*Sorry for the delay our wifi has not been cooperating with us.
Greetings from La Casa Roja. Today on this beautiful day in Granada, students were woken up around 7:00am and enjoyed a wonderful traditional meal of rice, beans , cheese, plantain chips and tomatoes from Don Carlos. Today’s theme was culture. Students were engaged in a discussion about what is culture and why it is important to preserve culture. The students had great insight on how culture represents the identity of a group of people also how it is important to respect other cultures despite the differences that may exist between those cultures and your own. These important discussions helped bridge a better appreciation for the day’s activities and presentations. Our first stop was at Dona Claudia’s house where she taught the students how to make traditional Nicaraguan maracas. Students were very impressed with the skill, time and care that she put in to create the maracas. Before leaving, students were presented with maracas as gifts which had their names engraved. Our next activity gave students an opportunity to visit the market in Granada and were allowed to purchase souvenirs.
In the afternoon students visited the workshop of an award winning sculptor/artist, Don José. At this workshop students were shown various pieces of pottery that had both historic and cultural value to the people of Nicaragua. Students watched in amazement as Don Jose effortlessly created pottery out of clay. After, students were given the opportunity to work with clay and see first hand just how difficult pottery making actually is. But were also given an opportunity to paint their own mini clay pots, in which they not only expressed their creativity but their culture as well. At this point it was a long day, the students were very tired but got to recharge at dinner with a delicious traditional meal at La Favorita. Our students were not only fed but were also given an opportunity to watch some traditional Nicaraguan dances from the young ladies of a local after school program, Carita Feliz. These young ladies were pretty remarkable and really wowed the students with not only their traditional dances but also their moves to Rihanna’s “Work”.
Culture day was a huge success! Students finished the day with their nightly meeting. At this meeting students discussed their experiences with Nicaraguan culture. Students addressed the question of the day by exchanging ideas about how culture is important to preserve. Students stated that it is important to preserve culture because it represents who a group of people are and where they came from. Students also commented on how this preservation of culture has helped many of the people of Nicaragua make a living and at the same time pass on these traditions to future generations.
Please drop a comment below. Students will be reaching out to parents on their Free Day, Saturday.
7/27/16 6:14 am {NYC}
So glad to finally hear from you all I was starting to get a little worried but knew if something happened us parents would of been notified. It’s a pleasure to hear how your culture day went and the wonderful experience that took place for the day’s event. Sounds like you all had such a busy day and were able to do more then a few activities throughout the day especially given the opportunity to get your own Nicaraguan Maracas I don’t know what exactly that is but I can’t wait to see what it looks like being that as a gift it has the student’s names in them. Pottery is so beautiful and a skill that takes time to learn, I’m happy for you all continue to be safe, learn and take in as much as possible and have tons of fun.
Ny’Rayah you are missed dearly your family Loves you so much. P.S please don’t forget to take any of your medication if needed especially the one Sunday Pill. Peace be with you all!
Warmly,
Niya
Hi Diana, I’m happy to hear you had a marvelous day. I saw you in the picture and you looked happy. That tells me you are doing well and you are enjoy your time there. Hoping you have a great experience and can’t wait to hear all about it. Take care, luv mom!!!
Bring me one of those maracas sis!
I miss my girl but I am so pleased with all that they are learning. I know they will come back with a different mindset and appreciation for other cultures. Glad to know they will call us on Saturday because my cell has been by my side 24/7, waiting. I love you and miss you very much Beth!! XOXO EVERYTHING IS WELL AT HOME..
Is nice to hear from you guy’s..glad everyone is doing well. Can you please put more pictures please. Thank you. .Hairam we love you. Kisses and hugs. .
We look forward to reading the daily blog and learning about your experiences. It’s actually fun to envision what you are experiencing and you guys are doing an excellent job of describing the days. You can almost see and feel it in the mind’s eye.
Can’t wait to read the next entry!
Morgan the house is so quiet without you, and we sincerely cannot wait to hear every detail (at least the one’s you’re willing to share 🙂
We love you and miss you!
XO
Mom & Kenny
Glimpsers – I’m learning a lot just from reading your descriptions of your experiences. I bet you are completely exhausted at night from taking so much in, and I hope you enjoy that feeling! Wishing you the best from the States,
Ms. Barker