Hey everybody (which basically means relatives and extremely devoted friends or more than friends 😉 ). I am currently seated in our common area listening to Jeonna and Humberto argue about what is in the mojitos we are drinking (I promise there is no alcoholic liquid in it). They are distracting me so its probably gonna end up taking me hours to write this post for ya’ll. Today was a very exciting day because we went to school! Yay! I know we were all really getting bored with our summer vacation and really wanted to get back to school already. Sidenote: Fran is now distracting me by commenting on how slow I’m writing this. But with all seriousness and putting all sarcasm aside (which is extremely difficult for me) it was truly an educational and fun day in many ways.
5:30 was our amazing early wake up time for this day and after a close call of me falling back asleep after my 5:20 alarm only to be woken up at 5:33ish by Amanda who for some reason was up, we managed to be at breakfast at 6:15 (on time). After some very frooty froot loops (probably off brand, but still deliciously sugary) we got on the bus to a private school called Liceo Catolico. Sidenote: Fran is sassing me about taking a long time again, and Jeonna has had 4 mojitos as of now. At Liceo Catolico we were each partnered up with a high school student and sent to class. For the next three hours we sat in on their classes in science, physics, math and more. We got to know the students and the education system in Nicaragua. Most of the students had big dreams for their future and really wanted the best life for themselves, but also seemed to not be paying attention in the classes. It seemed to all of us to be an odd combination. After three hours of awesomeness and eye opening learning, we took lots of pictures and then we had to say goodbye (after exchanging Facebooks and planning a soccer game for later in the week of course). Then we were off to the next school: Fabretto.
Fabretto is a school for preschoolers up to highschoolers based in EstelÃ. We got a tour around the school from Octavio, the Fabretto coordinator. We saw all the adorable students and the amazing teachers and then got to serve some of the preschoolers their lunch and eat some lunch ourselves. After learning more about the amazing work Fabretto is doing for the kids living near the dump in EstelÃ, we said our thank yous and goodbyes and headed back to the hostel. We took a public bus which ended up breaking down part way, so we had to wait for while on the side of the street for another one. We didn’t have to wait long, and then after partly falling on top of a couple of people while standing on the bus we made it back to our home for the past week and a half, and this next week: Hostel Tomabu. After some much needed sleepy nappy time for us all, we went out for the second stage of our CAP project: buying stuff. We split up into three groups and were off buying everything from sparkles, to plants, to tires, to wood, to paint, and more. It was definitely an adventure. My group personally got lost twice and wandered around not actually knowing where we were going multiple times as well. The woodworking group also decided to lie to us about getting all of the stuff they bought stolen just to mess with us, and for some reason we actually believed them. I will never trust those four again. Just kidding 🙂 After getting all the stuff for our CAP starting tomorrow (its so soon! And we’re all so pumped!) we went to another delicious dinner (picky eater talking here too). After dinner we had our nightly meeting where I made Eric get his makeup done by Jasmine so that he could be the next lider del dia for tomorrow 😉 (sorry Eric). After some self reflection group discussions, I am here finishing up this blog after writing for probably close to two hours because im a really slow writer. Now I’m really tired, as I’m sure everyone else was because it is only 9:15 and it is pretty silent. Thank you for reading about our fun school and shopping day (sorry if it was a very scattered post, that’s kinda how my weird brain is). And now I am off to go get rested for the first day of our CAP tomorrow!!! Goodbye 🙂
Hi Alex, thank for sharing. It was definitely enjoyable to read. There was enough details for me to picture you all shadowing the students. I can imagine how fun it must have been to attend class, but not have to worry about having to actually “attend”. 🙂
Based on your description of practical jokes and harmless teasing, it seems like you all have developed a great bond and friendship. I hope this trip not only teaches you to learn about new cultures and societies, but also to work with others in groups.
I’m really excited to hear about how your CAP goes. A lot of planning and anticipation… hopefully it will go smoothly and provide the help the school is looking for.
Sidra: I really, really enjoyed our phone conversation on Sunday. We miss you; lots of hugs & kisses. And don’t worry… as Yusuf says “I got you”. I will fulfill your wish as soon as you arrive back home. 🙂
Hi Alex, thank you for a detailed description about visiting two schools in a day. Liceo Catolico is a private school and Fabretto is probably a public school. It sounds like an interesting day sitting and auditing in a class while serving lunch to kids in another school. We would love to see more photos together with writings.
