Hey everyone!
There are a plethora of ways to describe how today went. Exciting, wonderful, fantastic… all would be adequate words to use. Yet out of all the choices available to us, we’ll go with this: swimmingly.
Our day started off like any other. We woke up at 7 and, after nearly an hour of preparation, walked off to Imabite for breakfast. Today was different from the other days in that everyone made the bold decision to sit with people they didn’t speak with as often. And if I remember correctly, we had a delectable meal which consisted of eggs, sausage, and bread.
After our first meal of the day, the group prepared to leave for an exciting tour of Isla Juan Venado. To be brief, it was a hectic affair (shoutout to everyone for those wonderful head counts). Fortunately, everyone made it inside of the bus on time, off to what would become the site of a wonderful day. The ride there was interesting: different music choices clashing together, all competing to keep us entertained. One song clearly won- don’t know the name of it, only that Brayan told us that it was in Portuguese. All of us will forever have the lyrics stuck in our head, even if we can’t understand them.
When we finally exited the bus, Jahred and I did our jobs, making sure that no one was absent and that everyone had water. Kirsten and Brian proceeded to split us up into three groups for the tour. This was followed by a pleasant stroll on the beach. Some of the things we saw include, emaciated dogs, fish carcasses, and amorous children selling trinkets. The tour itself was awesome. Our tour guides were paragons at their duties: they explained everything we came across, stopped when something interesting popped up, and gave interesting facts about the island. One thing we learned was that the island was named after an apex hunter. When the tour concluded, we got off our boats and went to have some fun at a nearly deserted beach. Though not the beach where the bulk of our fun was had, both Jahred and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon (if only for making it sadly obvious what a pain it is when you forget to bring sandals to a beach).
After returning from our tour of the island we all gathered up from our boats and rode the bus to La Playa Roca, a renowned beachfront restaurant. We all gorged ourselves with a big plate of pasta with a side of salad and pomegranate juice. We also enjoyed our first dessert in Nicaragua, which was their special version of flan. Very scrumptious. After our lunch and Leadership meeting with Derek and Kirsten we all walked down to the beach and enjoyed different activities such as searching for seashells and fighting in the water. Sand was everywhere yet we all bonded and had an amazing time. At around 4 o’clock we returned back to the Hostel and had about an hour to shower. At 5:30 we had a program seminar which also went swimmingly talking about the next days activity of “Living Like A Local”.
At 6 we ate dinner at Imabite and were treated to a nice plate of meat and salad with plantains and sweet tea. Upon returning from dinner, we started our nightly meeting, and we all expressed an enormous amount of positive feelings about the day. A lot of us experienced bonding like no other day has given us, and Reginald and I both believe that with this newfound friendship, the Glimpsers will be able to stride further in thinking of new ways to help the community in Leon.
On a final note… I am “King of the Beach!”
-???
it’s about 5:30am here in San Jose. first thing I do when I get to work is turn on the computer and log on to GG 🙂 this is the best way to start my day! knowing you all had such an adventurous day!
I goggled La Playa Roca and seen some beautiful pictures. this place looks amazing! Isla Juan Venado also looks really nice. although when I goggled it I seen a few pictures of some scary creatures, yikes! I didn’t read about you guys running into any of them so I’m sure you didn’t see any, lol..
I’m happy to hear you all had such a swimmingly kinda day. Us here in SJ are still pretty bitter about the Sharks loosing. But on the bright side we still have the Warriors. I’m sure you will hear so much about them from other parents 🙂
oh. so who was the funny one that screamed “I am King of the Beach”! I would really like to know, lol…
till later – love Nelly
I am so glad you all had such a wonderful day. Nothing beats learning and having fun at the same time. Beach front restaurant sounds great and the flan sounds yummy. Can’t wait to see and read about your “Living Like a Local” day.
Thanks to both of you for such a “sunny” summary of the day. Sounds like you had an “ocean” of fun.
I am guessing the Portuguese language song you grew fond of was a Brazilian song called “Ai Se Eu Te Pego”. I’m not even with you and I know what songs you are listening too…
Life is a beach today…Really looking forward to reading about Living like a Local.
Sounds idyllic except for the emaciated dogs and sand in your shoes. How did the water look? any signs of marine plastic trash or other runoff? The food and juices sound excellent. It has been beautiful in the SF Bay area, but kind of breezy and chilly. Great that you are having fun and getting to know fellow glimpsers. I am looking forward to more blogs and pix.
Game 5 halftime: 61-61. Great game so far. Lots of 3 pointers. Iguodala is doing great!
End of 3rd quarter: Cavs lead 93-84.
Looks like there is going to be a game 6…
boo hoo! Warriors Lost 🙁 Draymond Green was suspended from game 5 and Adrew bogut was injured. They didn’t have all the team members for this game so I strongly believe that’s the reason they lost. No worries. We got this game 6!
Marisol – so you remember that Ailani and Adrian made state for track. They are competing this coming Saturday. What really sucks is that Fischer didn’t offer any training or conditioning for the kids that made it. I was really upset that the school would just leave us like this. no information about the competition and worst of all – NO CONDITIONING!
Well guess what I did??? Yup you know it! I called coach Terry, lol…
Both coach Terry and coach Bettencourt have been helping the kids out.
Yesterday both Ailani and Adrian ran all around the block with your team members. Everyone was so welcoming. especially because we told them they are your siblings 🙂
Ailani and Adrian got their butts kicked!!! GOALS!
It was so fun watching them do all the crazy workouts you guys do, lol… Adrian especially because that poor kids has no coordination for the life of him. oh how I wish you could have see this. I’ll record them this Wed and show you when you come back 🙂
Ok – hasta mañana. Be safe everyone
Love Nelly
This sounds like a great day at the beach- along with yummy food!
I recognized you- Nathaniel- in the sunglasses I borrowed when I was in San Francisco. Shae recognized you right away, too!
Larry & I and Melissa & Kris are going to a Red Sox game next Tuesday. They’re playing the White Sox. It’s to celebrate my last day of school.
Keep up the good work!
Love you!
Auntie Karen