Hola from Matagalpa! Today was our first free day and our first time being outside of the hostal ourselves giving us a chance to explore the culture of this amazing city. We got to sleep in a bit today compared to the other days when we had to wake up, sometimes before the sun came up. The athletes of the group went out for a morning run while the rest of us woke up at 8am. For breakfast, we had french toast which reminded us a bit of home. Then we went off on our own in groups of at least four to explore the city and immerse ourself in the culture. This gave us a chance to shop for you guys, our friends and family, for souvenirs to remind us of this amazing trip. Many of us went to a shop called Mr. Coffee which is a local restaurant that uses filtered water so don’t worry, we’re being safe!! We tried the rich Nicaraguan coffee that gave the kick that we all needed to continue exploring all day. Then we grouped back at the hostel for lunch around 12:30 and had kebabs made of chicken, beef, and onions. We also had the regular, beans and rice. For the vegetarian option we had rice, cucumbers, baby corn, and a cabbage based salad. We then were given free time which many of us used to either prep for English tutoring or work on our ideas to present to the organization we’re working with, Infantiles sin Fronteras since we have to present our ideas tomorrow. After we finished our work, we again got a chance to go out and explore. Many of us used this time to call our family, friends and loved ones which made many of us homesick but we found comfort in the support from each other. Then we grouped back at home for our dinner at 4:45 and enjoyed some taquitoes. Then at 5:45 we walked to the school where we have English Tutoring and taught our lessons enjoying the stories the people here have to tell. After tutoring, we had our nightly meeting at 8:00 and wrapped it up within an hour. We then enjoyed some free time before lights out at 10:00.
Sounds like another great day, free day yeah!!! It was so nice to hear your voice today bugs, you didn’t mention the coffee ☕️ I would of liked that !!! Keep making memories.. love you so much xoxoxo
Hi my Princess, YAY…a free day!!! I know you enjoyed getting to sleep in a little today. Did you go for that morning run??? LOL
I am sure you also enjoyed being able to go explore they city with your friends. I hear you called your Mom. She was sooo HAPPY to finally hear your voice! Well continue to enjoy your time there and take everything in. LOVE YOU MY JAZZY GIRL <3
Miss you & LOVE you mas,
Grandpa & Nana
Glad to that you had a little time on your own to explore. So sorry I missed your phone calls Mari- the first two had beeping sounds when I answered. Then at work at campus L’s mom took the phone call – she ran upstairs to try to find me but I was reparking. So sad to have missed the call but Dad said he talked to you. I hope that all the GGlimpsers are reflecting on all of the sights, emotions, sounds, colors, tastes, (food !) while writing in your journals. That’s something I wish I expanded on more during journaling while traveling. Also a good way to ward off homesickness, though I’m sure all of you will be homesick for Matagalpa when you return. Enjoy that coffee – by the way Peet’s is featuring a Nicaraguan coffee this month. Miss you tons Mari – m, d, k, m, d
HI Samantha
Good to hear your voice and listen to your adventures so far. We are all so proud of you. I’m sure you enjoyed sleeping in today and the coffee. You’ll have to try to recreate it when you get back for me. You know how I love coffee. Keep learning and trying new things. Sally and Matthew were sorry they couldn’t talk to you. Sally is enjoying being the big sister while you are away. Love, Mom (D, S, M)
Bryant,
What an amazing fun day for all of you to enjoy and explore. Hope all is good and you will remember everything you learned, did to share with all of us. Luciano is good enjoying his swimming lessons and playing. see u soon
Great blog and photos by Roshini. I was looking for Abby’s swatch to see if one of those hands were hers! Sounds like everyone had a great day with their free time. It was such a wonderful surprise to get a call from you Abby. We really enjoyed hearing your sweet voice. Glad everyone is so supportive of each other. That must make this trip all the more special. Can’t wait for the next blog!! Love you Abby?, Mom
Hi Maddi, just got back from town where I had a Carl’s JR All Natural burger, fries and a coke. Boy, um um, good. Your probably munching on guinea pig ears and chicken lips. I am sure they are just as tasty. Sounds like your busy, busy, busy. Hard to sleep under those mosquito nets anyway. A trip to remember and believe me, the stories you have to tell will get better every year. Truly an adventure and one of many to come. Hang in there, back to your world soon.