Eric, it seems like all supplies for the CAP project are ready. We can’t wait to read your blog post tomorrow. What kind of makeup did you get by Jasmine? Great to know that you will be the next lider del dia. We wish you a good luck to your CAP project tomorrow!
Was there any boba???
Hey there Alex and crew! Sounds like you are all having an awesome adventure! Two of my favorite childhood memories are attending school in foreign countries for a day or two – once in Denmark and then in Mexico. While we learn cultural differences, I think we also learn that everywhere, most people want the same basic things in life health, happiness, and love – we aren’t all that different. You need to scheme a way to play a joke on the woodworking group! Cheers, Tory
Hola Alex! Dude can we be friends?? Your blog made me laugh so much and I’ll tell Ella to introduce us haha but anyways your day sounds very busy but also really fun! I wish I could’ve shadowed a student and I’m also very jealous about your fun day yesterday btw. It’s crazy how in the private school students weren’t very attentive but it made me think of how school is almost here and how even if we all say we want a good future we tend to complain and become lazy. Putting you on blast Ella for skipping so much school and even the French finallll!!! Lol. I like how the bus broke down and good luck on the CAP project! Ellulz I miss you so much and I passed by your house today, can’t wait to see ya! p.s Humberto and Fran, Stacy said post the pics!!! Miss and love you guys!!
i look forward to reading these blogs everyday and hearing what new experiences everybody is having the very descriptive and interesting stories allows me to experience the trip vicariously through your blogs. You guys should be so proud yourselves making a difference in the world at such a young age.
Jeonna, Jackie says hi and we both miss you and your sister miss you too and you guys can trade “Nicaragua stories” when you get back.
Alex, Thanks for the humorous account of your day. It certainly is in your style, filled with sarcasm and side notes. I am so glad you are having fun and learning lots. I was trying to think of something embarrassing to write but unlike you I’m not a very creative writer. We miss you, a little. Ok, maybe a lot!
Dad (Manny)
This made your Dad and I (and even your brother) laugh out aloud! Yes, Drew read your blog, guess he is a relative . It is so nice to read your recap in your ”voice” – it definitely seems like you must be feeling better. I suspect your group’s presence may have contributed to the ‘not paying attention’ part of the students day. Your shopping adventures for CAP supplies sound similar to Drew’s in Leon. I can’t believe you have less than a week left! I can’t wait to see you although it sounds like you may need to sleep for a few days given how busy you guys have been.
An update for you Alex on Felicia (for everyone else, Felicia is the last puppy we raised from Guide Dogs for the Blind that just became a breeder for them). I heard from Felicia’s custodian who lives in Novato, she has a sister who lives in Davis so we will get to see her when she visits
Hope everyone continues to have great fun while continuing to learn!
Tasha- Alex’s mom
Humberto! Fran!
This is Jenny & Jessica coming to you straight outta Oakland. Well we are just taking in on you guys and hope you are doing well.
Alright to all you glimpsers ya may think we are cray but we miss them and you will too. Please make sure to make this the best trip of your life!
-LatinaSquad
PS. If they aren’t present when you read this, please let them know “Latina Squad” E2A commented. Thanks!
Hey guys!
I was literally reading this in Alex’s voice! And I was just picturing Jeonna and Humberto arguing off to the side, lol. Oh how I miss you all so much! It sounds like this trip is getting better and better, and I’m so excited to hear all about your CAP project! I wish I was able to be there for all of it, but at least I’m able to read about each day as if I were there. I can’t wait to see you all when you guys come back!
Anne
P.S- I hope you guys took a lot of good pictures of Eric with that make up on LOL
Hola Alex! Gracias por escribir el resumen del dÃa ! It sounds like you all had a great day “going” to school for a day ! This a great experience learning the school system in a different country and making friends along the way ! The pictures are great, you all Glimpsers look very happy and your new friends too! Lol with your local bus experience 🙂 …have fun with the project ! Gracias y hasta mañana!
Dear Alex, thank you for the write up!
Hi bacheem, I see you are looking great and have a big smile on your face. Enjoy this time and learn.
My days are very busy since work has started.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Your sis and bro miss you and love you as well
mom