The Dream of the Goal.

My alarm clock rings…the day has begun, I open my ehes and see on a hanger in
front of me - still warm in the hammock – the uniform of my beloved team!

I love their colors! My heart beats to the rhythm of my imagination!

I am still in my hammock, I love feeling my body suspended in this warm and soft
environment that makes me remember the sea breeze that sometimes escapes from
the sea and comes to have fun with us in this place.

San Juan Tepezontes is my home, I was born in this town and that makes me very
happy.

My city vibrates in the middle of a mountainous área that is embraced by many natural
and picturesque places that have hills and forests.

At dawn, from the top of my town, you can see in the distance the Golden sparks of
the sun that open the curtain of the sky to announce that a new day is arriving,
dancing excitedly on the Waters of Ilopango Lake. Miss Norma at my school says that
where the Sun rises is called “east” so I can say that Ilopango Lake is located east of
my beautiful San Juan Tepezontes.

I really like to get up before the Sun because after having seen it rise, I turn my head
a Little to the right and I can see behind so many trees and hills, the immense sea like
a golden dragon sleeping on the Costa del Sol shore.

Last year, Miss Martita taught us that if we look where the Sun rises in the east, and
then turn to the right, we Will find “south” and, to the left, “north”. Since then I know
that Costa del Sol is to the south of where we are.

From the highest part, you can also see the paved streets that take us to and from
nearby places.

From this point, they look like gray snakes that make their way through all the
vegetation and shake non-stop to the sound of the wind and transmits the joy that
characterizes all Tepezontecos.

When I stare at that landscape, I can distinguish some local residents who are
dedicated to growing corn, beans, sugar cane and vegetables and then bring them to
sell at the market or take them for sale to the markets of neighboring towns on
Sundays.
At the same time I can see those who are dedicated to herding cows, sheep and
horses.

They take them to specific areas to feed on vegetation or grass to raise them and
subsequently produce meat, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream and other products
that may mother buys for us every Sunday…mmm…they are so good with tortillas!
Fresh off the griddle!ç

December is the happiest and most expected month of the entire year. In addition to
the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, we celebrate our patron saint festivities. On
December 22nd itself, without fail, the mail parade leaves and passes through the
most important streets.

My Friends and I go out early to sit in some shadded área and watch the
cheerleaders, the folk dancers, the peace bands, the former queen and the Jocoro
giants go by, everything is a great hubbub because we try to get them to give us the
program of holiday activities.

During all the days that we celebrate our festivals, there is music, dances,
processions and also religious events. Many of the relatives and friends who have
gone to live in other countries for some time return on those days to talk and laugh
with those of us who have stayed.

They bring us nice gifts and we give them delicious dishes that can only be found
here.

In the other months, people who come from other countries also visit us. My mother
calls them ´tourists´and says they like to come because here they do find beautiful
places where they can go for a walk; they will also look and take potos of the birds
that live in this región.

One night I Heard aunt Margarita tell my mother that these people like to do
something called ‘ecotourism’ where they can explore nature and wildlife with the
compromiso of respecting and conserving the natural resouces of that place. To tell
the truth, all activities where you can run and jump are the best!

I love soccer, since I was little, playing on the field with my friends has been and is to
me the best of the best of the best!

My biggest dream is to become a football artista and get hired by those great teams
that always compete in important competitions and wear impressive uniforms.
I am still in my small room swinging in my hammock, buy now, the first rays of the sun
are beginning to caress my fase. The sparkle of excitement that comes out of my eyes
because the long-awaited day has arrived escapes non-stop as I remember that
finally! Now it’s the big football final!

You know? My friends and I always train at the end of each afternoon, after finishing
school work we go to the field that is two blocks from the park. There we have placed
two orange bricks at each end of the field to recognize if the shot managed to cross
the goal and to shout ‘Goaaal’.

Every afternoon we train tirelessly to perfect every pass, every shot, every maneuver
and every trick to be able to keep the ball and not allow the other team to take it away
from us.

Sometimes, some friends from the sixth grade arrive and we start the game. At that
moment we all imagine that we are in the largest stadium in this place and we pretend
that the two teams are the most outstanding finalists of the championship.