Hi Maddi,
Your Mom and Dad filled me in on your phone call. What a relief for all to know you are doing OK. If they have a needle and thread maybe you could fix the hole in your mosquito net. Hope you got a little rest and are feeling better. Can’t wait to read another blog. They are all so good and really tell your story.
Hope you all had a great day! Love you, Monga/Paka
Hi Lauren,
Great to hear from you yesterday! It sounds like you and your fellow Glimpsers are having a great experience. Nice to have a free day to explore and not have to wake up so early. The cinnamon buns look so yummy and I’m sure they were as delicious as you described them :). Did you try the coffee? Remember to bring some back with you. Looking forward to hearing about tomorrow’s day.
Love U, Mom, Dad & Eric
Hell Bryant ,
Finally a free day … I am sure you enjoyed shopping and exploring on your own.
Keep making the memories and can wait to hear about them .. your twin sister Britt Britt misses you , she told me today ! Can u believe she is working 9 days straight at great America … ?! Let’s pray she makes it! Lol!!!
Everyone misses you!
One week to go and we can’t wait to see you next Saturday!
Big hugs sending your way…
Love,
Dad & Tracey, Luci and I can’t forget your favorite dog ? merlot!!!!
Hi Bryant!
I hope to hear more about your free day when you get home. I went to Washington DC on a high school trip and free day was amazing. Not only do you get to see the location but you realize how much you can do without a parent! Always trust your instincts, make connections with your fellow glimpsers, and take photos galore! Miss you so much but happy you are there having this experience. See you soon!
Love Aunty christina
Hi Bryant,
I see you ate fries today looks so tasty and those cinnamon rolls look really good.. Glad you all had a free day to get to explore .. can’t wait to see you next sat!! One week completed good job!!
Love Mom and Siblings
Hi Maddi<3
Is was amazing to hear your voice yesterday when you called and being able to talk to you for a little. I hope you keep on having fun on your last week there I love you Maddi!!!!!!<3<3
Hi Bugs!
One week down one to go. You’ve got this. Glad you got to rest up a little on your free day. But I’m wondering if you were in the group that went for a run? JO’s when you get back ?♀️lol. Hey Is that your hand with the white watch, in the French fry picture? Hopefully you haven’t gotten any more bug bites. Try to tape or use a hair clip to close any openings in the net. Can’t wait to read the next post. Love you bugs oxox mom ?
Roshni, it was so comforting to hear your voice after a whole week! (I guess I miss you a little…) the cinnamon rolls look amazing ? And I can’t wait to see what souvenirs you got! I was so excited to see your writing in this blog post, we are here at mama mami’s house packaging items for the wedding and I read your post aloud to everyone. We all miss you and can’t wait to hear more about your adventures soon ?
Love, didi
Hi Roshni and all
Very happy to read blog written by you. Happy that you’re enjoying and learning as well. We all miss you here very much! We cannot wait to hear more about your trip soon. Be safe
Love, mom
HI ROSHNI I’m very proud of you looks like this is the most un lazy you have been and you’re eating healthy!! I’ll bet you miss tea i am having lots of that :)) But I’m so excited you’re having so much fun and I can’t wait till ya get back!! I’m so sorry I missed your calls but call again I didn’t know “unknown” was you oops! PLEASE CALL AGAIN AND HAVE FUN USING YOUR AP SPANISH SKILLS Miss ya tons see you soon<3
Hi Jazz, I hope you had a good day today. Me & Dad worked in the garden all day. Just watching the A’s game now. Your brother went with his friends again. We all miss you & are counting down the days until you come home…. But don’t worry about us :/, Have fun! Lol <3 Mom
Hello Lovely Q,
So glad I got to talk to you on you r free day! It sounds like you are making great new friends, both American and Nicaraguan. We all miss you so much, but know that you are having an amazing adventure and learning so much about beautiful Nicaragua and it’s people. I hope you are taking lots of pictures to share when you get home!
Love and Kisses!
Mom