“How are the people?”, “What do we need to do?”, ” what do Nicaraguans do in their everyday lives?”
These are some of the questions that went through our minds when we heard that we were going to live like a local here in Leon Nicaragua.
Living like a local consisted of some rules. We couldn’t use cameras, bring any money, use any of the lights in the hostel, and we took bucket baths. For breakfast and dinner we had a simple plate of Gallopinto and a tortilla.
The people in the community of Thomas Borges received us with open hands. All 22 of us students were separated into 9 different families. All of us were able to help the families with their chores for the day. We all had the opportunity to interact and learn more about the family.
Later on we joined with everyone and their families to a fruit eating competition. We competed in which group can eat all the fruit before the other group did. We also brought a piñata for the kids. Even with just a piñata the kids had a blast. We then got our food to eat lunch with our family. Leaving the families left us thinking about the question of the day…
Does money actually buy everything?
This question was discussed as a group and as we saw today that money doesn’t buy everything.
From what we’ve experienced today, it made us feel overwhelmed from what we have compared to what they have. The way of living here in Nicaragua is way different from United States.
Each family that we spent time with had different kinds of stories. Just like their children, walking all the way to school for how many minutes. Some families don’t have any refrigerator so they just store their food where ever they can, and some people have bad experiences in terms of their safety. In fact, they don’t have any health care near their community and running and electricity is very limited. We are also struck by that fact that ALL the kids, no matter their age, help out with all the duties around the house. One example was one of the 8 year old girls who was making a large pot of Gallo pinto for her entire family. Now to sum it all up, even though they have this kind of living, you still see them smiling, laughing, and having fun as a whole family. We as a group felt it heart warming as we see happiness in their eyes. Also, we are thankful for what we have, and learned that we shouldn’t take things for granted .
Viet-Long,
It’s your favourite twin Viet-Hai coming at you from California. Just wanted to stop by and let you know that it’s pretty wild that you’ve been gone for almost a week already, and it’s nice being at home without you. Also, mom and Q are leaving for a last minute trip Florida tonight (Saturday) so no ones home but dad and it’s super quiet. Anyway, hope you’re having fun right now, and live it up for me amigo
Diana ~~^^
I am glad to see your happy face. I am proud of you doing many things in hot weather. I love you so much.
Mom
Diana,
Living like a local person.. it’s so challenage of your daily life. In the begining, You may have strange feeling and hesitate this kind of situation. But I think you can get an enough time with good relax through simple life.
I hope you have a great time through this kind of life style with your friends and local peoples. Fully enjoy your time in there. I love you!!!!
It’s great to have the kind of experience you just had for those days when you think things are bad. Without being exposed to different perspectives, it’s easy to take what we have for granted.
Is it possible to post more than one picture a day? Love seeing all your smiling faces!
Oscar, did you give your hot wheels away?
We proud you Mija, we love you, God bless you all, possible more than one post a day? Abril Delgado Family
Hey everybody! I’m Jordan & I’m friends with Rachel Brown, just wanted to say hope you guys are having fun! Also hope you all have some takeaways from Living Like a Local. I can’t wait to go on my trip to the DR at the end of July!
Reading the daily blog makes us feels like we are traveling along with you all. Living like a local sound like an interesting experience.
Enjoy your first free day Glimpsers!
We are very happy to get your email from yesterday Brian. Love you!
Wow Loren look at you! This is so cool. Seems like you’re having fun. Quick question though , can you bring me a souvenir? 🙂 just wondering. Anyways we have something fun planned for when you come back so enjoy your time over there and be ready to have more fun here !!
Nice to hear you guys spent time with local family and learn about their daily living. Thank you for sharing another busy day. We miss you Javie. Love You!!! ❤️??
What a wonderful way to learn about another culture through personal experience. Reading about others you can learn quite a bit. But being able to talk to others, and share with them makes the adventure so much richer. I’m glad to read that no matter the situation of the families you visited they were still willing and able to laugh, love, and share. Makes us think about what is really important. I’m so glad, and proud, you guys are experiencing that.
Miss You.
Enjoy.
Another amazing experience! I hope all of you are journaling your experiences. Love to Rachel and best wishes for continuing success to all of the Glimpsers!