Color Your Life Happy

I spent Easter week visiting a friend who moved to El Salvador over seven years ago. He fell in love with the country and the people, and often invited us to visit him.

This year I finally made the trip.

During the hours I spent on his patio or in the hammock looking out at the ocean just beyond the pool, I had time to take in the beautiful palm trees as I listened to the Spanish music pouring out of his boom box.

It was a setting most of us visualize as Paradise.

Before you invest any time being envious, however, be aware that Paradise has a down side.

I discovered that I love looking out at the ocean waves, but not walking in the sand. Once you walk in the sand it seems you never get it out of whatever shoes you were wearing. The sand in the daytime was just too hot for my footsies.

It seems that insects love Paradise as well.  The El Salvadorean mosquito enjoyed a tasty feast on this newcomer, in spite of the repellent I lathered on. Then there were those little brown ants. What were they doing in the kitchen?

I enjoyed early mornings best just after a shower. For a few minutes I would feel refreshed and clean. But soon I would be dripping wet, sweat pouring down my face and keeping my hair moist. It’s tough looking sexy while mopping sweat off your face.

The best part of my trip were the people.  I felt safe everywhere we went, and was able to shop, have dinner and visit with new friends easily, in spite of my tentative Spanish.  My host introduced us to a number of his Salvadorean friends and we got to participate in their Good Friday activities.

Beachfront living is common in El Salvador for all income levels. Many restaurants and bars line the beach. As El Salvador courts foreign visitors, new hotels and restaurants are sprouting up.

Thankfully I had read A New Earth just before leaving for El Salvador so I was able to be in the Now most of the time.

I encourage you to visit Paradise wherever you find it. But just know that closeup its beauty is being enjoyed by the rest of nature and you must content yourself with accepting that.  You can’t have one without the other.