Is it already Day Three? Is it only Day Three?? I’m not alone in our delegation in remarking at how quickly the time has passed, yet still feel like the time we’ve spent together has been long and fulfilling. This is due to two factors: Firstly, the energy among the group is downright electric – in just a small timespan friendships have been forged, bonds solidified, and more than a handful of inside jokes. Secondly, these days have been packed with plenty to do, and today was our most active yet.
The day’s theme was Culture – after an academic seminar where our Glimpsers had to brainstorm the ways culture between the U.S. and Latin America interact (television, music, clothing, etc), we took a deep intellectual look at what culture is, and how it works. We discussed how it manifests itself in the art and language of a people, and how it passes down between generations unconsciously. With our brains primed, we headed out to the first of our four cultural workshop experiences.
Our first visit was to the shop of Las Mujeres de Plomo, a company of local artisans who have, over the years, built a bustling business selling hand-crafted jewelry, using local seeds and plants in the place of ostentatious gems or metals. After hearing an oral accounting of their history, the women of Las Mujeres privileged us by sharing their materials and allowing our Glimpsers to craft bracelets and necklaces with their own hands, the perfect gift for the families back home.
The second stop was Comedor Divino Nino, a family-owned eatery where our Glimpsers were taught the art of creating one of Nicaragua’s most treasured national dishes: the Nacatamal. Layers of masa, marinated chicken, rice, potatoes, vegetables and mole sauce were all wrapped into moist banana leaves and cooked to perfection. The best part? We were able to finish our cooking workshop with a leisurely lunch at Divino Nino – the main course? Nacatamales, of course.
With full stomachs, we learned the art of ceramica negra from Dona Ernestina Rodriguez, whose family has been crafting beautiful sculptures and goods from local black clay for over eight generations. After a bit of history, our Glimpsers were given lumps of clay of their own and charged with breathing artistic life into them before they face the oven. In eight days, we’ll get to see the results.
Last and definitely not least, we had an invigorating dance class (the best way to burn off those Nacatamal calories!) with local dancemaster Marcos. From Hip Hop to Salsa to traditional Nicaraguan dances, we learned a bevy of intense moves.
Sweaty and running on adrenaline, we finally returned home to our hostel for dinner, the nightly meeting, and some self-reflection. It was agreed that today was our best yet, and we’re all excited for what lays on the horizon. Until then, we may want to catch a few Zs… after all, tomorrow we’re going back to school.
Quick Note: Remember that you can leave comments on these blog posts to be read at our nightly meetings. Let us share your questions, well-wishes, and pride from home with those out here in Matagalpa!
I am so glad to read about the wonderful experience, you all look like having a great time! love your blog! Selena, Dad and I miss you and love you!
Wow! I’m awed by all that you were able to pack into single day! Thank you for the posts; it’s a treat to be able to read about your adventures and activities on the same day you experience them. The pictures are great, too. So glad to see the group having such a wonderful time. Can’t wait to find out what you’ll do next! : )
I love reading the blogs. What a great experience learning about the arts and crafts of Matagalpa and enjoying the local foods and dances! You are all very fortunate.
Natasha, I know you have been waiting to hear this – the Golden State Warriors are NBA champions!!!
It is so good to hear all the wonderful experiences. We look forward everyday to read the daily blogs, and are excited to read what the day was like. It makes us so happy to see that you are all having such a great time. Jai, make the most of everyday. We miss you and love you.
I love reading the blog and seeing the photos! I especially love the dance photo! Looks like you are all having a great time.
Claire, we love you!
Hello everyone…..looks like a blast and the food sounds good. Nelly we love you !!!
Hi Nelly……I miss you because I want to play the water game and kick ball!
It’s so much fun to read the blogs! It sounds like you are having an awesome time!! I can’t wait to read tonight’s!! Everyone looks so happy!!
The trip looks like so much fun so far! Jasmine I miss you so much and cant wait to hear all about it when you get home! Love you 🙂 stay safe!
Enjoying the blogs, keep up the great work
Awww this looks like so much fun! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the blog. JASMINE- I miss you loads, but it looks like you’re having an amazing time there! Have fun and I can’t wait to see you when you come back.