay a three dollar cover to get in which includes a beer. You walk in and are greeted by ladies lounging around. They offer you the menu which offers sex by the hour as little as 30 dollars U.S and a threesome for $60. Another good spot is a strip bar called LIPS. About 5 dollars get you though the door and about 7 dollars gets you a three song lap dance where just about anything goes if the lady likes you and they love Americans. You can take them to your hotel for about 100 and they will take care of you all night and be your tour guide to the city the next day.

Hey this guy really knows San Salvador. I have also visited La Officina. This place is literally called "The Office" this is so that you can tell your wife or girlfriend that you are going to the office and you won't be telling them lies. As for the quality, from a 10 to 1 scale I would say it is a 4 to 6. This place is for when you are short of cash but want some action.

I live in El Salvador, but I generally work out of the country. I am here for 6 months right now, so if anyone is visiting, and needs more info, drop me a line.

For more information on hobbying in San Salvador, check out my guide: P4P ABC's in San Salvador, El Salvador

Also, if you're staying at the Novo, I can vouch that Tato is a good driver that knows most of the major locales. He comes recommended on other sites as well. He's easy to find by asking at or outside the hotel, but here's his cellular number as of September '05: 7962-2307

Vlad, If you don't mind me asking. What other sites have info on Sal. I know Tato and I agree he is a good guy! So is the young guy Oscar in the yellow cab in front of Novo! Thanks and great report!