Monday, April 25, 2016
Today was our last full day!! We woke up and ate breakfast as normal, and left at about 8 am to go on a hike. Oscar and pedro, and two other guides brought us down a long bendy steep path. We arrived at a beach, on lake Masaya. We followed our guides through the woods, where we found snakes, bats, frogs, cows, birds, and everything in between. We saw the summer home of one if the first presidents. The hike back was rugged. It felt like the hottest day yet, hiking uphill in the hot sun. We were thrilled to arrive back at the van. We all relaxed for a while, some of us napped while some dedicated students **cough cough Evan, Oskar, and Corey, did calculus. Later after lunch, we had some visitors from the Pulsera Project! Three pulsera artists helped us each make a bracelet. They're much harder than they look! It was all good in the end, classic rice and bean dinner! However we had a minor catastrophe, Savita got lost! I don't know if we will ever see her again. Sad times sad times. However the rest of us will see you tomorrow!! <--- that was a joke, by Grace, of course.
Today was our trip to Granada. First we visited a cemetery which had rental coffins. Afterwards we went to a church, and climbed up a bell tower which had really short stairs. At the top there was an amazing view of the city. Then we made our way to Lake Nicaragua which used to hold the world's only freshwater shark (and still might?). We saw some incredibly big island houses which belong to some really rich people. Then we jumped off the side of the boat and took a swim. (Rachel had a little trouble getting back on). Afterwards we went to the "Hotel con Corazón" (hotel with a heart). At the hotel, we met up with people from the Pulsera project and had lunch. When lunch was over, we headed into town for some shopping. Ally Bergeron finally got to see a kitten, after Corey saved it from falling off a ledge. There was also a free art exhibit near the park which was neat. After Evan ate three orders of chicken, we returned to El Piscacho. As we settled in, and people ate dinner, there was another bug in the shower, however this time Corey was the one who had it, and this time it was a SCORPION! But don't worry, their venom can only paralyze you for an entire day. We had the night guard Leopoldo remove it (after taking pictures). So we had an eventful end to our ninth day in Nicaragua. ¡Adios gringos!
-Corey
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Hola mis amigos and familia!
Today was a fun packed filled day! We all woke up bright and early to get a good start to a long day. First, we had breakfast which consists of fruit, granola, and corn flakes the amazing cooks brought us out a spanish version of french toast! the pineapple here is soooo amazing because its so fresh. Then, we headed off into the "muy caliente" sun and volunteered at either the reserve or the schools. Rachel, Evan, Grace, Torri, and Both Ally's went to reserve and Shannon, Corey, Savita, Eilis, oscar, and Karley went to the two schools. At the reserve we all watered plants in the hot sun and a few people got to hang bananas in trees and cut down coconuts from the trees! Evan climbed up a ladder to shake coconuts down and he managed to balance the ladder on the tree! After volunteering, we had an an amazing lunch of rice, beans, and avocado! then we headed off to spanish class. Unfortunately, it was our last day of class but it was so fun because we went to san marco with our conversation teachers and rode a van packed like sardines! In one van there was about 32 people! It was insane how many people fit into one van! then we saw the nicaraguan "wal-mart" interestingly enough, wal-art owns this company. There, we got ice cream from eskimo or a refreshing cold drink or popsicle to cool off from the blistering heat. Getting home from the city was a whole other story! A teacher's husband who drives trucks picked us up and we all rode in the bed of the truck! Although it may be illegal in the U.S, it is such a common way of transportation here. we all bounced around from the bumpy rode in the back and had the time of our lives. At night we had yet another history lesson from chester. He taught us all about the nicaraguan revolution. oh crap, we have to run because they're coming, okay bye!