We also imagine that all the tickets have been sold because the entire town has come
to see us and they are waiting to see which team wins the cup at the end of the game.

Tickets? I feel butterflies in my stomach! It is time to get up, today is the big day, in a
momento we will meet in the park and Don Toto will take us in his red pick-up to the
National Stadium of the Costa del Sol where we will see the El Salvador Beach
Soccer Team.

This is the most dreamed and anticipated day. I see once again my favorite uniform
hanging in front of my hammock and it seems incredible to me: my blue shirt with the
number 22 on the back, my shorts and my White socks that reach just to my knees.

I jump up and get dressed, I immediately run down the stairs and find my mom
preparing breakfast.

‘Good morning, mom!’ I say with a smile that I cannot hide.

‘Good morning, my Crac’, my mother responds, giving a smile back. ‘Are you ready
for the big day?’

‘Yes, mom! I cannot wait to watch the final with my friends. It will be unforgettable!’ I
tell her excitedly, while I devour my breakfast.
I say goodbye with a big Kiss and run towards the park. As I run, I can see more and
more of my friends who are already ready, waiting for Don Toto and waiting for me.

When I finally get to the park, our eyes shine with excitement, we all greet each other
with big hugs and laughter in the same feeling of unity thanks to the love and
dedication that we all feel for soccer.

While we wait for Don Toto to finally arrive, I look up at the blue sky and think about
how lucky I feel to be living this day with my friends and being able to see that great
game up close.

I know it will be an unforgettable day, full of emotion, joy and, above all, football.

Along the way, the bustle and excitement in the air is felt with every heartbeat.

We all talked about the game and, naturally, cheered for our favorite team: El
Salvador Beach Soccer Team , better known as Selecta de Playa.

¡Pájaro picón picón! ¡Pájaro picón picón!

¡Este día ganaremos con mi equipo cachimbón!

Thus begins our exciting adventure, without knowing what will happen later, we feel
ready to live an experience that will remain in our hearts forever.

When Don Toto finally arrived at the municipal park, we got into the pick-up truck and
headed straight toward San Miguel Tepezontes, our neighbor.

As we advance, we can feel the embrace of the lush vegetation: immense trees,
bushes loaded with fruits, plants that have grown spontaneously and that, together,
become a green tunnel that extends on both sides of the path, sharing with us a
landscape full of life and color.

The hills and mountains that surround the road become an impressive backdrop and
make a beautiful contrast with the green tunnel that continuous to embrace us.

In some parts of the road we can see some carefully planted fields. These cultivated
areas of corn, beans, sugar cane and various vegetables become giant paintings of
many colors and textures that brighten the landscape.
We also cross small rivers or streams that undulate through the terrain. These wáter
mirrors provide a touch of freshness and add beauty to our view.

As we enter the path, as we carefully observe the horizon we see the parrots,
toucans, hummingbirds, herons, owls, hawks and butterflies that sail in a sea of joy,
letting themselves be carried away by the breeze and the gusts of wind that suddenly
appear.

Staring up at the trees, we can make out iguanas and snakes clnging to the branches,
some moving around and others just taking a break.

Turtles, todas, frogs and some salamanders cannot be missed every time we find a
stream near the road.

We see raccoons and oposums playling on the fields. Aunt Margarita says that, if we
are lucky, we can even see a deer passing through these surroundings.

In short, the landscape that we have before our eyes as we walk along the path that
zigzags from the heart of the municipal park of San Juan Tepezontes towards the
spell of San Miguel Tepezontes, is like a living canvas that comes to life.

The river of emotions that flows when seeing the lush vegetation and the natural
formations that can be seen behind, immerse us in a truly magical world full of colors
and shapes, where the beauty of this Salvadoran land comes to life with every step
we take.

Our supreme desire is to get ther, yes, right there where you can see the immense
sea like a golden dragon sleeping on the Costa del Sol shore, because right there, the
National Stadium of the Costa del Sol is located, which is a sand stadium so vast that
I have Heard that we can accomodate up to two thousand people, yes! Two thousand!

