This morning was an early start. Some of us were up at 5:30 counting money to see how much we have for donating to our chosen causes AND for everyone to have spending money, one more time. Most of us are down to our last few dollars..there was talk of a bottle drive to get us through to the airport and home..ha! ha!

A touch of France was brought in to Sisimiles this morning with the serving up of light and flakey croissants stuffed with ham and cheese. This delicious offering was accompanied by a slice of fresh sandia and a moist and fluffy gateau. (cake)

With our stomachs happily filled, we scurried to the front lobby to load our bus one more time with soccer equipment and school supplies and of course, our cooler and snacks to get us through the day. Before leaving the property, we did our usual head count and once again we were 21 warm bodies with our driver, Edwin making us 22.

Fully loaded we headed out preparing ourselves for a trip to the country ‘ but not before stopping, once again, at the local convenience store for water and ice.

Now, we were ready to roll… After leaving the city limits, we wound our way through some very poor rural neighbourhoods seeing families eke out a living amongst metal, cardboard and other cast off material. Just before arriving at the school, we came upon two huge trucks parked up to their axles in the river. Interestingly enough, one truck was being cleaned and the other was pumping water into its tank.

We arrived at Al Centro Escolar Caseiro Santo Emilio and as we opened the door of the air conditioned bus, a blast of hot, dry, sticky, muggy air hit us in the face! But that was not going to stop us from completing our mission. The look of anticipation on those little faces was worth it all.

Four huge bags of soccer equipment were unloaded along with two suitcases of school supplies. Out on the basketball court, the children eagerly lined up to receive jerseys, shorts, socks and cleats and of course balls. They could hardly contain their excitement and showed us a few good soccer moves. They put their equipment on and a ´team´ picture was taken. However, the team wasn´t complete until the school authority, Teresa, was outfitted with a referee´s jersey and a whistle. And, the game was on!!! We are so grateful to the organizations and businesses that so kindly donated all of the equipment. Joe has been deeply touched by their generosity.

We were able to peak inside the modest classrooms which were made inviting with colourful posters and whiteboards. Desks were in various states of disrepair. However, overall, the impression was that the community, with the help of El Salvadorian and Ontario Rotaract Clubs, cared deeply for the school and what it can offer area school children. The teachers were very proud of the facilities and were very touched by our donations of notebooks, pens, crayons, pencil cases etc.

Before leaving, to show their appreciation, the school children prepared a light fruit snack. Yummy!!!

Now to the ocean!! But not before, once again winding our way through areas dotted with meager shelters passing as homes. As soon as the smell of the salt was in the air we knew we were close to the ocean.

We finally arrived at Club Salvadoreno in El Sunzal, a beautiful private beach club. Thatched cabanas complete with hammocks lined the beachfront. Eager feet took no time at all to head for the unforgiving sea. Not before, however, we had been given timely advice on water safety including the need to respect the ocean as Salvadorians do. The surf is rated in the top ten spots in the world for surfing gurus. We didn´t surf (only watched others) and others were Baywatching! A few of us went boogie boarding. The water was invigorating and brought shouts of laughter and excitement to all who participated.

Sunbathing, shopping on the beach, swimming in the pool, eating by the ocean rounded out our afternoon. We headed out tired but content.

We thought we were heading back to the hotel, but suddenly Edwin, our bus driver took a slight detour that decided our fate for the rest of the evening!! Puerto de La Libertad (Port of Liberty) was where we were. We started off with a concert at the outdoor amphitheatre, followed by a little shopping session where, among other things, manbands were purchased by the males among us, a leisurely stroll down the main pier which was filled on both sides with vendors offering various kinds of seafood. The smell of freshly caught fish was described as ´memories of Portugal´! The air temperature and slight breeze made the port a perfect location for a leisurely ocean side meal. The meal was delicious.

And, once back on the bus, we thought we were heading back to the hotel, but suddenly, out of habit, the bus came to a sudden stop at the local grocery store. In we ran to pick up a few snacks and drinks. As we were greeted by the store security guard, his smile gave us the impression that he recognized the yellow shirted tourists! Many of us took the opportunity to pick up a few souvenir items for family and friends back home.

And, once back on the bus, we thought we were heading back to the hotel, and we were!! But the night was not over when Hanns Jr. and his pose appeared at the door and sat and listened to music with our crew.

As we finish this diary entry, we have noticed hostility mounting as kids are getting more and more impatient waiting for their turn at the computer. So, we would love to write more, but we feel it is in our best interests to sign off for now… Buenas Noches!

Joe and Jane