Hola, parents and friends! We’re reporting to you from the end of our most hectic day in Nicaragua so far.
Today was a pretty insanely amazing day. Even though we had to be up at 5:45 (which means we were up at 5), it was a exhilarating experience. We started off the day by going Casa Comanejo to take a mangrove boat tour of an island there. The entire ecosystem was so uniquely its own, with birds and insects always chirping. And the best part of it all: we got off the island and walked into an expansive but familiar beach on the other side. Probably the highlight of a lot of Glimpsers’ day, we spent over two hours in the surprisingly warm ocean waves, and it was so much fun. (For all the worried parents, yes there were Red Cross lifeguards in the water with us).
But it didn’t stop there. After that, we enjoyed a meal at Barca de Oro, a seaside change from our meals at Imabite. Later, we went to Taller Xuchialt, a free arts academy run by the incredible Gladys Garcia. It was wonderful to see the work that Gladys had put into running classes and providing accessible creative channels for the youth of Leon, as well as all of the kind and talented teachers who chose to contribute out of the goodness of their hearts. We also received the wonderful opportunity to create our very own large sawdust carpet, a tradition normally performed only during the Holy Week by the citizens of Leon. Traditionally, the carpet is created using sawdust dyed with colored pigment, and designed with religious imagery. Upon its completion, a procession led by Jesus Christ is to walk across the carpet, marring and destroying the designs. Our carpet was covered in patterns and images connected to each of us as individuals in a truly unique form of markmaking. Most of it was also emblazoned with L2C’s official team name, Buena Onda. Although we were disappointed with its subsequent destruction, creating it was a truly rewarding experience. Finally, we were treated to a folk dance performance as well as a lovely song from the school’s guitar teacher.
Tomorrow, we will be visiting one of the local high schools in the city as well as beginning our English tutoring! We’re very excited for what’s to come and things are only looking up. 🙂
Signing off,
Ayushi and Mugdha
P.S. Yes Mom, this is Ayushi and we’re fine and having an amazing time. *(insert star here).
P.P.S. Hi Mom and Dad, it’s Mugdha. My hair is salty and gross but my skin is clear and my heart is happy. Being a leader today was pretty cool.
Hi Ayushi, glad to hear that you are doing good and having an amazing time. Learn a lot and enjoy your time there. I am sure you are making new friends there. Have fun and stay safe. Lots of love, mom
Hi Leah! It sounds like you’re all learning and seeing so much, and it’s only been a couple of days! I can’t wait to hear all the details from you. In the meantime, stay hydrated and have fun. We miss you and love you! Hugs from all of us! – Mom, Dad & Dylan
Ay Samuelito!!!
¿¡Como te va!? I want to say that I’m proud of you for doing this and I know you’re going to have an amazing experience along with the rest of your delegation. As a fellow glimpser myself, I know this will make you see the world in a whole different lens. Everyone else, Samuel is a blast and the goofiest person you’ll meet. I hope y’all don’t get chorro *cough cough*
¡Samuel, nos vemos y te espero aquÃ!
P.S. Where the pictures at tho!? What is this a novel!?
Hi Mugdha,
I am so happy to hear about your day! It’s definitely your best experience, with the visit to Art school and overall cultural experience. I am very proud to know that you took up the responsibility very well. Have fun and be patient with tutoring.
Love you,
Mom
Very cool, Mugdha and Ayushi!! Glad to hear you are having an amazing experience.
Nice to hear from you Ayushi. Enjoy these beautiful and very unique experiences there. Very happy to read this blog, and sharing all the details. Have fun and a nice time in school tomorrow.
Hello Ayushi, great to see this blog. This must be really beautiful and unique experience for you. Thanks for sharing the details of the activities. Hoping and wishing for more such fun adventures there. Love, Dad.
Very Cool Mugdha and Ayushi!!
Hi Surabi,
Hope you are having fun days! Looking forward to hearing details from you soon!
Hope you are having fun and add new experiences.
Love,Mom
Hello Glimpsers and especially Malia!
You seem to be having a wonderful time! Soak in the culture and enjoy the natural settings far from our form of civilization!
News from home, Garrett’s team placed first at JOs in their bracket!