Let me see: Chino is one, Choco is two, Don Toto is three, Poliducto is four and I am
five. There will still be room for one thousand nine hundred and ninety-five people who
will join our team this day.

If you could see inside my mind, you would find a flurry of thoughts that never stop.

I am the kind of person – little person my mom says – who is always looking for
answers and things to do as well.

My name is Gabriel, but my friends and family call me Gabo, only my mother prefers
to call me my own name.
At 11 years old I can say that my life changed forever when, at six, they gave me a
soccer ball for my birthday. That day, without realizing it, I embarked towards the
greatest passion of my life: football.

Everyone recognizes me because of my height, I am always the last in line for the
class at school. My straight hair, eternal smile, and many moles that look like stars in
the night sky make me feel like my appearance stands out in a crowd.

I am still not sure what I will become when I grow up, what is very clear to me is that I
feel my eyes light up every time I put on my uniform and I am also clear that I always
have the desire to enter a game with my friends on the soccer field or sometimes just
kicking the ball in my backyard.

I always wear number 22 on my uniform. I will share with you the reasons why this
number has a special and magical meaning for me.

First, I was born on the 22nd and my parents have told me many stories about how
that day I came into the world full of good luck and positive energy.

Furthermore, it was on the 22nd that I had an unforgettable experience: That day I
scored my first goal in a match! It was fantastic! Since then the number 22 has been
my lucky number in football and I even feel that every time I wear my uniform with the
22 on the back, a special ability to play better and achieve exciting victories in the
game awakens within me.

Because of this, I got a book from the school library and upon reading about this
number I found that, in some cultures and beliefs, the number 22 is associated with
good fortune and success. Therefore, I chose to wear it on my shirt as a lucky charm
and at the same time because it reminds me that I always want to give my best in
every game so that we can live special moments with my friends on our team.

Every time my teachers meet with my mother, they tell her that I am a sweet and
obedient child. Aunt Margarita also says that I always show respect to my parents,
teachers and adults in general.

I know that I must listen carefully and follow the rules carefully, both at school and at
home. My parents are very proud of me and the way I behave and also of my ability to
quickly learn the topics they teach me at school and on Sundays at church.

I have always been a good student and in all the school years I have taken, my school
grades have allowed me to obtain first place awards and medals.
I really like having friends, in fact, all the children are my friends, but I have three who
are the closest to me because we have been teammates with them since kindergarten
and because we practice soccer with them every afternoon after finishing chores and
school work.

Furthermore, on Sundays we have learned that kindness to the people around us

helps us cultivate the affection of those people and with Chino, Choco and Poliducto
we always try to have a smile and a kind Word for the people around us.

I think the time has come to tell you about my close friends, I will begin by telling you
about Chino.

Chino, as we affectionately know him, is a 10-year-old boy who lives in a township in

San Juan Tepezontes and is recognized in our community as an outstanding child for
his love of sports and his friendly personality.

The nickname `Chino`is due to his dark, straight hair that, combined with his sleepy
eyes, frames his fase with a distinctive touch. Despite only being 10 years old, he is a
talented football who is getting better and better.

We always find him on the soccer field, whether practicing shots on goal, playing
games with the children who have arrived or simply sharing tips and tricks with the
little ones who also want to learn the game, all of this to make time for us while the
inseparable friends arrive and we start our own game.

What stands out most about Chino is his friendly personality. He is a boy who is
always willing to make new friends and welcome anyone who wants to join his group.
Very frequently he organizes informal games on the soccer field with the children who
are there at the time and everyone enjoys the healthy fun and camaradeire that the
sport provides.

But he not only organizes games, he also helps in the events and activities they
organize at the church or at the mayor’s office to raise funds for the community and
help those who need it most.

I will never forget the day I met him, I got to the park and saw Chino helping an
abandoned dog from the streets.

That day not only changed that por little animal’s life, but it shaped my insides in a
way that I still cannot explain.
After Chino, I want to tell you about another member of our team: Choco.

Mario, better know as `Choco` has an energy that never ends, his joy is contagious
and can be seen in each of his movements and gestures.

He is Miss Martita’s son and in his entire life he has had to study more than the others
because at almost eleven years old he already wears glasses that are thicker than
normal, hence his nickname.

