Hello everyone!
Well, we’re here! We arrived on Wednesday, May 10th and hit the ground running. Starting Thursday morning, we went on a scavenger hunt around Masaya, our first location. Our host from Carpe Diem, Kevin, organized the hunt to familiarize us with the town. We were given tasks that involved interacting with locals, going to the popular markets in the city, and finding other historical or unique locations within Masaya. Some of the places we visited were El Mercado Viejo and El Mercado Nuevo which were full of authentic Nicaraguan art as well as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and other essentials.
After the scavenger hunt, we discovered what soon became one of our favorite places: a smoothie shop located in El Parque Central. Since then, this has become a frequent hangout spot over the last three days where we have played frisbee, hung out together, and even joined a Zumba class that was put on by the locals. The second day we were here we woke up and hiked to a fortress called “Coyotepe”. Although the fortress had beautiful views of Masaya, Lake Nicaragua, and Volcano of Masaya, it also has a haunting past. During our tour of the fortress, our tour guide discussed the history and conflicts between the liberals and the conservatives. Essentially, the fortress was home to political prisoners that were tortured and ultimately never to be seen again. Walking through the passages where prisoners were held was unsettling and to see and hear the conditions in which the prisoners endured, coupled by the United States’ role in perpetuating the evil that occurred in the fortress and Nicaragua during these years of warfare.
Today, our morning commenced with an early morning excursion to FUPROSOMUNIC (Foundation Solar Project for Nicaraguan Women) farm. This farm was founded by an extraordinary Nicaraguan woman named Mercedes, who has served in the military, and earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in chemical engineering. At the farm we helped create trenches for terrace farming and created bio intensive beds. In addition, we also harvested oregano and other herbs. We also received a historical lesson from Greg, Mercedes’ partner and husband. After which they showed us their solar powered furnace room and stoves, along with the rest of their sustainable farm. In addition to agriculture and farming, Mercedes works to promote women’s rights and hosts workshops to teach women in the community how to build the solar powered ovens and lead more Eco-friendly lifestyles.
Tomorrow morning, we will be heading to Mass and then going to our home stays in La Concepcion. Because of this, we will not have Internet connection until May 21st.
See you then!
-Celeste, Maggie, & Summer