Hi, I’m Andrew Pilon, el Lider del Dia for the delegation’s first free day! Given that we didn’t have much planned, tonight’s blog is a bit shorter than usual. After a week packed with fun and educational agendas, today was a great opportunity for the Glimpsers to be able to get out and explore the city. Most started off the day with a stop at La Buena Onda (Good Vibes), another local hostel, to drop off clothes for laundering. After that, everyone split off into groups and headed off to seize the day! Main street was the main attraction, filled not only with a multitude of clothing stores and cafes (both for coffee and internet), but a local parade that the delegation could watch, accompanied by a carnival, which was put on by the students of Colegio San Luis (the same school at which we hold our English tutoring classes). A lot of the Glimpsers got to try some of Matagalpa’s famous coffee at locations like La Barista, Mr. Coffee, and El Gran Cafe. Others went to Besame for some amazing cookies and ice cream. Great buys could be found all over, including fifteen dollar Vans and classic Nicaraguan candies. The day came to a close with a seminar to prepare for Monday’s “Living on One Dollar a Day” challenge, and, by a stroke of luck, a beautiful fireworks show over the city!
The Glimpsers stop in at the hostel for lunch before heading out again
A shot of the parade through Main Street
Hey Andrew! What a nice surprise to check in for tonight’s update, see your name in the byline and “hear” your voice in the account of the day. Sounds as if even your free days are full of activity and fun. Clearly Matagalpa continues to present you all with surprises too! Carnivals, parades, fireworks…and clean laundry? I’m guessing we may also discover some new Vans when you unpack your suitcase.
We miss you but we’re thrilled by the experiences you are having.
Congrats to all you Glimpsers on a fabulous week together.
¡Felicidades, Andrew!
I don’t know if you’ll see this reply here since it’s been a couple of days since you posted it, but know that we are thinking about you on the eve of your birthday:D We miss you, we love you, we hope you have a wonderful birthday in Matagalpa, and we look forward to celebrating with you when you get back home.
¡Que cumplas muchos más!
xoxo Mom, Dad, and Anna Marie
¡Felicidades, Andew!
Not sure if you’ll see this here since you posted a couple of days ago but know that we are thinking about you on the eve of your birthday 😀 We miss you, we love you, we hope you have a GREAT birthday celebration in Matagalpa, and we look forward to celebrating with you when you get home.
¡Que cumplas muchos más!
xoxo Mom, Dad, and Anna Marie
Yikes! I can’t believe I misspelled your name! :/ We really haven’t forgotten you, dear son…