Actually, I do not know how he does it, he does not even take them off to play and you
can say that they become a part of him; better said, if he does not wear them he
would not be able to do it.

We all know him for his restless nature, he is always on the move and always looks so
full of life.

He cannot sit still for long and is always looking for adventure and excitement.

Despite his inexhaustible energy, Choco is extremely friendly, Actually, he is the happy
soul of our group of friends. He celebrates every pass, every goal, every bicycle kick,
even every scrape we get.

We all know that we have the effervescent personality and that contagious sense of
humor that makes it imposible not to smile in his company.

Like the other members of our team, he is always willing to make new friends and
welcome anyone with open arms.

All of us children who know him know that he is pure joy and that he has a well-
developed immense capacity to créate unforgettable moments.

Although he can be very restless, his kind heart and love of sports have made him a
role model for the neighborhood children.

His energy and enthusiasm for life are contagious; and its name, in fact, is
synonymous with fun and friendship in this place.

Now, it is Poliducto’s turn.

He is the oldest of all of us, he has already turned twelve and he is also already a
prominent figure in the community.

As the eldest of our team, he guides us with enthusiasm and is the heart of the sports
and fun activities we share together.

Poliducto's life revolves around two main pillars: football and work at his parents' stall
in the town market. After leaving school, he rushes to help his parents at the family
stall.

This early responsibility has shaped his work ethic and sense of responsibility.

However, what really brightens his day is the opportunity to play soccer with us every
afternoon.

Every afternoon, after completing his school and market duties, Poliducto joins us on
the soccer field. As the natural leader, he is the one who truly organizes the matches,
pays attention to how each of us plays and at the end of the match shares advice and
motivates us to improve our techniques. His passion for sports is contagious and he
has managed to turn the soccer field into a meeting and fun place for the young
people of the town.

Poliducto is not only a passionate soccer player, but he is also a young man with a big
heart. I always see how he is willing to help his friends, whether on the playing field or
in everyday life. He is a leader based on friendship and solidarity, and with his actions
he has earned the respect and affection of all of us who know him.

Apart from my friends, I also want to tell you about Don Toto.

He is a man who will turn 50 next year. His entire life has been dedicated to
transporting people to neighboring communities. This activity for so long has made
him a recognized and also loved person; above all, because despite his age, his
active spirit and his love for serving others keep him on the road, although now in a
different way.

For many years, Don Toto was a bus driver and for a few years he has continued to
transport us, but from his red pick-up truck.

He often offers to take neighbors to the city or other nearby places when they need it,
without asking for anything in return: like today, he will take us, wait for us, and bring
us back just for the joy of seeing us smile.

Don Toto is someone very special. He is a man who is always in a good mood, with a
friendly smile and a positive attitude towards life.

He has the quality of making people feel comfortable and welcome in his company.

Whenever he talks to us, he tells us in a friendly manner anecdotes about his years as
a bus driver with which we laugh and also learn.

Don Toto has a special place in our hearts, especially in the hearts of those of us who
enjoy football every afternoon.

Many times he stops to watch the games and cheer us on. He tells us stories from his
own youth and also shares tips about the game. Their support and affection towards
us children is evident in every gesture and word.

Don Toto interrupts our hubbub to announce that we have arrived at San Miguel
Tepezontes, here we will only cross the town center drawing a straight line that
represents a perfect bridge between San Juan Tepezontes and Santa María Ostuma,
a route that brings us closer and closer to our final destination.

The path that begins in the municipal park of San Miguel Tepezontes and heads to
Santa Maria Ostuma gives us a spectacular route through the mountainous and
picturesque landscapes of the area.

As we advance, we find a series of very peculiar characteristics of this place.

In the initial sections of the path, we pass through pine forests that create a fresh and
at the same time serene atmosphere.

The trees rise majestically on both sides of the road and at the same time provide us
with shade and a pleasant Wood smell.

The road winds through hills and mountains that are still part of the landscape of San
Miguel Tepezontes and, at the same time, the mountains offer unimaginable
panoramic views that add a unique element to the tour.

