As I mentioned in my last blog, a very important method of keeping my creative wheels spinning is to experience a change of pace. Now, what could be a bigger change of pace than taking a trip back to the Motherland. That's right, FreeBananas originated in a small, amazing Central American country called El Salvador. Here are the top 5 things I love about my native home.
1. The Views.
From the moment my plane starts its decent I look out the window and see a beautiful landscape consisting of the Pacific Ocean, the San Salvador Volcano, and lush green trees. I open my window over our neighborhood and I see a colorful array of different trees and flowers seemingly blended in with rooftops. I drive out to a beach (you're never more than an hour away from a beach in our small country) and watch the alluring waves roll in while enjoying fresh coconut water. I have included some photos so you guys can get the idea. (Disclaimer: Photos are not mine. Remind me to get back into photography.)
2. Frescos.
Living in the U.S. I have to admit, I have grown accustomed to the processed bottled juices we find in the super market. In fact I've grown quite fond of a few of them. However, they don't hold a candle to the frescos that you can find down here. Long story short, frescos are really just freshly squeezed fruit juices with water... think lemonade but of pretty much any tropical fruit you can think of. Nothing beats a cold naranjada with club soda to cool off.
3. The Birds. (Specifically Parrots.)
I have always shared a kinship with birds. I've literally had wild birds perch on me on numerous occasion. I even have the pleasure to be a bird-dad to 3 parrots at home. It is incredibly wonderful to wake up to the sounds of thousands of tropical birds. They whistle, hoot, caw, screech and even mimic car alarms and other sounds! As a bird lover, I cannot explain the joy it brings me to hear all these different birds singing throughout the day. Really brightens my days.
4. The Food.
Tamales, pupusas, pan dulce, ceviche, carne asada, gallina india... One can find all these things in the states if you know where to look, but I don't know why but somehow, it just all tastes better here. Maybe it's the subtle variants in ingredients, or the surroundings or a combination of both. This is truly my comfort food. Somehow, it doesn't even feel as heavy. I can eat until I'm full without feeling sluggish or falling into a food coma.
5. It's Home.
While I have no intention of permanently moving back, there is just something special about breathing in the air where you born. I enjoy coming down here every so often because there is something refreshing of being surrounded by your native culture and tongue. As much as I love my home in the U.S, there are times when I am still hit by waves of immigrant shock and homesickness. Its always great to come down for a visit. Especially during winter to get a break from the cold weather. It's a sunny 75 degrees today!
I would like to hear from you. Where are you from? Anything you'd like to share about your home?