Today was a fun packed filled day! We all woke up bright and early to get a good start to a long day. First, we had breakfast which consists of fruit, granola, and corn flakes the amazing cooks brought us out a spanish version of french toast! the pineapple here is soooo amazing because its so fresh. Then, we headed off into the "muy caliente" sun and volunteered at either the reserve or the schools. Rachel, Evan, Grace, Torri, and Both Ally's went to reserve and Shannon, Corey, Savita, Eilis, oscar, and Karley went to the two schools. At the reserve we all watered plants in the hot sun and a few people got to hang bananas in trees and cut down coconuts from the trees! Evan climbed up a ladder to shake coconuts down and he managed to balance the ladder on the tree! After volunteering, we had an an amazing lunch of rice, beans, and avocado! then we headed off to spanish class. Unfortunately, it was our last day of class but it was so fun because we went to san marco with our conversation teachers and rode a van packed like sardines! In one van there was about 32 people! It was insane how many people fit into one van! then we saw the nicaraguan "wal-mart" interestingly enough, wal-art owns this company. There, we got ice cream from eskimo or a refreshing cold drink or popsicle to cool off from the blistering heat. Getting home from the city was a whole other story! A teacher's husband who drives trucks picked us up and we all rode in the bed of the truck! Although it may be illegal in the U.S, it is such a common way of transportation here. we all bounced around from the bumpy rode in the back and had the time of our lives. At night we had yet another history lesson from chester. He taught us all about the nicaraguan revolution. oh crap, we have to run because they're coming, okay bye!
Friday, April 22, 2016
Hola Amigos
Today was our fourth day of volunteering and spanish classes! Half of the group went to the schools to help the teachers and work with the children. The other half went to the reserve and helped plant seeds and various plants. After volunteering we went back for lunch at El Piscacho and then on to the spanish lessons. We continued with our grammar lessons and for conversation class we went back into town with our teachers. Later we went La Concha, to a restaurant with pool. We were able to enjoy the pool and cool off, good food, and cold drinks. We are all definitely enjoying our time here in Nicaragua!
Hasta luego (Karley)
Today was our fourth day of volunteering and spanish classes! Half of the group went to the schools to help the teachers and work with the children. The other half went to the reserve and helped plant seeds and various plants. After volunteering we went back for lunch at El Piscacho and then on to the spanish lessons. We continued with our grammar lessons and for conversation class we went back into town with our teachers. Later we went La Concha, to a restaurant with pool. We were able to enjoy the pool and cool off, good food, and cold drinks. We are all definitely enjoying our time here in Nicaragua!
Hasta luego (Karley)
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Playing Santa at the schools
¿Qué pasa amigos?
It's only Wednesday and we already decided to ditch our community service. Instead we slept in and ate breakfast at eight. Then it was off to Rueben Dario and Panama Schools to deliver supplies. At the first school we handed out stuffed animals to all the preschoolers and as many of the first graders as possible. The rest of the first graders and all the second graders received backpacks. Teachers got paper, pens, and coloring supplies. Then at Panama School every student was given a mechanical pencil, a colored pencil, three regular pencils, erasers, and a notebook. Each teacher got handfuls of pens, glue sticks, dry erase markers, etc. Even after that we had a mound of supplies left over. We organized it nicely for the afternoon kids, which are older and set aside other piles to be distributed at a later time. The kids were extremely appreciative of every item they received. Thinking about the impact of these simple tasks is insane. I can not think of one time where if my parents could not get me pencils or a notebook that my teacher would not have one for me. These children rely on help to get supplies that does not necessarily come from their parents or the teachers but from people like the ones who donated who are willing to give and help. It's amazing how little can go a long way here.
When we were finished at the schools we came back to Piscacho and enjoy lunch with Paulette, the women in charge of Mariposa and numerous other projects. She told us the projects she has and is currently working on and it is truly insane. Then after lunch it was time for grammar and conversation classes. For conversation class we went into town again and got pan dulce from the panadería(aka a bakery for all you gringo's 😉😈 ). It was delicious. After classes it was back to Piscacho for dinner where we had a lesson on the canal. We learned about the debate over it and how it won't really benefit Nicaragua and the government is lying to the people because the people here do not have the best education. Any ways it was interesting. We also learned the reason for free wifi in the parks is because if you use it the government can have access to what you're doing. We think that's why Mrs. Lonergan is having a difficult time posting the blogs.
Hasta luego,
Ally L.
It's only Wednesday and we already decided to ditch our community service. Instead we slept in and ate breakfast at eight. Then it was off to Rueben Dario and Panama Schools to deliver supplies. At the first school we handed out stuffed animals to all the preschoolers and as many of the first graders as possible. The rest of the first graders and all the second graders received backpacks. Teachers got paper, pens, and coloring supplies. Then at Panama School every student was given a mechanical pencil, a colored pencil, three regular pencils, erasers, and a notebook. Each teacher got handfuls of pens, glue sticks, dry erase markers, etc. Even after that we had a mound of supplies left over. We organized it nicely for the afternoon kids, which are older and set aside other piles to be distributed at a later time. The kids were extremely appreciative of every item they received. Thinking about the impact of these simple tasks is insane. I can not think of one time where if my parents could not get me pencils or a notebook that my teacher would not have one for me. These children rely on help to get supplies that does not necessarily come from their parents or the teachers but from people like the ones who donated who are willing to give and help. It's amazing how little can go a long way here.