As we move away from San Miguel Tepezontes, we find agricultural fields with crops
of many and varied bright colors that give a sense of life to the landscape.
Also in this area, in some sections of the road, you cross small streams that descend
from the mountains. Unlike the ones we found at the beginning of our trip, these seem
to be fresher and they warmly invite us to stop for a moment and enjoy nature.

The route from San Miguel Tepezontes to Santa María Ostuma would allow us to
briefly go to the town of Paraíso de Osorio, where we could find a lot of charm and
beauty due to its cobblestone streets, its colonial-style houses, and its calm and
peaceful atmosphere. But we will do this visit another day, at this moment our greatest
desire is to reach the Boulevard of La Costa del Sol.

But... What happens? The pick up has stopped, I think that Don Toto has also been
convinced by the panoramic views in which the tranquility and serenity that is
experienced predominate.

We are right at the highest part of Santa María Ostuma, there is a restaurant that has
chairs and tables arranged in the back and from where visitors appreciate a very
characteristic visual experience of the surrounding region.

I see that Don Toto gets out of the driver's seat and opens the hood. Touch some
parts, return to the driver's seat and try to start the vehicle. After several attempts in
vain, he tells us the most feared words: children, I'm sorry. The vehicle must be
repaired in a workshop and we will not be able to continue with our trip.

Our hearts stop with a beat suspended in the air, like a smile that is frozen in time.

And while we see our most dreamed day evaporate before us, Poliducto interrupts
with his bossy voice: “Don't worry, Don Toto, we will continue walking. “This region is
our birthplace and we will be able to arrive in time to see the grand final.”

Upon pronouncing that saving phrase, he stands up and begins to move down the
road while Choco, Chino and I follow him while we move our hands to say goodbye to
Don Toto.

Along the way, we began to see the agricultural fields from another angle, but always
filled with a palette emerald green.

On our way, we come across some traditional houses that are very peculiar: with their
red tile roofs and brightly colored walls, which add a charm to the view.

We continue advancing and in some sections of the road, we can see the forests and
native vegetation that frame the road. The trees and bushes add a touch of freshness
and naturalness to the environment.

After walking for about 15 minutes, we have reached a point where we must decide
which street to take. Choco, with all the knowledge that Miss Martita has taught him,
says with great confidence that the widest path is the one that will allow us to cross
San Pedro Nonualco, an action that will take us directly to San Juan Nonualco, our
next stop.

We have walked for more than half an hour and far from seeing the road to San Juan
Nonualco, we have entered a place where there are many houses, farms and empty
land. Oh no, I'm afraid to consider it, but I think we're lost.

Nobody has said anything, for being afraid of bothering Choco or Poliducto, who are
the ones who have been guiding us.

Suddenly, Chino dares and suggests: What if we ask some locals around here?
Maybe they show us a straighter path that will save us time and arrive earlier...?

Poliducto nods his head, does a quick search with his eyes and points with his index
finger to one side of the path saying “There comes a man, it seems that he has come
from working the land so he must know this place and its surroundings well.” Come
on, we'll ask him.”

The four of us changed course and headed without hesitation to meet the farmer.

From a distance he looks like a man, up close we can see that he is a young adult
who is not over 30 years old. He apparently looks moody, which we can understand
after working every day under the rays of the sun on this beautiful and warm land.

Indeed, we have lost ourselves. Our new friend invites us to follow him in the opposite
direction on the streets that we have just walked downhill.

As we leave the wrong streets, we listen to his story carefully: his life unfolds in the
farm fields of the region, where he works hard to support his family and at the same
time contribute to the community.

Despite his serious appearance, he has shown us a friendly hand at all times with
great kindness and with his attitude he reminds us of our lessons from Sundays when
they insist that we all have a responsibility and commitment towards others and
towards our land.
In fifteen minutes and through unrecognizable streets we have reached our next
destination: San Juan Nonualco. We didn't even notice when we passed through San
Pedro Nonualco or when we left Santa Maria Ostuma.

The desire to arrive and not waste more time has been stronger than the curiosity of
our eyes to enjoy the range of options in terms of landscapes.

“Well, my new friends, we have arrived. Do you recognize this place? We are in The
Temple of the Lord of Charity in San Juan Nonualco.”

