Good evening from Matagalpa!
It’s been a wonderful first full day in Nicaragua and I think we’ve all experienced a bit of sensory overload today – so many new sights, sounds, and lots of new information! We got some brain fuel from our first breakfast – pancakes with banana, pineapple and cantaloupe – as well as the first of many typical natural juices (so far we have tried naranjilla, mango y te de jamaica or hibiscus tea). Then we dove into our first academic seminar, which fit with today’s theme: history. After spending some time getting to know each other, the Glimpsers were challenged to piece together a timeline of Nicaragua’s political history concerning the revolution. They worked together and had a great discussion about the importance of knowing our history, complemented by some important historical tidbits from our only native Nicaraguan, Denis. The students learned about the Somoza dictatorship, the Sandinistas, and the CIA-influenced Contras – information they would be able to apply later in the afternoon during our city tour. Personally, I was very impressed with this group’s willingness to learn and practice Spanish and we even had a bit of the lesson in Spanish!
After a quick break, energizer, and sugar boost, we jumped head first into a seminar regarding some important cultural and safety tips to keep in mind while we are here in Nicaragua. We all signed some group agreements on how we can make the most out of this experience together, such as “open-minded, respect, flexibility, and trying new things.” The students had some fun by creating skits to explain some cultural differences, after reflecting on the quote: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things” by Henry Miller.
Next up: money exchange! We welcomed a local money changer, called a “coyote,” to the hostel and the students got their first glimpse of the Nicaraguan currency, Córdobas. The exchange rate is about 27 córdobas to the dollar – let’s see how they do with the math! After a delicious lunch of breaded chicken and plantain chips with rice and salad, we relaxed for a bit and prepared for our first outing of the trip: the city tour!
We’ve been graced with beautiful, sunny weather all day here in Matagalpa, but we were able to enjoy a cool breeze as we set out on the town. Split up into two groups, we got to know our new city and some important places, including where to do laundry, hang out or call home on the students’ free days. We visited a small market where students were challenged to buy a fruit previously foreign to them – my group was gifted with a starfruit because at 20 pesos for a dozen, the kind man allowed us to take just one. Just one example of the general kindness of Nicaraguan people! Walking around for the next few hours, we saw the pristine white Cathedral San Pedro, the parks that mark each end of the city center, and several historical landmarks where the Glimpsers applied their newfound knowledge. As the growing global citizens they are, they were very observant and took note of the historical reminders that are sprinkled throughout the city, such as statues of Sandino’s somber shadow. After exercising our bodies and brains, we were treated by our wonderful PCs (Denis and myself) to the best ice cream in the land at Besame.
The packed day wasn’t over and after we found our way back to our home, El Castillo, we rested for a bit before gathering once again for a very important seminar: English tutoring! The emotions shared by the kids ranged from nervous about teaching to excited about the opportunity to share their knowledge and contribute to the Matagalpan community. They learned about the Global Glimpse model for lesson planning, and broke into groups to start preparing for the groups they will be teaching, which are comprised of children, teenagers and adults whose levels vary from beginner to advanced. They weren’t fully prepared until they had a comical role-play with Denis, forcing Isabel to step beyond her comfort zone and practice teaching a challenging Nicaraguan student.
After dinner, some students went on a short field trip to the local basketball game to get a taste of the culture we will be delving into tomorrow. They returned with a renewed energy, and we had our first official nightly meeting where we reviewed the day and prepared for tomorrow after inducting tomorrow’s ELDD (El Lider del Dia), the amazing GG Leader Vania! After tomorrow, the students will step up to the leadership role, so be looking out for their time to shine!
A heads up: we will occasionally be able to share comments with them, so if any family members would like to drop a quick note in the comments section, feel free to do so. We know you are all anxious to hear about what we are up to, but rest assured that everyone is having a great time, and the group is bonding quickly. I know my own mother reads our blogs as religiously as the Glimpsers’ parents, so I’d like to take this opportunity to give her a personal shout out 🙂 love you Mom!
So, that’s it for our first full day – and it sure was full of history, learning about ourselves, each other and our new home for the next few weeks. Our bodies may be tired, but our minds are drumming and the energy buzzing with excitement for all the new experiences to come. Buenas noches!
Hi Tati,
I see you. I hope you all have a wonderful experience.
Hello Everyone, especially Chelsea, Denis, Taty and Eryka! I miss Matagalpa, and I am so excited that Taty and Eryka get to share the same experience that I had. I cannot wait to compare notes and details.
I am very proud of you girls, and all the Glimpsers. Keep an open mind and open heart, and ask TONS of questions.
All my best, Michelle Sale
Hi Caitlin!
Looks like you’re having fun-I’m super jealous of the ice cream!