Hasta luego,
Ally L.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Hola familia y amigos,
We had our second day of community service project and everyone was excited to switch and experience a new project. The people who were at the reserve yesterday went to one of the schools today and the people who went to the schools went to the reserve. I went to one of the schools along with Eilis and Karley. The kids love taking pictures with us...during recess of course. We all were bombarded by kids because we introduced them to the snapchat filter. Savita, Oscar, and Corey went to another school that is one of the poorest and in the middle of know where. Kids kept coming up to Oscar saying "oh you have yellow hair". Something that happened at both schools that was different and was unusual to us was they had a volcano drill, children would hold there backpacks over their heads. The rest of the group that included Tori, Grace, Rachel, Ally L., Ally B., and Evan went to the reserve where they watered plants and filled bags with dirt. Again everyone was extremely nice, they offered them ice cream and coconuts on their breaks. After our community service we came back to el Piscacho to have lunch and have our spanish lessons once again. Our groups changed from the day before because some people wanted to learn different things and needed help with certain things and it would be best to fulfill every moment when we are here. During the second part of our spanish lessons we walked into town while having conversations with our spanish teachers. We arrived at the town park and bought ice creams. Everyone enjoyed that because it was something cold. Note to anyone reading this, our waters get warm VERY FAST in this weather. After that we were able to go into a church and learn interesting stories about the town. To get back to el Piscacho we took moto taxis, these are tiny tiny tiny little vehicles that can bring 3 people in the back and 2 in the front, plus the driver, driving in the middle of the two. When we got back everyone was pretty exhausted. However, we remembered we had a history lesson from Chester, one of our guides. It was very informational, he brought up the history of Nicaragua from the 1500's. We didn't get to finish our lesson since it was getting late and it was time for dinner. The lesson will continue on Friday. After dinner all of us were hanging out on some hammocks in front of our bedrooms and our security guard brought us this bug that makes the loudest noise ever throughout the day and night. It's called a chicharra. Some of us held it, it was alive, but doesn't bite. After 5 minutes of letting it go, one of the many dogs here ate it.We are all tired, but manage to always talk as a group, tell stories, and play cards......On the fly? Clip on tie
Adios:)
Shannon
We had our second day of community service project and everyone was excited to switch and experience a new project. The people who were at the reserve yesterday went to one of the schools today and the people who went to the schools went to the reserve. I went to one of the schools along with Eilis and Karley. The kids love taking pictures with us...during recess of course. We all were bombarded by kids because we introduced them to the snapchat filter. Savita, Oscar, and Corey went to another school that is one of the poorest and in the middle of know where. Kids kept coming up to Oscar saying "oh you have yellow hair". Something that happened at both schools that was different and was unusual to us was they had a volcano drill, children would hold there backpacks over their heads. The rest of the group that included Tori, Grace, Rachel, Ally L., Ally B., and Evan went to the reserve where they watered plants and filled bags with dirt. Again everyone was extremely nice, they offered them ice cream and coconuts on their breaks. After our community service we came back to el Piscacho to have lunch and have our spanish lessons once again. Our groups changed from the day before because some people wanted to learn different things and needed help with certain things and it would be best to fulfill every moment when we are here. During the second part of our spanish lessons we walked into town while having conversations with our spanish teachers. We arrived at the town park and bought ice creams. Everyone enjoyed that because it was something cold. Note to anyone reading this, our waters get warm VERY FAST in this weather. After that we were able to go into a church and learn interesting stories about the town. To get back to el Piscacho we took moto taxis, these are tiny tiny tiny little vehicles that can bring 3 people in the back and 2 in the front, plus the driver, driving in the middle of the two. When we got back everyone was pretty exhausted. However, we remembered we had a history lesson from Chester, one of our guides. It was very informational, he brought up the history of Nicaragua from the 1500's. We didn't get to finish our lesson since it was getting late and it was time for dinner. The lesson will continue on Friday. After dinner all of us were hanging out on some hammocks in front of our bedrooms and our security guard brought us this bug that makes the loudest noise ever throughout the day and night. It's called a chicharra. Some of us held it, it was alive, but doesn't bite. After 5 minutes of letting it go, one of the many dogs here ate it.We are all tired, but manage to always talk as a group, tell stories, and play cards......On the fly? Clip on tie
