But not quite.
The group has just returned from a hike up to a Nature Reserve called Ampante on the edge of the city. Spirits were high as we embarked because Quintin had a premenition that a sloth would fall from the trees into his open backpack. We believed him as he was correct about his host family making pancakes this morning. When we got to the reserve we were not met by an abundance of sloths but we were surrounded by an incredibly lush and life filled forest. The reserve was created as a response to intense deforestation practices that almost wiped out the forest. It is still a baby forest, with trees as young as 10 years but it is on the mend.
A quote our guide,Jose, gave us was, “We need the forest but the forest does not need us”. This quote stuck with me as we walked along the trail. Jose showed us the delicate balance that nature upholds, completely without the interference of humans. When humans come in and start absuing resources problems arise. Nature has plenty of gifts to lend to mankind but we cannot get greedy. The first creatures we stumbled upon were residing in a large black nest of sorts. These creatures were termites! We learned that they feast off of dead trees but instead of digesting and using this matter for food they regurgitate it to make their homes and tunnels throughout the trees. They are blind and very sensitive to light. Also, they are edible and the majority of the group tasted them, coming to the conclusion that they more or less tasted like dirt. After the termintes, we met a huge spider (the guide said it was a small one but it was big) that had been crawling up Maya´s leg. He showed us its fangs and assured us that it was not poisonous, it only causes swelling, fever, and vomiting, which reassured us all. We also tried a plant that tasted like apples and discovered that a plant that could collect water. So if were we ever stranded in the forest we could survive. We crossed a river twice, sin ayuda del puente, and stopped to rest at El Mirador. From this point we could see the entire city and beyond, many of us even finding the location of our homes. It was a beautiful day and hike and the act of being in nature was fully appreciated.
That has been our day today. We still have school, dinner, and possibly karayoke in the afternoon and evening. This entire week, however, has been full of activites and travel.
Last Thursday was our last day in San Marcos. About half the group, Brent, Quintin, Shane, Maya, Katie, Leigh, and Ellen made a journey through the water to go rock jumping. Katie and Quintin assured us that the area was very close, just a short swim off the last public dock. However, after 15 minutes in the water, fighting against the current and wind, some of us started to lose hope. Lisa and Tess chose to turn back and it´s certain that none of us judged them for that. About halfway there a couple students swam to shore, to take a break and try and find a way to walk around to the rocks. It was impossible to walk so after a little breather they got back in the water and finished the swim to the rocks. It was tough getting there but so rewarding. We took turns leaping into the dark water and rested with the wind drying us and clouds rolling in. We felt more confident about the swim back, knowing that it was with the current and wind. It was a much quicker journey and enjoyable despite the rain that accompanied us. Quintin and Shane dipped and trespessed on multiple properties until they found one that was not guarded by a man with a machete and met us back at the public dock. The day ended with high and relaxed spirits in Blind Lemon where Carl played guitar for us while others wathced the moon sparkle and dance over the lake.
The next morning was early. Some students found solitude and watched the sunrise over the lake. It was also an exciting day as it was Leigha and Lisa´s last day of their fruit and vegetable cleanse. Quintin decided to go out with a bang and finished his cleanse with a final day of fasting. He seemed a little tired all day but remained in high spirits. The ride to Guatemala City was filled with thought-provoking questions such as, Would you rather be a bird or a whale… have a duck face or a tail? Or if you could posess any human quality or trait what would it be? Among some of the answers were, the ability to be compassionate in all situations, the proficiency in languages, and the ability to heal.
We arrived at G22 in the afternoon and were welcomed with a large and delicious meal. A post has already been made about our time at G22 but some of the activites included a slide show about Alfredo´s work and inspiration, silly yoga lead by Mindy which included not only stretching and moving but giggles, dancing, and songs such as Pachamama and Earth my Body. It was a very very fun day. The next day we went to the city center and visited a market, saw the equivalent of the White House, converted to museum in the city, learned about the significance of the positioning of churches, admired the wall art and chased the birds. We also stopped at the post office to get some information for a student. Upon leaving the space, we discovered we were missing a leader. She had lost track of the group while admiring the pictures in the office and had not noticed as we left to explore the rest of the building. We settled things quickly but it was a good reminder to always have our Oh Shit! cards on us and what to do should we be seperated from the group.
The next morning we rose before the sun and piled ourselves into 4 taxis. We were dropped off at the airport, checked our bags, and hustled to get breakfast before our plane started bording. Two quick flights later and a three hour long, hot car ride and we had arrived in Madagalpa, Nicaragua. We were dropped off at our respective houses, settled in, tried some different cultural food, and explored the city.
On Monday we had our first day of school at Colibri Spanish School. It is a really neat space run by women who are working to eliminate machisomo, which is extremely prevelent in Nicaragua, as all of the ladies have noticed. We are in small classes with no more than 4 students each. We study from 8am to noon, while sipping on tea or deliciously strong coffee, or even resting in hammocks. It is a lovely environment and many students are enjoying the set up of these classes. After lunch we returned to the school where we relearned Salsa and learned a few steps for Merengue and Bachata. It was a fun class and everyone got their boogy on. After dinner that night we went to support Lisa, Ellen, and Maya’s host sister, Deya, at her volleyball game. She won with flying colors and it was fun to cheer something on as a group.
The next day we resettled into our classes as some students switched levels to challenge themselves more. Most students took a trip to the cementary which is always so interesting. The contrast between cementaries in the United States compared to here is insane. When you walk into a cementary here it is teeming with life and color. Families walk around, contruct new tombs, and visit their deseased family members. The tombs in the front of the cementary are huge, almost like houses, and painted with bright, festive colors. In the back are the plots for less well off citizens. An interesting fact about this cememtary is that it is the Municipal Cementary and a few years back only Catholics were allowed to be burried there. Because algunos extranjeros passed away while spending time in Nicaragua and many of them were not Catholic they were not allowed to be buried in the cementary. Por eso, a cementary was contructed across the strees that now holds the souls of those from other countries and noncatholics.
One of the most rewarding parts of our trip may have been the cultural exchange we had that night. Our Carpe group walked through the flooded streets of Matagalpa to the University to meet with the students studying English. When we got there we sat in their desks and studied the posters on the wall that taught common English expressions such as, “Bob is my uncle”. We laughed and looked around uncomfortably as the English teacher let us free to mingle. Forced conversation with strangers we thought. This is going to be awkward. An hour or so later we left the classroom absolutely beaming with joy, many of us friends with five new people on Facebook. It wasn’t awkward at all. It was so much fun and talking to college-age students from another country and hearing their perspectives on life was aboslutely incredible. We exchanged parts of our culture, taught them completely appropriate phrases and sayings, talked about marrieage and religion and life after death. It was extremely fun and rewarding and I know we are all so grateful to have had that experience.
Overall, I think we are all enjoying the new country. Not all of our stomachs are adjusting well but we are pulling through and enjoying. The weather is hot hot hot here and it downpours in the afternoon. It’s all very fun and we are excited for each new day.
Sending love and peace to family and friends back home,
Ellen and Katie
PS Trying to add photos but don’t know how. Wish me luck.