Hello my name is Bobbi and I’m El Lider del Dia.
Today’s events consisted of visiting El castillo del Cacao (the chocolate factory) and Cascada Blanca (a waterfall). Personally being a chocolate connoisseur, I was super excited to learn about the process of producing chocolate. My group and I absolutely loved tasting the more natural and healthier alternative of Nicaraguan chocolate. After today’s experience, I think I prefer Nicaraguan chocolate over our American brands such as Hershey’s, it’s much more authentic here.
After the tour of the factory, we visited the gorgeous waterfall and had lunch by the waterside. Beautiful foods and beautiful views are the perfect combination. Many of us indulged in the very affordable and very delicious, more natural flavor of Coca Cola with our lunch of grilled chicken or pasta. (I’ve noticed a large repetition of natural things in Nicaragua). As we walked behind the waterfall and the cool mist kissed our skin, many of us reached various states of bliss and tranquility. The group had multiple connections as a family at Cascada Blanca and the scenery helped to unite us so much more on this trip.
After leaving Cascada Blanca and making our way back to the hostel, many of us enjoyed a nice few hours out on the town. Some went shopping, others to do laundry, while some to simply just walk around the magnificent Matagalpa. Everyone made sure to return back to the hostel on time after our “Free Time” and with this, we made our trek to La Vita E Bella, an Italian restaurant. We devoured delicious Margherita (Cheese) Pizza, Meat Lover’s Pizza, and Veggie Pizza (my personal favorite) alongside a nice performance of “La Bamba” by the restaurant’s live band.
After a lovely fun-filled day with “Bobbi Bob” or BobbiWonka (as I’m known here in Matagalpa) it was time to make our final stop at the hostel to settle in for the night. Since we made it back home rather early before our nightly meeting, my fellow glimpsers and I had a lovely dance session (featured mostly by me) where we listened to music and jammed.
During our nightly meeting we reflected very well despite the day’s very lax events to the question of the day “Do you think it is possible to preserve natural areas while using them to create profits? What are the challenges?” We all thought it was possible and found it beneficial to be able to use natural areas as a way for profit, while also preserving its beauty. But, making sure people don’t abuse the power of the areas is challenging. As I passed the torch to the next day’s leader, Eryka, I thought to myself “Today was just a great day!” I was glad to see all of the Glimpsers having fun and enjoying each other’s company and finally reaping the benefits of all our hard work from this past week. I look forward to many more fun-filled days.
Hi Chloe. So sorry that I missed your call. I hope you’ll call again. Love mom
Hello Global Glimpsers! Hearing about the chocolate has me looking in Madeline’s closet for her hidden stash of See’s candy. No luck yet. Thank you for posting the many pictures with this blog entry – you are looking like a close knit group. I hope you all enjoyed your free day.
Hi Maddie. I was so happy to hear your voice today and wish we were still talking. Keep enjoying the trip. Did you sample the local grapes (like your sis did on her trip)? (ha,ha). Get a picture of a Suzuki!!! Mom drove me loco about keeping mine. I didn’t write this note in Spanish because I didn’t want to ask if you’re enjoying the kitchen!! Much love to you, and Caitlin too.
Hi Maddie,
So sorry I missed your call today, but dad filled me in on everything. Cara and I were really excited to get your message. Glad you had some well deserved free time. Did you go shopping??? I can’t imagine you getting through a week without it!!! Thanks to Bobbi for a great blog post! We continue to look forward to the daily posts so that we can keep up with your amazing journey. Miss you so much and look forward to your next phone call. Love to you and Caitlin!
Mom
Hey Bobbi and Ariel it’s Randy. Looks like you guys are having fun and you guys were awesome leaders. Stay safe guys!
Hey Bobbi (and Ariel),
It sounds like you guys are having an incredible time. Your words and photos took me back to beautiful Matagalpa. I have to get back there soon. Be safe and enjoy the rest of the trip. See you at the end of this month!
Best,
Patrick (Mr. Callahan)
Dear Bobbi,
Thank you for your post today! My son, Alex, thanks you today too since your description of the chocolate makes me want to run out and buy chocolate (I am really an ice cream person!) FOR BREAKFAST! Alex and his cousin, Ryan, who are here with me won’t believe their eyes when I serve it with their Pop Tart today (I am not much of a cook and Caitlin’s dad is still sleeping!).
Thank you also for GREAT pictures! We can really see all of your smiling faces!!
Please send our love to Caitlin and Maddie! We miss them both A LOT!
Love,
Kathleen
Luv the pictures and quotes from you and your fellow travellers. What an experience for all of you! Can’t wait to see you. Be healthy and safe. LUV U!
Dear Bobbi,
We didn’t get chocolate :(. Tomorrow can you write about waffles which I am sure my dad can make. Please tell Caitlin and Maddie hi.
From,
Alex and Ryan
Hi Caitlin – Sounds like you and the group had a great day. You all write very well and your descriptions and pictures are awesome – Thank you! I know your mom and dad were VERY glad to hear from you 🙂 as I heard from your mom almost right afterward…. The chocolate factory tour sounds like great fun and I hope you bring us back some chocolate souvenirs! We miss you but are so glad that you are experiencing so much. Ryan is staying with Alex in NJ this week so he has some company and the younger girls, Mike and I are heading to LA to see Mike’s parents, so my posts may be more limited after today. Keep on having fun, be safe, I love you.
Sheila
Chase , I was so sorry to of missed your call . It was wonderful to hear your voice we miss you very much. Your trip sounds very exciting and enlightening. Grow from this unique opportunity you have been given chase . We love hearing all about your day and seeing you in the photos. Looking forward to seeing you next week. Xoxox mom