Hello my name is Bobbi and I’m El Lider del Dia.

Leader of the day -- Bobbi striking a pose.

Leader of the day — Bobbi striking a pose.

Group energizer to prepare the group for the day's activities.

Group energizer to prepare the group for the day’s activities.

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Group energizer part deux.

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Group energizer part tres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Group picture inside the chocolate shop where we learned about the establishment.

Group picture inside the chocolate shop where we learned about the establishment.

Group walking towards the chocolate castle where part of the chocolate making process takes place.

Group walking towards the chocolate castle where part of the chocolate making process takes place.

Tabitha was a trooper and the boys real gentleman for helping out throughout the day!

Tabitha was a trooper and the boys real gentleman for helping out throughout the day!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Isabel, Synthia, Nikki, Maddie, Caitlin, and Nataly so happy just relaxing.

Isabel, Synthia, Nikki, Maddie, Caitlin, and Nataly so happy just relaxing.

Chase, Daniel, and Tati smiling for the camera.

Chase, Daniel, and Tati smiling for the camera.

Nick, Natalie, and Damian resting while taking in the view.

Nick, Natalie, and Damian resting while taking in the view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela is picture perfect.

Pamela is picture perfect.

 

Walking along side the canyon leading up to the waterfall.

Walking along side the canyon leading up to the waterfall.

 

Group picture behind the waterfall and below a cave. It was amazing!

Group picture behind the waterfall and below a cave. It was amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group picture before eating their yummy pizza. Best pizza ever!

Group picture before eating their yummy pizza. Best pizza ever!

Ariel is adorable!

Ariel is adorable!

 

Group picture before eating our delicious meal by the waterfall.

Group picture before eating our delicious meal by the waterfall.

 

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.

Close to lights off --- some the group decided to do a charcoal special. Yes - even the boys took part!

Close to lights off — some of the group decided to do a charcoal facial. Yes – even the boys took part!