My friend Jerry and I bought tickets for the Tica Bus from Managaua, Nicaragua through Honduras and into San Salvador, El Salvador.  We decided to stay at a hostel near the bus station since the bus leaves so early.  We arrived a the hostel and found the name was changed and the host was pissing in front of the hostel.  We decided to not stay there and walk a couple blocks to check out the only other hostel we knew of near by.  We arrived to find a large black gate completely shut.  Our hearts sank.  It must be closed.  I was so glad when the host opened the gate for us and welcomed us inside.  Apparently bus stations attract a lot of crime, and this station attracts more than the usual amount.  The heightened security here made it look closed, but I was thankful for it.  This was definitely not a neighborhood that we could explore, but we enjoyed relaxing in Pandora Hostel.  They served beer at a fair price and had an awesome lounge complete with a large flat screen TV and shishas.  We turned in early to prep for the next day.   Continue reading →