I do recognize it! And I say it with emotion, we come to this temple every Friday to visit
the Lord of Charity and then we go to the municipal market to eat the tasty food that is
characteristic of this town.

“I'm glad you recognize it,” the farmer tells me.

“As you understand, I can accompany you up to this point since I must return to my
work.”

We said goodbye to our new friend with hearts full of gratitude and with the desire to
see him again in the very near future.

The Temple of the Lord of Charity is a very beautiful place and it is also a place that
represents an important part of the history and culture of this city.

This Temple has arches, columns and many details as ornaments on its facade which
is imposing and immediately attracts attention.

Its ornaments are carved pieces and religious sculptures that represent biblical
scenes and holy figures. Many craftsmen participated in the construction of this work.

Paying attention you can notice that the temple also has two identical towers that
stand out on the main facade. These towers are a distinctive feature of the place and
make the view impressive since at the top of each tower, there are bell towers that
keeps historical bells.

Upon entering the Temple, visitors are enveloped by an atmosphere of solemnity and
devotion. This environment provides a space for reflection for each visitor. The main
altar is the most important point of the interior and is adorned with carved golden
altarpieces that represent religious scenes.

On the right side of the main altar, a line of visitors and devotees begins to climb one
by one to the highest part of the altar and be able to make their requests and prayers
of gratitude closely to the Lord of Charity

When you go down, after that visit, on the left side there are metal tables that have
many candle holders and that are used by the faithful people to light a yellow candle
that they have just bought at the entrance to the Temple, as a symbol that seals the
visit they have just made.

As if time had stopped for a few moments, we were immersed in the beauty of the
place, once again.

Chino interrupts this time saying: “And now how are we going to continue on our
way?”

Poliducto responds: “Do you see those three people who look like tourists?

Come on! Let's talk to them! Maybe if we tell them our situation they can give us an
idea of how to continue on our path…”

The four of us friends headed to the block where the three tourists were. We
approached smiling, as if we knew that there would be the key to the door that would
open the way to the stadium again.

We greet them and, the moment they look at us, we recite our names. We started a
very pleasant conversation. They introduced themselves, pronouncing their names in
a very particular way so that despite having foreign names we could pronounce them:

Sophie is the most smiling of the group, her foam-white skin and green eyes contrast
with the brightness of her constant smile. Her slim body and curly hair fit perfectly with
her enthusiasm for experiencing the vibrant patron saint festivities in San Juan
Nonualco. Her spirit retains an immense motivation to explore new cultures and
traditions and this is a perfect opportunity to immerse herself in authentic local life.
Sophie is a lover of gastronomy, so her plan has been to enjoy the delicious typical
dishes found in the municipal market, especially the iguana eggs in alguashte.
Additionally, she can't wait to try the famous Ponche made by the locals, which she
has heard is a delicious and traditional drink from the region made of milk, egg and a
little liquor.

Chloe is an adventurous traveler who has arrived in San Juan Nonualco with the
intention of immersing herself in the local culture. Unlike Sophie, her height is medium
and her hair is dark and shiny. Her nose stands out on his face and matches her large
mouth since her small eyes seem to be drawn like a thick line that, combined with her
smile, denote kindness all the time. She is intrigued and eager to witness the colorful
parades and processions, with special interest that of the Tiger and Deer dance, and
hopes to capture the essence of these festivities in her photographs.

Robert, for his part, is a tourist who values the cultural experience and has traveled to
San Juan Nonualco to be part of the festivities. Tall, stocky, with white skin and light
hair, at his apparent 45 years old he knows how to maintain a calm attitude and has a
high appreciation for spirituality. Plan to visit the Temple of the Lord of Charity to
contemplate its beauty and absorb the religious atmosphere. He is accompanied by a
notebook and a pen because despite having technology, he prefers to take notes with
traditional methods. He shares with us that there is nothing like the smell of paper that
you breathe when reading a good book and, in the same way, he trusts more in his
notes and annotations with his hand directing a pencil or pen than in touching and
touching a screen. by spelling word by word to record your ideas and the information
you want to keep.

