Your girls Kim and Casey here,
Today was the final full day of our Nicaraguan adventure, and our final Fun Day. The day started off at a crisp 5:00am, the Glimpsers being surprised with a song and dance awakening. Continuing the merriment we headed off to Cerro Negro, the active volcano in Leon.
First on the list of things given to us at our arrival there was a 15 pound board which we were to carry on our trek. Snacks being the most exciting part of our essentials, you could feel the excitement in the air for the slide down the side of the volcano. In the beginning, the walk up was exhilarating but within 5 minutes everyone was sweating, breathing hard and ready to be done. After a gruesome 45 minutes, and multiple breaks, we made it to the top more than ready for what was to come. (For those back home who have hiked Mission Peak, it was 45 minutes at the hardest part of Mission Peak.) We enjoyed the view, the company, and took advantage of the Christmas card worthy photos. After touching the volcanic soil, we headed over to the side of the volcano and “suited up” as Barney Stinson would say. The slide down was LEGEND – wait for it – DARY. Everyone had an amazing time but struggled to not flip off of their boards and eat dirt. The rocks and rubble in our shoes, clothes, and hair were totally worth the ride. Once everyone reached the bottom, took a few more post-worthy photos, we headed back to the hostel to have an early lunch.
After lunch, we had a few hours of free time which allowed everyone one last chance to explore Leon before our departure. Some went souvenir scavenging, pastry purchasing, and shoe shopping. However, before we could reach the safety and dryness of the hostel the rain gods decided to bestow upon us their gracious gift of lluvia. You could practically go swimming in the streets. After playing in the rain, we headed to a burger filled dinner and finished in a record time of 13 minutes. Once dinner was complete, we took a vote to see who wanted to participate in Leon’s national holiday, Purissima.
This holiday is much like the United States halloween but a lot rougher, and chaotic. At each door, instead of saying trick-or-treat, we wailed “quein causa tanta alegria” which roughly translates to “who brought upon the happiness”. For those who wanted to go, the experience was both entertaining and surprising. The people here are much more aggressive in their need of candy and other goods than back home. Not only were the children participating, the adults were having a ball too. After about an hour, we headed back to the Hostel for our final Nightly Meeting. 🙁
Although it was slightly depressing, everyone enjoyed the passing of the torch (screeching and all) of Casey singing “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton. After nightly meeting we started packing and enjoying our final night together. Everyone misses home dearly, and can’t wait to be with their families. We will see you guys in a short time, don’t forget to bring our comfort foods (we are so tired of rice and beans).
*Photos are not wanting to upload tonight. Will try again in the morning!*
PARENTS IN CALIFORNIA WE ARE ARRIVING AT 12:10 am BY TACA AIRLINES. PLEASE BE AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE 12:30 am.
Congrats to all! You have made it to the end of the journey in Leon and it sounds like it was a HUGE success. So many stories to tell when you get back home, so many lifelong memories and hopefully some new friends that you share a wonderful bond with. We are really anxious to see you all and welcome you back home. Enjoy yourselves and cherish the time. Thank you to all of you who have blogged to keep us in the loop of your activities. See you in about 28 hours or so!! Love you lots Nicole!!
What a great recap of your day – it sounds like an amazing way to end your three weeks. Travel safely and we’ll see you early Sunday! Love you, Spencer – cannot wait to have you home!!
Save the best for last. Great job ladies. Sliding down the side of a volcano sounds scary! A side note, Casey the U.S. Women’s soccer team will be playing at Heinz field in Pittsburgh, Pa this Sunday. Apparently Klingenberg is from Pittsburgh. Another update, Adam just bought a car. Can’t wait to hear more about this holiday Purissima. I am so glad you all are coming home and can’t wait to see you. I wish you a safe, fast flight. Miss you, love you hugs and kisses!!
❤️YIPPEE! Nuestros viajeros son regresar a casa! You guys have out done yourselves at your home-away-from-home; Leon, Nicaragua. What a great way to end your adventures; traveling to one of the highest peeks in the hot Nicaraguan sun. And do something so amazing like sliding down an active volcano. And then being cooled-off by its unexpected rain to leave its mark upon you guys(SMILE). We can feel your sadness and understand it, as well; of leaving such a place that is so dearest to you all. But, there’s no place like home! So get ready for the adventure of returning home. Where your family and love ones are anxiously awaiting to shower you all with an exuberance of Love, Hugs, Happiness, and Appreciation❤️
Yeyyyyyy……. You are coming home ! Finally a write up by Casey and Kim. Last adventure seem to be the best , being on top of a volcano. Can’t wait to see the pictures you took . Must be really picturesque , post card worthy.parents must be relieved you are coming home intact.can’t wait to hear more stories and look at your pictures. Welcome home glimpers.
Kim: Excellent narrative. Everyone misses you. The laundry is piling up, the dog food needs to be sold and the person renting your room hasn’t been sent. Lol!
Godspeed.
-Dad