My day started with a sharp wake up call from the family’s rooster. I joined my host mom, Maria, in the kitchen at 6:30 to start preparing breakfast. We started by cleaning off the large wooden counter by dumping water on it and rubbing it down. Then, we ground the corn kernels to make the dough of tortillas. Maria explained how they boil the kernels to get the skins off, and then they soak them in water overnight. In the morning, they are ground twice in order to make a smooth dough. This dough is then shaped and cooked on their stove (which is a clay tunnel containing fire with a couple holes in the top for the pots to sit on). We also helped peel oranges (freshly picked from the tree in the yard) and then Maria’s daughter, Maylee, hand-juiced them. We also had gallo pinto (rice and beans) and fried plantains for breakfast. This was all topped off with coffee that was picked, washed, and roasted on Maria’s farm.

Photo by Claire Rosenbaum

After breakfast, we were heading to the community building, however, in order for the bus to come pick us up it has to cross two creeks, and, of course, one of the creeks is surrounded by very steep hills of gravel road. Due to the rain overnight one of the creeks had become impassable, and our bus, while trying to pass, became stuck. So, we all had to walk down to the bus and get on to try to weigh it down enough to get it to move. The bus was unable to back out as they planned, but with everyone on it, we were able to go forward and get through the creek and up the hill to a place we could turn around. We could pass through the second time with no problem.

Photo by Claire Rosenbaum

From the community building, we started the hike to a natural spring/waterfall. However, because of the rain everything was super muddy. The hike started by going through the village on paths so that was easily navigated. However, it turned off the gravel and the trail became mud. By the time we got to the rain forrest edge, most of us had embraced the mud. In the forest, the terrain became much more difficult. The group ended up having to turn around because the muddy slopes were very muddy and getting worse. Though we were disappointed that we couldn’t go all the way, it was a good call because going down was much more treacherous than going up, so it would’ve been even more hazardous on the way back from the falls. The short time we spent in the forest was filled with beautiful foliage. I was very grateful for the amazing, unique sites and challenging experience. I look forward to what lies ahead for the remainder of the trip!

Around 3:00, we rolled into the GARBO building to meet our host families. Since Meredith, Claire, Marie, and I all speak absolutely no Spanish, we were grouped with Carla and practically scaled a mountain to reach the home of our host mother, Maria. After properly introducing ourselves, we received our “Nica-names” and prepared for dinner. We actually got to help Maria and her daughter, Maili, cut and fry plantains for dinner, which turned out to be a bit of a disaster but they were both very patient with us. We all sat around a table and had a nice home cooked meal of fried plantains, scrambled eggs, and, of course, gallo pinto (rice and beans). We sat around the table and did our best with conversing with Maria and Maili. After dinner and some down time, we had an early night and settled down in our rooms. Other family members were in and out of the house the next few hours, showing us just how large the entire family is.

The first day of our homestay was very simple and relaxed and so unlike the constant movement of our trip prior to this day. And it wasn’t just the fact that we were all finally able to just sit and relax that made it simple; our family had so much land but not much living space and only exactly what they needed. It is so different from our need of personal space and belongings. As we looked around and explored a bit, we noticed the lack of decoration, adding to the simplicity of the home. In a house that is so far up the mountain and fairly secluded, our family seems very content with their lives and do not ask for much, even though they have so much land.

Interacting with our family is not as difficult as I thought it would be, even though the amount of Spanish I know is limited to about five words. By using nonverbal signs and demonstrations, we’re able to show Maria and Maili when we want to help with dinner and in return, they show us exactly what we need to do and let us try. Though I do wish I were able to speak more Spanish, our family does realize that we are all trying very hard to communicate. Though we haven’t been here for long, I am very excited for the rest of the time we spend here. Since it is so different from how many of us grew up, it certainly is very eye-opening and makes us thankful for what we have.

After visiting the women of La Grecia, we hit the road to head to the GARBO community where our home stays would take place. On the way we stopped at a tourist spot to have lunch. Lunch consisted of peanut butter and guava jelly sandwiches, bananas, and cookies. When we finished our lunch we explored the area and had the chance to see a waterfall. We then gathered back together and loaded up the buses to finish the trip to GARBO. When we got there we met with some of the community members to learn about the community itself. After we talked about the co-op, we split off into what would be our families for the next two days. We received what we would need for our stays, loaded up the buses, and drove up to our houses.

