Working at the market.
At the factory
Today we started off the day with a wake up call at 6:00 AM and headed out to breakfast at Imabete around 7:00. There we were served fresh fruits and pancakes. We also tried a traditional Nicaraguan drink, “Avena”, made with soaked oats and cinnamon.
After a yummy breakfast, we took a walk to the market where we were stationed to work like a local in different booths. Here, we learned that it’s hard to grab people’s attention unless you literally grab and drag them into your booth. (I know right?!) From our experience, we learned it is hard to sell products because many of the surrounding booths typically sold the same items as each other. We found out that it’s also very difficult to attract customers because they are only looking for necessary items and don’t have extra money to spend on luxurious items. In addition, we encountered a local market seller who only earned about 100 Córdoba (less than $4) the day before.
After working like a local, we had lunch to-go from Imabete and returned to the hostel to take a quick break. Then, we took the bus to visit “Sandalias Toscas”, a family owned sandal factory. We got to see the process of how they made sandals and even got the chance to buy some at the end of the tour.
Back at the hostel we continued to prepare for our English tutoring classes and headed to UNAN after dinner. First, we were introduced to our students and split up into groups of beginning, intermediate, and advanced English speakers. From there, we started off our first lesson by getting to know each other.
At the end of the day, we wrapped up by celebrating one of our Glimpse’s birthday, Athena, with a traditional birthday cake, banners, balloons, and a poster where everyone signed right before having our nightly meeting 🙂
Stay posted and get ready for tomorrow’s blog where we will be Deconstructing Poverty & Aid and Development.
Xoxo Josephine and Athena
Hello Jeremiah!
Viva León!! ? It seems like you all are adjusting quite well. I am so glad to see smiling faces in the pictures. I love seeing all the wonderful photos that you guys post and I especially love seeing your face! ☺️ I can’t wait until you tell me more about how it was trying to sell in their local market and also how your tutoring went… I know you are taking food pics, can’t wait to see those in your camera too lol ????????☕️
That was very cool how you all celebrated Athena’s birthday! What a great birthday to celebrate in León, Nicaragua! Tell her I said HAPPY BIRTHDAY ??
Auntie Kareen came by today, she sends her love. The house is a lot quieter without you but I know you are having the best experience. I am happy you get this opportunity to meet new friends, learn, explore and make a difference in another country.
Tomorrow’s blog sounds fascinating!!
Miss and love you ?
-Mom
PS. Stay hydrated
It’s amazing for myself to be able to read these blog posts and remember all the fun times that I had in Leon, Nicaragua. I actually stayed in this hostel last year and it’s so nostalgic to see photos from there and your guys’ daily routines. I hope you guys embody Nicaragua and even though some of you guys might be thinking ” oh my god, how am i going to survive two weeks” trust me, next year you’ll be wishing you could come back and relive the nice nights in Leon. I hope you guys are having fun and remember to drink water and put on lots of bug spray! also don’t break your nets lol.
Hi Simone!
How much do dead batteries cost?
Nothing, they’re free of charge! ?
I’ll have a better one for you tomorrow!
I LOVE YOU ?
Mom
Oh wow! Kay, what a great experience that looks like. Hope you are doing well there, and are staying hydrated often. I went to an open mic, and then Kareoke tonight. It was a blast. There was this little 4-year old boy singing the long version of teenage mutant ninja turttles. It was epic! You have to come next time, when you return. That’s all for now. Have a bleesed day, and love ya!
Mom
Hello Logan
We are following your travels every day, quite an experience. Grammy saving all the blogs. Good pic hope the pancakes were like pop pops pancakes. Know you will have many stories to tell us. We hope to see you in October. Love to you from Grammy & Pop Pop . Be safe.
I’m glad you had an opportunity to work with the locals in El Mercado and get the to interact with different people. let me know how many item did you sale, mom wakes up every morning and the first thing she says is that she misses you, mom: Eduardo “te quiero mucho” cuidate. Every one says hi. We all love you and be safe. Tu familia.
Wow all these pictures are awesome!!! We’re so proud of you Jocabed. I enjoy looking at how you go out of your comfort zone and are able to live this amazing experience. I hope you bring me something from the mercado at least some chanclas.
By the way Aravit and ale said they miss you. Home & church feels sad with out you.
Oh and I had to chop my hair because James got gum stuck in my hair. Lol
Blessings my love take care ❤
Hi tayo, glad to see you are enjoying your trip, we miss you and cant wait for you to return back to tell us about your experience! P.S Ariana misses you a lot!!!!
We have a new routine at night… and that is is to check your daily blog! We are loving the stories and the pictures. Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to share with all of us back at home!
Nicole, we love you so much! Kisses and hugs, Mom, Dad, Alex and Molly
Hi Peter,
I’m glad you all acclimating to your new environment and having so much fun!
Would like to try the “Avena” drink, so memorize the recipe!!!
Love ya
Mom
Whats up Eduardo! This trip seems like a very humbling, educational, and eye opening adventure. Keep up the great work! Getting to fully immerse yourself in the culture and not just be the “tourist” is a great opportunity. I think if more people did this, it would create more compassionate people. You’re not really missing out on much over here. There’s nothing new to report really. I’d much rather be where you are. Hope you’re having fun!
Naasir, I am so happy that you are getting a chance to immerse yourself in the culture there by working in the market. You’re very convincing, so I can’t wait to hear your stories of trying to sell goods at the market! The story of the worker who made $4 for a day’s work reminds me how incredibly good we have it here in the US. Four dollars is not even enough to get a Subway sandwich! We are so blessed, and we can never take that for granted!
Kids really look up to you, so I’m sure you are doing a great job and having fun with English tutoring. We love you and miss you very much!