Lindsay
dear Caitlin – sounds like you are getting some great experiences… Miss you…love sheila
Dear Caitlin,
We are so sorry we missed your call. Alex said you sounded great! When you call again, please try my cell!
You look great in the pictures so we know you are having fun!
Love to Maddie too!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Alex, and Cocoa
hi Caitlin – glad to see all that you are experiencing. Miss you!!!
Hey Caitlin,
How’s Guatamala, is it nice? Haha just kidding. I hope you’re having a great time! Say hi to Maddie! 🙂
Love, Alex
I’m so happy to hear everyone is having a great time. I look forward to hearing from Eryka soon. Love and miss you baby girl.
Hi Caitlin – So glad you are seeing so much! Sounds like so much fun! Miss you.. Sheila
Hi!
Are you having fun? I am so glad you got to go!
See you soon,
Annie
Thx for the wonderful update & pics. I’m so happy to hear you are all well and having a great time! We miss you Eryka. Have a blessed Sunday. Luv u xo.
Having fun? Meeting people? Are you speaking in Spanish? Love you!
Hi Maddie!!! Pics are great. Looks like all of the group is having a great adventure. Take lots of photos. Enjoy!!!!!!!
Hope this will be one of your best experience in your younger years. Lots of love from me and dad
Hi Glimpser’s and Hi Chase, I hope you are doing well “Pizza”
Love, Dad
Hi Maddie!
Sounds like you guys are having such a great time! So excited for you!!!!
Hope you’re taking lots of pictures and enjoying everything! Say hi to Caitlin for us!
Much love,
Cara
Hi “D”..hope you are having fun. Hope you are eating..we miss you!! LYB
Hi Daniel..we hope you are enjoying all the culture, making new friends and learning. Stay safe. We are proud of you and love you. To all the Global Glimpse students enjoy this wonderful opportunity. This is a gift of a lifetime!!!
LYB
Caitlin!!! Creo que lograras ser la primera nieta de la familia que no solo hable pero domine el español! Estoy muy orgullosa de ti. Pásatelo bien y practica lo mas que puedas. Al regresar nos reunimos y nos ponemos a chismear en española y nadie podrá entendernos. 🙂 esperándote aquà para oÃr todos los detalles de tu viaje. Un abrazo y un beso de tu tÃa que te quiere.
Hay guys,
I’m so happy that you guys finally made it. Tati and Eryka you guys are going to have a blast for sure. You guys are going to learn so many new things. I can’t wait for you guys to come back so we can share everything we learned even though we are basically sharing the same thing lol. But Chelsea and Denis are the best so don’t give them a hard time. Treat them with the best respect you can give to an adult. Miss You guys, Chelsea and Denis a lot. I hope to come back to Nicargaua one day to visit Chlesea and Denis. To Denis: “ain’t nobody got time for that! Lol”. To Chelsea: I miss your awesome rapping skills lol. Have loads of fun guys and don’t let minor conflict ruin this amazing experience. See you guys back in Ny.
Sincerely,
Kayla
Greetings from Riobamba!!! Our delegation down here in Ecuador sends warm wishes as you begin to learn about and explore beautiful Matagalpa. We hope your experiences are powerful and take full advantage of this special opportunity.
Please pass on a very special “Big Love” to Tabitha, Synthia, Pamela, Natalie, Nataly, and Vanessa!!! Your fellow HSEF Glimpers miss you and wish you luck. We can’t wait to see you in the fall and will read your blog!!!
Big Love from Ms. Page (aka Heather), Wilson, Noah, Travis, Laurence, Ray, Genesis, Elsie, & Monique (Go Panthers!!)
Hi Bobbi & Ariel:
I hope your trip is going well so far and that you both are enjoying beautiful Matagalpa. I can’t wait to see your photos when we get back to the Bronx! Shout me out if you need any recommendations.
Best,
Mr. Callahan (Patrick while in GG Leader mode)
Hiiii tuti. We are excited to hear about this new experience in your life! Hope you are having a great time. We miss you a lot and mom says hope you learn how to eat more stuff lol.
Hi Tatyana,
It’s Nancy Alma’s mom. Good to see you made it there safe and sound. I hope you have an exciting and memorable time in Nicaragua. As with my own daughter I am also very proud of you. I know you are going to do a wonderful job and make everyone laugh.
Nancy
Oh, to be young again, enjoying every moment as it turns into a memory, life’s lessons and great friendships. As Dr Seuss once said…
When you step, step with care and great tact and remember that life is a great balancing act… keep moving those mountains, Glimpers.
Happy to see you are all having a wonderful memorable trip. I’m enjoying reading your blog. I would like to wish my daughter Alissandrea a happy 17th birthday!!!! ♡ we will celebrate when you get back home!!! I love you and miss you♡♡♡ I’m happy you were able to experience this amazing trip! Have fun everyone!