When my friends and I heard the particular interest of each of the tourists in front of
us, we decided to share with them our knowledge and our experiences in these
festivities.

We begin with the explanation that the patron saint festivities are a significant and
colorful annual event that celebrates the religious devotion and abundant cultural
tradition of this community in our country.

The Temple of the Lord of Charity becomes the epicenter of activities during the
celebrations. Special masses, colorful processions and liturgical activities are
celebrated in honor of Saint John the Baptist.
The festivities often include performances of the famous “Tiger and Deer Dance.” This
traditional dance is a representation of the fight between good and evil and is an
integral part of the culture of this town. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and
masks representing animals, creating an impressive visual spectacle.

During the holidays, it is common to enjoy live music and traditional dances. Local
groups perform folk music and residents come together to dance to the rhythm of
cumbia, salsa and other typical musical genres of the region.

The festivities are also an opportunity to enjoy delicious local cuisine. Food stalls in
the municipal market and on the streets offer a variety of typical Salvadoran dishes,
such as pupusas, tamales, fried yuca, and corn atol.

In addition to the famous Ponche, which is a traditional drink that is shared with
visitors.

Some nights during the holidays can end with impressive fireworks displays and
fireworks that light up the dark night and add a touch of excitement and joy to the
celebrations.

Likewise, a fair is available with mechanical attractions, games and sales stalls,
especially typical sweets, Spanish churros and potato chips. Children and families
enjoy the fair games and the fun in the local parks.

Our new friends, the tourists, laughed and paid close attention to our explanations and
stories.

Robert, from his seriousness, breaks the moment and asks us: What are you doing in
that place alone?

This was the moment when we were able to tell them about our almost lost dream due
to the whole situation that had happened to us.

Hearing us, Sophie suggests Chloe take a motorcycle taxi and go to San Juan
Tepezontes to tell our parents while Robert accompanies us sharing a delicious
breakfast - for the second time that day.

We all agreed and, while our new friends headed to our home, we guided Robert to
Doña Loli's stall, the person who sells the tastiest milk in the market and who could
also get us some freshly cooked pupusas.
Some time later, we saw the caravan approaching the market, they were Sophie and
Chloe, who, by telling our parents what had happened, convinced them to return with
them and accompany us to the stadium to enjoy the grand final together.

I cannot describe the joy I feel when I understand that my long-awaited dream of
witnessing the grand final of football will be shared with the people I love most: my
family and my friends!

When saying goodbye to the tourists we prepared to leave directly for the Costa del
Sol, but what about Poliducto? Where is he?

Look! There! shouts Choco, pointing his finger at a cement table where Poliducto is
with two pupusas and the technique of “a lot of curtido and a lot of sauce to fill the
belly.”

Let's go! we shouted at him.

Poliducto responds: “Please wait a little while”

He wasn't running because he was enjoying the last sips of breakfast coffee and
taking the last look at the sports newspaper to find out the latest national and foreign
soccer programs. “I'm coming… Wait for me!”

The trip from San Juan Nonualco to La Herradura, along La Costa del Sol Boulevard,
offers a scenic journey through varied and beautiful landscapes.

We left the municipal park of San Juan Nonualco, which is in the center of town. From
here, we head towards the exit of the town, beginning our journey towards La
Herradura.

We took the well-known “old street” bordering first Santiago Nonualco and then El
Tunal. Next, we arrived at the La Flecha detour where we made a brief stop to buy the
tasty Valencia oranges that are already prepared in transparent bags ready to eat.

In La Flecha, when crossing to the left we see the beginning of a street without end.
The La Galilea community lets us know that we are going in the right direction.

Initially, the road may appear to be a country road that undulates through farmland.
We can see green and cultivated fields on both sides of the road and we can also see
arid and sad lands that are waiting their turn to bloom again.

On the way to La Herradura, we also passed through several hamlets and local
communities. Each of these places presents its own charm and a series of unique
characteristics, such as colorful houses, squares and small businesses such as the
area known as El Pedregal, where local commerce comes to life due to the factories
that provide job opportunities for many people in the surrounding area.

The residential areas and hamlets such as Santa Isabel El Pedregal and Los Novillos
are witnesses of the number of people who move forward and return of the maquilas –
as they are colloquially known – like ants preparing for the harvest.

