Needless to say we have accomplished our fair share of exploring the last couple days!

Friday consisted of us getting more acquainted with the city of San Salvador and the surrounding city of Santa Tecla where we are staying.

First thing, we visited Catedral Metropolitana De San Salvador, the biggest cathedral in San Salvador and resting place of Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, archbishop killed during the Salvadoran Civil War in 1980.

The cathedral was previously burned in the fifties but was reconstructed with lots of beautiful stained glass and mosaic works.

Next we visited Iglesia el Rosario, a more modern church finished in 1971. From the outside it looks ver grey and nondescript but inside are interesting and beautiful metalwork and stained glass features which make it, personally, probably the most interesting church ive ever been to.

Metalwork sculptures were features that told the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Next on Friday, we did some exploring outside the city by going to Puerta del Diablo, an amazing geographical feature.

It took a lot of climbing up jagged steps but the view was well worth it!

Here’s the whole group!

We then practiced our presentations for the comunidad and went out to dinner for pupusas- iconic Salvadoran food (basically a thick tortilla pancake filled with cheese, garlic, beans, herbs, etc.)

Saturday was presentation day. The comunidad that we visited was a narrow path surrounded by houses which led to the community center where we presented to about 60 people. There we gave presentations on the importance of hand washing, dental hygiene, and stress management. Coupled with crafts, a soccer game,  and goody bags full of toiletries to practice what was taught, it was a morning very well spent.

Here are some photos taken while walking through.

Finally, we spent the remainder of the day playing with the kids back at Love and Hope, and shopping at the local mall. More fun and group pictures to come as we work in hospitals all next week!