Maybe one day we won’t wake up before the sun, but today was not that day. Despite being a Fun Day, wake up call was at 5:30am. We picked up breakfast and lunch at Buffet Estelí (and a bombero friend) and then headed straight to the Samoto Canyon on a private bus. We arrived at Namancambre Tours north of Estelí and met our tour guides Juan and David.
Before embarking on our journey, we left everything that we didn’t want to get wet on the bus. We took nothing more than our life vests, water bottles, and cameras which our guides graciously promised to keep dry. After a short but strenuous hike accompanied by roaming cows, we reached the river and took our first steps in the clear and refreshing water. We half walked and half floated downstream until we reached a set of rocks. This was our first jumping point and with plenty of encouragement, every single student took the plunge.
We continued down the river with gorgeous views of the towering walls on both sides. Toward the end of our aquatic journey, we reached a rowboat to transport us from one part of the river to another. And I mean a rowboat, as in one, singular. With the tour guides, bombero, and rower, we squeezed 22 people in 1 rowboat.
We ate lunch before heading to a rosquilla (flat corn disks that can be sweet or savory or a combination of both) shop to quickly buy some rosquillas and other snacks which we shared on the bus. Upon arrival at the hostel, the students continued with their CAP design by determining the necessary materials and roughly dividing their budget. Then, during their well-earned free time, the Glimpsers left in groups to call family and friends and to buy cookies and wafers and bakery goods.
As it was a Sunday, we were fortunate to enjoy nacatamales again! Then after a quick energizer, we learned that tomorrow would be our long-awaited Shadow a High School Student Day! With another early wake up, of course. I’m pretty sure we’re all used to that now though. 😉
P.S. Sorry, we’re having some technical difficulties with the photos taken by various cameras today and transferring them over to the tablet. I’m sure, however, that the anticipation will make finally watching a certain Ishwa’s GoPro videos all the more exciting.
Wow, what an adventure! I was holding my breath to read till the ending. It was a crazy day! Jumping from 20 feet high was just unbelievable. Squeezing 22 people in one rowboat was a hit or miss. Thank God, every one made it safely.
Thank you, Jennifer, for another well written blog post.
Have a sweet dream and stay safe!
WOW!!! You are all certainly stretching your boundaries and facing some amazing and extraordinary challenges! All memories that I am sure you will cherish and hold dear forever. One piece of advice that I definitely would like to impart to you all is to live in the moment and really absorb all you can from each and every experience. I know you will all come back and relive all of your moments together. These experiences (diving into deep water !!!) have bonded you in a special way and there is no doubt that you will be friends for a long, long time.
Sidra, so sorry I missed your call :(((
After I overcame my utter shock at finding out you (willingly) jumped off a cliff and into deep water (Oh my gosh, is that safe???!!!!!) I can say that my shock turned into pride at the thought that you are challenging yourself and learning that there really is no limit to what you can achieve….I am so happy to think of the deep and profound ways you are growing. I am sure that all of your fellow friends are having the same experience. As a parent, it is hard to explain how it feels to know that you are gaining insights that could never be taught, only experienced firsthand. I really miss you!!! 8 more days 😉
Sending you a great big hug !!
Can’t wait to see the pictures!!!!!!
Hola Jennifer, gracias por escribir el resumen del dia! It sounds like you had a great and safe river adventure! (I am glad I was not there to see the drop !) And wow that rowboat must have been a well built one to take the whole group ! Glad to hear you enjoyed a well deserved free time and getting ready for getting the project done. Looking forward to seeing the pics and the videos, and have fun shadowing the high school students! Gracias y hasta mañana!
Hi Alexander,
So glad to hear about your great adventure. Looking forward to hearing all the details of your trip when you return. I hope all the Global Glimpsers enjoy the rest of the GG experience in Esteli.
Courtenay Tessler
Sounds like a great day! Alex – I can totally picture you throwing yourself off each cliff with a huge smile on your face! I am hoping the reason we didn’t hear from you is that you are having such a great time and not that you are still feeling a bit sick. I hope the last week continues to bring great experiences for you all.
Tasha and Manny Diaz
Thank you Jennifer for a great update.
Dear Ishwa, I am sure this was your favorite day! on the water!
I cant wait to see the videos and pictures.
I miss you. we are all fine and waiting to hear from you.I shared your stories with Mr. Jackson.
Love you.
mom