Adios:)
Shannon
market, batidos, hiking
Hola amigos! Day 2 is in the books! We had a very productive and eventful day. Though we have not yet fully adjusted to the time change we were able to sleep in slightly later than yesterday. It is very loud here at night and many of the locals wake up very early and play very loud spanish music (although I must admit it is quite catchy). After breakfast we headed out to Masaya to visit the market. We were assailed by countless merchants asking us to buy hamocks, paintings, and everything in between. After visiting the markets we headed to a shop and drank fresh Batidos(smoothies). They were so deliscious!! We returned home to El Piscacho for lunch. At 2 pm we headed up the road for a beautiful hike. We saw Dragon Fruit and pineapple plantations and had a great view of the Masaya Volcano. The hike took about 2 hours and then we returned back to El Piscacho. (contributed by Evan)
Spider in the shower
Hola Gringos,
Today was another great day in Nicaragua. We had our first community service project and started our spanish lessons. There were two different service projects that were eye opening and a great way to experience the culture. Two groups of three went to two different schools to help young kids with math and writing. This put into perspective how little so many kids have but how happy they are with what they have. The rest of the group went to the reserve where they learned about the plants at the reserve and helped water them all. After our community service we came back to el Piscacho to have lunch and have our spanish lessons. Many of us learned about Nicaragua and there culture. We then had dinner and some people started to shower when we heard a piercing scream.. it was Eilis. We found her in her soaking wet towel bawling her eyes out. She was pointing towards the shower mumbling...SPSPSPSPSPIDERRR!!!!!!!!!!!! We went to the shower to find a spider the size of her hand. The picture says it all, now she is FURTHERMORE traumatized.
Adios Gringos,
Ally Bergeron ( Interviewer and author)
Today was another great day in Nicaragua. We had our first community service project and started our spanish lessons. There were two different service projects that were eye opening and a great way to experience the culture. Two groups of three went to two different schools to help young kids with math and writing. This put into perspective how little so many kids have but how happy they are with what they have. The rest of the group went to the reserve where they learned about the plants at the reserve and helped water them all. After our community service we came back to el Piscacho to have lunch and have our spanish lessons. Many of us learned about Nicaragua and there culture. We then had dinner and some people started to shower when we heard a piercing scream.. it was Eilis. We found her in her soaking wet towel bawling her eyes out. She was pointing towards the shower mumbling...SPSPSPSPSPIDERRR!!!!!!!!!!!! We went to the shower to find a spider the size of her hand. The picture says it all, now she is FURTHERMORE traumatized.
Adios Gringos,
Ally Bergeron ( Interviewer and author)
Saturday, April 16, 2016
¡Hola!
We are having a great time in Nicaragua so far. El Piscacho, the property we are staying at, is absolutely breath taking. There is a beautiful view of mountains and a volcano, and different types of flowers are spread across the property. Various fruits grow on the trees and some are even served to us during meals. The food is delicious, especially today at La Leguna De Apoyo, where we spent the day relaxing in the water, playing games, and napping on the hammocks.
We are having a great time in Nicaragua so far. El Piscacho, the property we are staying at, is absolutely breath taking. There is a beautiful view of mountains and a volcano, and different types of flowers are spread across the property. Various fruits grow on the trees and some are even served to us during meals. The food is delicious, especially today at La Leguna De Apoyo, where we spent the day relaxing in the water, playing games, and napping on the hammocks.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Estamos Listos...
We are getting ready to take off on our awesome adventure to San Juan de la Concepción, Nicaragua on 4/15/16! We will be convening at the SHHS parking lot at 4:00 am and caravanning to the airport for our 7:00 am flight.
While away, we will be mostly without wifi. Our plan is to post to this blog , photos and narratives of our adventures, on a regular basis when we visit the internet café. We will all take turns posting updates. Keep checking in to follow our viaje!
While away, we will be mostly without wifi. Our plan is to post to this blog , photos and narratives of our adventures, on a regular basis when we visit the internet café. We will all take turns posting updates. Keep checking in to follow our viaje!
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