It’s only been two days, but it feels like a week – and in the best way.  G2C touched ground in Nicaragua forty-eight hours ago, but each hour has been so packed with learning, experiencing, and bonding that it’s hard to believe we’ve barely even started.

After a delicious pancake breakfast (or eggs and plantains for our gluten-intolerant Glimpsers) at Don Carlo’s Mi Favorita comedor, we kept the momentum going by darting around Nicaragua to meet and learn from various masters of local cultures and traditions, who are keeping these customs alive with their endurance, brilliance, and hard work.  The first was Marlon Flores, whose family has preserved Toro Huaco, a traditional dance which goes back to the indigenous peoples of Nicaragua, for generations.  The dance is a tightly-choreographed bit of stage theater, where the dancers wear hand-carved masks to represent and mock the Spanish conquistadors and their aggressive and oppressive relationship towards those they conquered.  Though we were able to observe – and then participate in! – an example of this dance, we challenged our minds as much as we moved our feet.  Marlon was able to discuss and answer questions about how difficult and important it is to preserve a specific cultural site or tradition and how it reflects the national past of Nicaragua’s people,

Lunch was at the excellent Mi Bohio restaurant – which everyone agreed was maybe the best meal we’ve had so far.  It’s during meals like these where we’re best able to breath and share with each other, and already the bonds forming within this delegation are strong and inspiring.

The afternoon saw us visiting Urraca, a workshop/storefront where Don Jose Alfredo and his family create beautiful, hand-spun and hand-painted ceramics inspired by the indigenous and Pre-Colombian art from across Latin America.  While answering questions, Don Jose’s passion for craft and art was evident, as was his masterful skill.  After watching a demonstration and hearing the stories of the various Pre-Colombian myths and tales, our Glimpsers got to get their hands dirty (literally) spinning and painting a bit of pottery of their own.  And of course, time to buy some some souvenirs!

As I type this, the entire delegation is sitting tight after a long, nonstop 12-hour day to talk about the heavy issues we have to confront and consider during our Living Like a Local and Living on $/Day Reality Challenge. It speaks to this group’s courage, commitment, and compassion that they’re able and willing to dive headfirst into a mature and emotional discussion about poverty.  Tomorrow’s going to be a day for some high-level introspection and engagement with a new community, but I’m positive that we’re going to do great under the guidance of our first student Liders Del Dia: Lily and Scarlett!

Best,

MD