Simone's birthday. The weekend.

This was where we spent the weekend. An eco hotel called Cocotera located on Barra de Santiago. About 2 hours from San Salvador on the coast road to Guatamala.
Our apartment from the beach.

It was a pretty big bed and very comfy.

Sim relaxes after lunch. The gentle waves of the pacific lulling her to sleep.

From the balcony.

The view in the morning from bed. Pretty nice to be able to look out straight on to the beach.

This is the estuary at the back of the hotel. It's a nature reserve with mango swamps further up. We had a very nice kayak trip up the estuary on Saturday morning.

The hotel pool. A lovely place to relax.

Is it possible that we could put many more hammock based photos on this blog. I can't promise this will be the last one, but I'll try.

Sim gets all artistic with the sunset.

Paradise? Maybe not, but it's still pretty nice.

Making use of the 4 x 4 on the beach.

The main road to the hotel. Why is there always so much traffic on a Sunday.

Although when there is traffic there's no telling what it might be carrying.

See what I mean!

But there are some nice views.

Simone's birthday.

Went to a very nice Japanese restaurant for Simone's birthday. Then at the weekend we went to a lovely hotel, pictures are on the blog you've probably just looked at them.


The classic, "couple in a restaurant" pose!

Although it looks like I've drugged Simone she is there of her own free will.

What a delicious spread!!

Only 2 minutes later the plate was empty. Mmmmmmmmm!!!

Through the keyhole.

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas will hardly be quaking in their boots, and I wont be holding my breath when the Oscars come round, but you've gotta start somewhere.

I've put it to music as I couldn't afford Lloyd Grossman to do the voiceover.

Our "new" car

After what seems like an age we at last have a car for exploring. It's a 1990 Mitsubishi Montetro for those who are interested (boys). Compared to the UK, prices are expensive but we got a pretty good deal at only $2500.

I think you'll all agree a real beauty.

Barrow uncovered

This previously unseen footage from the shed party at Ben & Sim's leaving BBQ.

It reminds me of Ibiza. Sort of!!

The first 10 days.

Hello all,

It's been a pretty manic first 10 days. We were lucky enough to find a house on the first day. Photos of which are below, pre furniture. Once we're furnished and it looks a little more homely we'll post some more. It took a few days to sort the contract, but we were moved in by the Thursday, which was nice. Although we were enjoying the facilities at the Holiday Inn, particularly the breakfast.

The day before we had been up to one of the many volcanoes that surround San Salvador. Pictures below. Pretty amazing and so close to where we live. Then some proper sampling of local life watching El Salvador in a world cup qualifier. If they ever make it to the finals this place will just go crazy.

The day after we moved into our new house we went down to the beach and spent the night and spent Saturday there also. Pictures below. Only 30 mins away and virtually deserted. It is the rainy season, but that just seems to mean rains at night sunny during the day. One thing we did notice was the how much hotter it gets at the beach. We live about 900m above sea level which gives us a nice breeze and keeps the temp in the low 30s.

On the way back on Saturday went to La Libertad to visit the fish market, again pictures below. Loads of fresh fish and cheap, cheap, cheap.

Since Monday we've been back to work, 3 days of INSET and today the kids started back.

Feel free to leave a comment or e-mail. Should be getting internet connection at home tomorrow so should be able to start skyping soon.

Laters

B & S

La libertad

Local fishing boat! Just like to state the bleeding obvious.

La Libertad pier. Famous for it's fish market.

Although Simone wasn't impressed with the smell.

A big fish. Also seen but not photographed, little fish and a cardboard box.