The community came together in 2003 because of the international drop in the price of coffee. When they first started the co-op, the focus was on three main areas with the main goal being to export coffee. These main areas included credit, ecotourism, and coffee. They started with 38 members and now have 81. In the community, about 24 farmers focus mainly on coffee production. 38% of the community members are women. These women have taken special courses in food preparation for ecotourism purposes. Through their ecotourism they can receive up to 30 people. This same group of women are also during artisan work which includes hand made jewelry. The community is also known as the “Guardians of the Forest.”

Photo Credit Ariel Watson

For Heather, Emily, Hailey, and myself, when we got to our house we instantly were offered coffee. We accepted and it was some of the best coffee we ever had. Our host mom, Cristina, then had us wash our hands and help prepare dinner. The dinner for our family included tortillas, eggs, and of course gallo pinto. At first we were nervous, but it was a great way for us to submerge ourselves into this new culture we’ve been leaning about for weeks.

This morning we woke up early for a breakfast of pancakes, tropical fruits, and fresh-squeezed orange and cantaloupe juice. We drove down the hills of Matagalpa to meet with the organized women’s group in Yasica Sur. They were inspirational in their efforts to improve the lives of rural women living in Nicaragua; they delved into the effects of machista culture on the quality of life of women. Some achievements made by the organization include establishing three local health centers, providing educational materials, and creating access to transportation and drinking water. The women involved take pride in their organization because of the recognition they receive and the empowerment that women feel because of them.

Being a female-dominated group made the experience unique and several of us had goosebumps after our meeting with the Organized Women of Yasica Sur. It also opened our eyes to the realities of women in the Nicaraguan culture and exemplified the power of women. As several of us are pursuing leadership-related careers, this experience was especially meaningful.

This portion of the trip was a favorite in our group, so I know that it will continue to be enjoyed by future study abroad groups.

Tonight, we arrived in Matagalpa and checked into our hotel. The hotel is beautiful and has picturesque views of the city below. Upon arrival, we noticed that the hotel was set up for a wedding and as the night went on, we had to opportunity to witness a Nicaraguan wedding reception. It really was interesting to be able to see a glimpse of the lives and celebrations that the more wealthy sector of Nicaragua partakes in.

Upon arrival we ate dinner at the hotel, which was very good. We had rice and beans, a common dish at every meal, and tonight there were also other different meat selections. After dinner we had to opportunity to meet as a group to discuss our homestay expectations, which we will be partaking in tomorrow and the following day. We then did our first group discussion of the trip which mainly focused on the differences and similarities between Nicaragua and the United States, which is our journal prompt for tonight. Our group discussed housing and lifestyle differences but, also remarked on the similarities of the two cultures, which could be seen in clothing brands and advertisements.

After our group meeting we dispersed and were given time to bond with our fellow peers on this amazing trip. We all enjoyed spending time getting to know each other better and our leaders on the trip. Tomorrow, we will be driving to our homestay, where we will be for the next two days.

Today we ate lunch in La Grecia and then toured their local farm. This community was founded relatively recently, in the 80s, and holds 36 families. Their focus here is sustainable agriculture. The first area we toured was their organic fertilizer station. Prior to entering the little shack where the organic fertilizer is made, I expected it to be smelly and uncomfortable just because of the association I have with manure. However, the area was very well kept, clean, and not at all smelly. Approximately 5000 lbs of fertilizer is made every 5 months; la Grecia keeps half and sells the other half.

Next we toured the goat pen, which is elevated to keep the goats comfortable because their native climate is lower than nicaragua’s. They use the goats for milk and cheese; they have 34 total but twelve are currently producing milk. They have two breeds and are currently testing out a crossbreed. They use the goat manure to fertilize their coffee, but they don’t put it in the same organic fertilizer system as the cow manure because goat manure takes longer to be broken down.