As we approach La Herradura, we notice a change in the landscape due to the

proximity of the Pacific coast. The vegetation is denser and we have finally begun to
feel the sea breeze.

In some sections along the way we can already see panoramic views of the Pacific
Ocean. They say these views are especially spectacular at dusk or dawn, when the
sun paints the sky with vibrant colors.

After a long journey, finally! We have finally reached La Herradura and La Costa del
Sol Boulevard! This is a path that adheres to the natural shape of the coast and, at the
same time, offers access to beautiful beaches and beach hotels known as resorts.

La Herradura is famous for its varied aquatic activities, its relaxed atmosphere and the
delicacies they prepare with such skill using seafood.

It is also famous because at the dock of that place there are always boatmen willing to
make water trips either to Tasajera Island located in the Jaltepeque estuary – famous
for the two-branched coconut – or if visitors prefer, they can embark to the Pacific
Ocean and reach the Bocana El Cordoncillo or the Bocana del Rio Lempa to enjoy the
landscape and if you are a little lucky, find the “sandbanks” that allow travelers to
pause in the trip, get off from the boat and enjoy the sea water as if you were on the
seashore.

Once we arrive at La Herradura, we have in front of us the beautiful golden sand

beaches: surely this is the reason why this place is so popular and sought either for
rest, recreation or water activities such as surfing and diving.
On the way, we all laughed full of emotion, without even imagining that, at that same
moment, in the surroundings of the Beach Soccer Stadium, the anvils of merriment
sparkle and little by little the immense blue and white tsunami of people that like a
wave is taking gigantic shape wants to take over its stadium.

They arrive as if on a pilgrimage: with flags painted on their cheeks, wigs and buffo
hats, blankets made of flags or flags made of blankets, cameras, caps, batons,
maracas, whistles, tambourines, drums, trumpets, güiros, noisemakers and of course
the vuvuzelas!

My friends and I hugged each other with our eyes shining with excitement, we couldn't
believe that we were in the place we had dreamed of so much.

Our parents offered to buy us candy before entering the stadium, we nodded our
heads, but our minds were in another dimension: floating happily inside the stadium
and with the same joy, also floating anxious for the game to start.

The smell of the French fries and Spanish churros they just bought us brought us
back to reality for a moment. We don't know whether to eat, walk, run, jump or cheer.

We are almost about to enter, the line advances in order and at normal speed when
Chino -without being able to articulate a word- points with his finger towards an
immense blue shark with its two crab eyes in front and on the side it reads “La Selecta
Cuscatleca ”. Yeah! The Selecta has arrived! Thousands of butterflies fly in our
stomachs and our legs don't move. We stood as if frozen, waiting to see Frank
Velásquez and Tín Ruiz get off the transport.

The first to appear is Professor Rudis Gallo, we all clapped and laughed with
excitement. Professor Gallo immediately looked at us and gave us a hug from a
distance, conveying his affection and gratitude for the support he always receives
from the fans.

The line to enter the stadium has stopped because we are all still waiting, we all want
to split in two to enter the stadium and at the same time see our heroes get off the bus
up close.

The moment arrived and, as if they already knew it, we see our two favorite players go
down in unison. Yeah! Before our eyes Frank Velásquez and Tin Ruiz.

All the fans cheered at the same time, the girls shouted excitedly and we boys
applauded and sang our cheers from our hearts so that our team felt supported even
before the competition.

In the same way they looked at us and gave us their best smile. Their hands waved
with great energy, greeting us as if distance did not exist.

They advanced into the stadium jogging, sometimes walking, with short steps, as if
they did not want to distance themselves from their fans.

When our eyes could no longer reach them, all of us who were in line hurried to enter
the stadium and get the best positions in the stands.

Once we were seated, I hugged my mom very tightly so that she could feel a little bit
of all the emotions that made my heart jump.

My alarm clock rings...I open my eyes and discover that this dream has been a
canvas of stars, still blinking in my heart.

This is a new day, and my classmates at school are waiting for me so that together we
can write a new page on the white canvas that life presents to us every morning.