El professor, Don Braulio, greeted us as we entered the History Museum of Estelí.
At the time, we did not yet know that Señor Braulio was actually featured in the museum. In fact, he has been honored as one of the most important individuals in the history of Estelí. A captivating orator and an even warmer human being, Don (once reserved for royalty, and now an honorific mark of esteem for individuals in Spanish speaking countries) Braulio explained an array of artifacts from Nicaragua’s pre-colonial time up until the time of the Sandinistas.
The trip to the museum marked our second major outing of the day. We had, just several hours earlier, done a similar walk down to Estelí’s main square to explore the history embedded throughout the city. There we sampled Mamones, a sweet and tangy fruit that resembles the texture of a lychee, practiced our Spanish with a local shoe shiner, and contemplated the messages of the local mural art.
A select two had the honor and the challenge of translating Don Braulio, as well as a local singer songwriter from the mountain region around Estelí. He serenaded us to songs of the region, and songs of the revolution – one of which was Las Mujeres Del Cua by Carlos Mejia Godoy.
Today we met with the wise of Estelí – the shamans that continue to tell the story of the mountains, the rivers and the stones that the city has shaped its identity around. They have shown us the power of intention, the beauty in stories, and the rather shaky ground upon which history is written. For that, our first full day in Estelí is one to remember, as well as one to define where we have begun.
Thank you for reading, and please check back in tomorrow!
Hey todos,
Honestly at time I zone out while working and thought what you guys are doing right now. But thanks again for updating this blog with such details so that i don’t have to zone out again!!!! Crazy thing is i wanted to go with this friend who is in your trip right now so i can eat the exotic fruits different country offers! Im tired of eating apples and bananas. Just kidding, i am glad they are treating you guys so well!Im sure you all are missing your families and friends, and I can guarantee that they misses you more. Was i right about strangers becoming a familia yet? Anyways, have a good night ya’ll. And take care of Sandy for me you guys!! Sweet dreams.
Thien Nguyen
Hey Ella! Throwback to apush class when Ms P would say “Listos Clase?” right before a lecture, i know that was your favorite class, or was it the least? Anyways, today sounds awesome for you! The murals look amazing and how often do you get to learn history through a museum and songs in NIcargua while eating Mamones?? Treasure every moment dude it goes by really fast. Me exteñarte mucho!
P.s *cough* I bet you wish you took Spanish rather than French now huh?
Wow, nice day! Meeting with so many famous people there and learning the history ! And very nice story telling…you made me transport there! Thanks for sharing the photos!
After reading this blog, I want to meet the shamans and taste mamones too ! Seems like your days are extremely busy – fun and learning and exploring. Go Global Glimpsers.Message for Tara – I am truly delighted that you have the passion to do this.
Hi Brenda!! Welcome to Nicaragua! I’m so jealous you’re at the start of your adventure — I just got back from Nicaragua and had a great trip with tons of lessons — can’t wait to share stories when you get home! Have an amazing time!!
I truly enjoy reading your blog posts. I will definitely check back in tomorrow! I am learning about the history of Estelí via the eyes of your global glimpsers. Good job and keep up the great work!
Sidra, Sounds like an amazing day! Can’t wait to hear more about all of your interesting experiences and adventures. Keep us posted. Love reading about your day!
Dear Ishwa,
I am so proud of you. It is exciting to see you exploring a new world. Keep up the good job.
Love You
Liza