On these two days, we had a chance to really experience the fun side of Nicaragua. On Saturday, we traveled to Masaya Volcano Park where we actually got to see the active volcano and the lava inside. We captured some amazing photos.
We then went on to Granada in which we visited Café Sonrisas. The owner of the cafe specifically works with people with disabilities. They make homemade hammocks and serve really great food! We experienced what it is like to be apart of their “world”. We were given ear plugs to put in our ears and eat part of our lunch with them in. The point of it was so that we could could try to get a glimpse into what their lives are like with no hearing. This activity certainly touched me.
We then traveled to Lagoon Apoyo which we spent the afternoon swimming in the lagoon and relaxing. We then went to our hotel and explored the surrounding areas. We really got a sense of the culture in Granada and how different it is than the other departments and cities we have been to thus far.
On Sunday we visited a potter and indigenous leader, Valetin Lopez. He explained that San Juan Oriente, Masaya is an indigenous town and basically everyone does pottery work. He showed us the process on how to make the pottery and gave us an insight to their past culture and present one too. The process that they use currently to make pottery, is the same process their ancestors used with the exception of a kick wheel that decreases the process from 2 hours to 5 mins to shape the pot.
From, there we visited the local craft market to buy souvenirs for our loved ones, and again to engage in the local culture. After that we departed to Matagalpa.
In Matagalpa, we spent basically the entire day on Monday at the co-op. We learned how to make homemade tortillas, how to use natural plants for medicine and preventative care, and even made cough syrup. We watched their native dancing and listened to their cultures songs. We met with the children of the school and really learned the ins and outs of the co-op and community. Unfortunately, I was not able to see the coffee trees due to my allergen of bees. The decision was made for me by someone else not to attend. However, I did not let that ruin my day. Once we finished at the co-op I experienced my first ever tasting of a hot chocolate coffee which tasted amazing considering I dislike coffee. The coffee grown and then used in the cafe we were at, was from the co-op and surrounding community.
-Amanda