Dunson Adventures

Yesterday, we visited Jardín Botánico Plan de la Laguna, a hidden gem in Antiguo Cuscatlán, just outside San Salvador.  Nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, this lush botanical garden is home to over 3,500 species of plants, towering trees, vibrant flowers, and even some curious little animals.   We wandered through winding trails, crossed wooden bridges, and found peaceful ponds filled with turtles and koi fish.  It was the perfect escape from the city—cool, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking. Instead of telling you more about it, I’ll let a few more pictures speak for themselves! If you ever find yourself in San Salvador, this place is a fun visit!

If you’re looking for a great place to eat with breathtaking views, Cadejo Brewing Company in El Sunzal is a must-visit! Nestled on the beautiful coast, this spot offers not only fantastic food but also an unforgettable experience. When we arrived, the views took my breath away. The restaurant overlooks the crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a meal. We were fortunate to have a tour guide with us, thanks to my husband’s prior planning, which allowed us to skip the wait for food.  Note to self for the future: for a little extra fun, you can pay a fee of $25 per person to swim in the pools right below the restaurant. While this might not be the best deal for families (especially if you’re with younger kids), it could be a fun splurge for adults who want to take a dip and enjoy the surrounding scenery from the water. Wow, this country is so beautiful! Cadejo Brewing Company, El Sunzal, really impressed me, from the lush landscapes to the sparkling wa...

Last month, on Feb. 22,  we took our first "easy" hike here in El Salvador at El Peñón de Comasagua. I say "easy" with a bit of humor because, well, let’s just say I’m not exactly in peak hiking shape. But considering that I had neck surgery less than a year ago, I’m incredibly proud of my progress! The hike itself was both exhilarating and challenging. The views were breathtaking—literally and figuratively. As we made our way up, I had to take several breaks, and that’s when I remembered something important about myself: I’m actually pretty scared of heights. Whenever I paused to catch my breath, I’d start shaking a bit, a mix of exhaustion and sheer nerves. Still, I powered through, step by step. The weather was hot but absolutely beautiful, with the sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. We were also given a unique experience—police escorts through the village and throughout the hike, which added a sense of security and made the journey even more memorable...

One of the first Spanish phrases I learned was "¡Vamos a la playa!" which means "Let's go to the beach!" I have always loved the beach, and recently, we took our beach adventures to a new level by joining a beach club, Club Joya del Pacífico. This was my first time visiting a Central American beach, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. First Impressions When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by how clean and peaceful the beach was. There were hardly any other visitors, making it feel like our own private paradise. The water was pretty clear, and the shoreline was covered with beautiful shells, little crabs, and live sand dollars. We had the beach mostly to ourselves on a random Monday, which made the experience even more relaxing. The Beach Experience Unlike some beaches where I love to sit with my feet in the water, I found myself keeping more of a distance here due to the abundance of marine life. However, the experience was still incredible. The wav...