Today, the students discovered the rich history and politics behind the beautiful city of Matagalpa. Before leaving the hostel, we started off with an energizer that focused on teamwork, patience, and listening. Next, we had an academic seminar that introduced us to the recent history and politics of the city. This seminar was a group activity that helped us interact with those who we haven’t talked to before. After we finally left the hostel!!! and experienced the history for ourselves, we walked through Matagalpa and learned about all the monuments, parks, and murals. In these explorations, we gained more knowledge about the Nicaraguan history and how the U.S. has both positive and negative effects on not just the country but the community as well. While learning the history, we also learned to be more open-minded because there is two sides to every story. While on the tour learning about the rebellion, we learned an ex-soldier from the rebel faction in the Nicaraguan Civil War, the Sandinistas, would be coming to speak to us. The ex-soldier, Doña Sonia, came and spoke to us about her personal experience and struggles through her life. While sharing her story, she mentioned that some soldiers went to the top hill in the city, called El Calvario, to have the best view of the city. After sharing her experience, she joined us to actually go visit El Calvario and we got to talk to her and see the amazingggg view of the whole city. We also got to take pictures and have fun. We then came back to the hostel and had dinner, which was Tuani (Awesome!!)

Everyone together on top of El Calvario.

Everyone together on top of El Calvario.

Our guest speaker, Donia Sonia, speaking to us about her experiences as a rebel fighter.

Our guest speaker, Dona Sonia, speaking to us about her experiences as a rebel fighter.

Our favorite stop on the city tour was the ice cream shop!

Our favorite stop on the city tour was the ice cream shop!

Among other sites, we met Tonio, a spice and herb vendor.

Among other sites, we met Tonio, a spice and herb vendor.