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Chalchuapa Visit!! Today myself and Rene were up early so that we could go to the nearby town of Chalchuapa. Rene needed to do some business in Chalchuapa which gave me a few hours to explore the town which has 2 famous ruin sites and a very interesting museum of indigo. Before heading out to Chalchuapa we drove around the city doing some deliveries (oil) and I got to meet some of Rene's colorful clients. Arriving in Chalchuapa I headed straight to El Tazumal ruins - the guards were very friendly and gave me a discount with my old student card (only $1 entrance). The site was small and immaculately kept with gardeners and workers at every corner. The ruins were quite impressive with multiple pyramids ontop of one another from different eras of the Maya civilizations, after 45 minutes I had explored the site, gathered some nice photos and enjoyed the beautiful gardens. I then had to walk to the other side of town where the second set of ruins was located: Casa Grande. On the way to the other ruins I made a detour through Chalchuapas central market and was glad I did with the hustle and bustle and all the strange looks I was being given. When I arrived at Casa Grande the staff were once again very friendly and gave me a discount on entry ($1 entry again). I was given the opportunity to take park in an Indigo workshop (which my friend Johnny had told me about) and wow was glad I did - basically I was taught about the traditional production of a dye colour by the name of indigo. The girl doing presentation only spoke Spanish so it was hard to understand most of her description but at the end she asked if I would like to use the dye and make a canvas - I Ofcourse jumped at the opportunity. Whilst making the canvas dye thing the manager of the museum came in and introduced himself offering to take photos and telling me all the wonderful places I should visit in El Salvador - these people are incredible. After I had completed my canvas I went for a walk around the ruins which although not as big as Tuxmal still had their own unique character. Walking around the ruins I met a very interesting American guy called William that has been to El Salvador 6 times and had an absolute mountain of tips and advice for me. I chatted with William for about an hour and learned a great deal about the country (it is possible to learn about a place from foreigners that have taken a huge interest in the country). I really feel blessed today with all the amazing people I have met and the now realize I don't need the Internet to guide my travels rather people and their experiences will guide my way. Rene came and picked me up and we headed back to Santa Ana where his Maid had prepared us a very delicious chorizo and vegetable soup with tortillas - how can this day get any better?? I spent the next few hours reading - something I never do and actually I forgot how much I enjoy it and will have to start reading more often. When the sun started to disappear I went for a walk into the city and enjoyed watching the people scurrying home after work or coming out of their houses to seek food. It really is a beautiful place Santa Ana and I imagined daily life is quite similar today as it was 500 years ago and you can't help but be drawn in by the simplicity of daily life here.
OBSERVATIONS:
- Chalchuapa Visit
- El Tuxmal ruins and Casa Grande ruins visit and Indigo workshop ($2)
- Met American guy who taught me loads about El Salvador: William from California
- Lunch: traditional chorizo soup with tortillas
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