Greetings from Nicaragua!
Yesterday morning, after a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto (the traditional Nicaraguan dish of rice and beans) we jumped on a bus and headed into the mountains north of Esteli to learn a little about the culture of this region.
Our first stop was a short hike to a beautiful mirador (lookout), where we were swept away by the beautiful views of small farms tucked in lush green valleys amidst the rolling mountain ranges. What a stunning landscape!
The view from the mirador, our first stop of the day.
Enjoying the beautiful views after a hike to this lookout point.
Next, we went to the stone carving workshop of the 75 year old Nicaraguan artist, Don Alberto. Don Alberto uses stone carving to depict the history and cultural heritage of Nicaragua. Don Alberto’s gallery is the natural landscape of his own farm where he carves his images right into rocks, boulders and a even the side of a mountain. He welcomed us to hike around and explore the impressive collection of stone carvings that he has made throughout his life. We were blown away by the cliff sides carved with depictions of Nicaraguan history and culture.
Nicaraguan artist Don Alberto, posing with some of the carvings he made on this cliff.
Everyone at Don Alberto’s farm, taking in his beautiful stone carvings.
At a field near Don Alberto’s farm, we found ourselves in the middle of a butterfly migration. We spent a little time being butterflies ourselves.
On our last stop, we visited a workshop, where we got a lesson in stone carving and got to try our had and making our own stone art.
After this stone carving demonstration, we got to carve our own works of art.
When we arrived back at the hotel, we were greeted by three local dance instructors, who taught us the basic steps for a bunch of Nicaraguan folk dances. Even though we were drenched in sweat by the end of our lessons, we had a great time!
Grace and Emily sweating and having fun at the dance class.
Throughout the course of one action packed day, we got to observe and experience so much Nicaraguan culture and art. We went to bed exhausted and inspired by all of the creativity and generosity we encountered throughout the day.
Reading about your day is great and seeing the pictures is even greater!
Lysi-
Enjoy all that this adventure has to offer and know that we are thinking of you. Love you!
Lots of hugs,
Mommy, Daddy, and Alex
Wow mija we are seeing these pictures and it makes us want to jump right in there to admire the beauty that lies within Nicaragua. Estefany we just wanted to let you know how much we love you and that we miss you.
Love,
La familia Arambula
What a fantastic day! I hope you’ll teach us some of those folk dances when you get home, Solana 😉
We love reading the updates and seeing the pictures. We’re sending love to you and all “”Los Glimpsajeros!”
Hello to all. It is nice to read about the adventure. ‘Missed a call from you this morning. When someone got through the connection was very bad.
‘Hope you are doing fine Stacey Odo.
Hey guysss it’s Brianna from E1A! AW, Beverly and Henrietta I miss you guys so muchh!!<3 I remember going to that first viewing point, it was so beautiful! I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! And whoever has the Basic C class please tell the students that Brianna says hi and that I miss all of them!!
Looks like you’re having a good time. We miss you!
-Love,
Dad, Mom, Gracie, Odie, Maggie, and Tramp
P.S. Dad says keep it real Scotty P.
Ravi
Wow you glimpsers so much excitement and fun. All freedom for butterflies in Nic.
We miss you!
Love,
Mom,Dad,Ruchi.
We loved the picture of all butterflies having fun. Enjoy the trip. Learn the local culture and buy mom and dad a nice gift :). We miss you and glad to see you are having a great time.
Hi Tiffany,
Seemed like you have a lot of fun with new friends. Mom, Dad and Pauline miss you
So wonderful to see such rich learning and happy faces. Kate
Hi Tiffany,
I’m so proud of you. Seemed like you really have a great time over there. We all miss you
Mom