Next we toured the veggies which they cycle throughout the year to keep the soil at its optimum health. They harvest every Thursday and plant again every Friday, keeping the cycle going. The soil where they grow these vegetables, such as lettuce, cilantro, onions, and beans, is naturally too acidic but this can be fixed using the home grown natural fertilizer. Sustainable agriculture is a big area of interest to me and it’s so amazing how here they use everything they have. Instead of purchasing inorganic fertilizer that harms our environment, they utilize nature and assist it in doing what it does naturally. They use the homegrown plants to feed their animals, use the manure from the animals to create fertilizer for the plants, and that right there is one of their own little cycles. In my environmental science class, we learned a lot about the negative effects of farming on our ecosystems and how we can better that by utilizing our natural resources and at this farm they are doing exactly that which I found very interesting.

Today we woke up bright and early to begin our first full day in Nicaragua! The birds were chirping and it was already apparent that it was going to be a beautiful day for us. We went for breakfast at 8 am and were served Gallo Pinto along with eggs, toast, fresh fruit, papaya juice, and fresh coffee. It smelled delicious and was an amazing first meal. Once we finished our meal it was time to discuss our plans for the day and overall expectations for the trip. We also did some quick introductions among students once again to make sure that everyone was familiar with each other.

The three tour guides (Carla, Joe, and David) introduced themselves and told us about their journeys through life that brought them to Nicaragua today. Both Joe and David grew up in the United States and moved here after their college graduation. They both chose to move here due to their study abroad trips that they were able to participate in during their college years, and fell in love with the country. Carla is a native, and is very knowledgable of the language, history, and culture.

Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and it was emphasized this morning that we should not view their ways of life as “weird” or “strange” but rather appreciate their differences and ask why things occur those ways. Many students are looking forward to learning more about the economy, environment, and animals in this country and the guides explained to us that we will immerse ourselves in all of these fields of learning.

Once our meeting was done, we left Managua and were off to Matagalpa. Before arriving in Matagalpa we will be visiting a farm today and we will have a lunch with the group. There is a large abundance of agricultural animals here a and a lack of dogs and cats as household pets, so those livestock animals will be a focus of our day along with crops grown on the farm in La Garnacha. We have not arrived yet but our bus has shown a very scenic route full of colorful buildings, street vendors, and beautiful natural landmarks such as the Masaya Volcano.

We all met at the Columbus airport at 9:15 and once we were all checked in, we boarded the plane to Atlanta to begin our trip! During the very long four hour layover we ate, watched the Ohio State football game, and took the occasional nap on the floor. Before boarding our final flight of the day we took our first group picture outside of the gate; three hours later we arrived in Managua, Nicaragua!

Upon arriving the airport didn’t seem all that different from an average American airport. Once we were through customs and met up with our guides in the lobby, I saw that it was drastically smaller than an airport such as Atlanta’s, and it reminded me of what would be a small reso rt airport in the US. We then boarded our bus and drove back to the hotel on the only northern-bound highway leaving Managua, which is called Tipi Tapa. One the bus we had a brief discussion about the large lighted trees that were visible from plane, and I found it especially interesting that they were actually funded by the government for various reasons, but as Dave (one of our guides) said one of the main reasons is to remind people to live a full life, since the trees represented the tree of life.

The hotel we stayed at, Hotel el Raizon, was an eccentric building with different colored tiles in every room, ornately painted walls, and colorful woven hammocks overlooking a courtyard filled with different trees and decorations. One thing I love about Central American countries is how colorful everything is, from the houses to signs, stores, and even light poles. We then had a brief meeting discussing what we would be doing tomorrow, and then we were free to explore the grounds inside the gate and hang out. Even though most of us slept on the plane, we had no problem falling asleep after the 12 hours we had been traveling. Although we didn’t see much of Nicaragua, the atmosphere of the hotel I think gave us a general idea of what the country will be like, and got us all very excited for the next nine days!

The final for the Nicaragua pre-departure course consisted of short presentations about locations the group will visit or topics which the group will learn about in Nicaragua.  Students will write in more detail about some of the topics below when they are in Nicaragua in future blog posts.