I know EXACTLY what you are talking about.
I have to say, were it not for the politics and econonmy the one place in the world I would love to live is San Salvador. The weather is unbelievable, the beauty of the country. Amazing. The poverty, etc. just hopeless. You have to just wonder when you see it, why? I had some hope when I heard of the Nobel Laureate for economics from Peru (or Ecuador) who showed how they defeated El Sendero Luminoso that Central America could begin to pull into the First World but so far it just is not happening. I do believe that Latin Cultures can not see how The Mordida is a cancer that destroys everything. But then, who am I to talk. I live in a country where Hillary Clinton is running for president and there is some who think she not only should but can win.