El Salvador

El Salvador is Javier’s country of origin. Both of his parents were born and raised there before they migrated to the United States in search of opportunity. El Salvador is depicted as a beautiful country but one suffering from gang violence and poverty.

Guatemala

Javier passes through Guatemala after leaving El Salvador. They stop in Ocós, a small fishing town that reminds him of home when he smells the salt in the air.

Mexico

Javier spends a large part of the narrative in Mexico as he and the rest of the migrants attempt to reach the United States. In Mexico, they must change their speech patterns and vocabulary in order to try and blend in with the locals and avoid detection. Javier enjoys Mexican culture, but he cannot help noticing the profound differences with his Central American home.

United States

The United States is...