El Salvador has lots of turicentros - state-run public complexes of parks and pools dotted around the country and aimed at locals, rather than international travellers. We were intrigued by this concept and in need of a good cooling off, so we jumped on a local bus to one by a large lake to the east of San Salvador. It only cost 75 cents to enter and 25 cents more to swim. There were lots of trees, the lakeside, a playground, many eateries and some clothes on sale. The parks must have been built right after the civil war and this one, especially around the pool area, was showing its years.
Fancy changing rooms.We were the only foreigners in the place, which attracted us a bit of attention. It got worse when we went to the pool and realised that our trunks and bikini, which had seemed so prudish and sensible in Brazil, now felt a little more risque in the context of Salvadorenos all swimming in shorts and t-shirts. Still, once we were in the pool it was all worth it and fortunately hardly anyone had goggles. 
We left feeling refreshed and with an insight into local recreation time. Next time we will be more suitably attired.
No comments:
Post a Comment