Today was our second day in Granada and we were up bright and early with a pancake breakfast from Don Carlos. After our meal, we did an energizer in the courtyard that got us moving and prepared for our first Academic Seminar-an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of what is to come. Today was Official Day 1-History. Students said they felt it is necessary to know the past in order to understand the present. Students also mentioned that history is written by survivors. Because of this, the stories we come to learn and know might contain bias, and might not encompass all of the perspectives of the story and those affected. Especially when considering who writes the history textbooks. We spoke about being curious, asking questions, and just questioning in general, especially what we see and hear in the media.
We asked students why they are on this trip and many of them spoke about their families and teachers and how supportive they were. One student said she wanted to understand the experience of her grandmother that she grew up learning from. It became clear how important it is to be supportive and encouraging to our young people. We also spoke about the importance of investing in our own histories by using our elders as a source of knowledge and a resource to understand what brought us to where we are. Each of us has a history unique to us, and we will be sharing these parts of ourselves in the coming days.
The guest speaker and brilliant historian Jorge Diaz made this very clear when he spoke about the connections and similarities between Nicaraguan history and our students histories and where we come from-Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Portugal, India, Mexico, Ecuador, Barbados, Haiti, and Italy. We learned about the struggles for power, the courage of young people and women and how they impacted the history of this country, and of course, we learned about the first woman to be elected President in the North American Continent- Violetta Chamorro.
We were able to tour the city by horse, do a walking tour of the largest lake in Central America, Lago Cacibolca, and enjoy a traditional meal at Don Carlos restaurant. Students felt extremely grateful and welcomed by the restaurant staff and the space itself. While we are still adjusting to the heat and the busy days, we are appreciating being forced to slow down, look around, and enjoy the history, people, culture, and food that Nicaragua has to offer us. It’s lights out en la Casa Roja, gearing up for another busy day tomorrow!
Drop your thoughts below for us-
Jadine
Good to hear about your day, it seems it was a long one.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, since in the answers you’ll find knowledge.
Enjoy your day tomorrow you all.
Wow You guys had an amazing full first day, Such an interesting way of adjusting to a new way of living. I am delighted to hear how your historic day went and the impact that it had on you all , I can imagine the heat as well and getting used to the different climate. Glad you all had a full fun educational day, Can’t wait to hear how your day goes today be safe and enjoy.
Warmly,
Niya Ny’Rayah’s Mom
Ny’Rayah I love and miss you so much!
7/25/16 5:38 am{NYC}
Good morning Diana, hope your having the time of your life. Can’t wait to hear all about your experience. Miss you and Luv u a bunch. Take care, luv mom,
That was an eventful first day 🙂 sounds like you guys are already having so much fun.
Hi Diana, The day sounds very interesting already. Can’t wait to hear all about your experience. There is more to come and lots to do. Enjoy every second of the day. Take care! I luv and miss you bunch. Luv mom!
Hey Karel, glad you guys are having a great time!! miss you a bunch, remember take lots of pictures!!! see you soon sis. love you
Gd Morning,
I hope all are doing well and enjoying the 1st few days of many more to come.
Janaya, I am truly missing the 5x a day phone calls from you asking “what am I doing?”, while I’m at work.
We are in Florida having fun, but it’s not the same without you. Bryce keeps saying he wishes you were here. We all do.
We love you and miss you VERY much. Titi Nancy says hello and she loves you, as well as everyone else in the family and close friends.
Everyone enjoy, take lots of pictures, and please post so I can 1, know that everything is OK, & 2, to hear about your experiences.
Congratulations to all Global Glimpsers! You are all on your way to a once in a lifetime experience.
We look forward to reading about your daily experiences as you immerse yourselves into the Nicaraguan culture. Make sure you take the time to really enjoy the sites, sounds and each other, the time will go by so quickly!
Morgan we are so proud of you and everything you have accomplished! Kenny is truly envious of your opportunity but is also so proud! We miss you and can’t wait to hear about the amazing journey! Take lots of pics!
XO
Mom, Kenny, JD & Grandma