BLOG NUMERO UNO

*Hola padres, hermanos, primos, abuelos, amigos, y algún otras personas!

Oh my gatos… it has already felt like some crazy hot weeks that we’ve spent together, but it has only been a few, fun-lovin days here in Masaya, Nicaragua. Already we have accomplished becoming some airport Shuttlecock Olympians, cabana whip nae-nae-ers, and jouster professionals in la Laguna de Apoyo. *ES LOCO CRAY CRAY! What us new adventurers need some time to get used to, however, are the heat, all of those piles of rice and beans alongside each meal, and the fact that toilet paper is NOT allowed down the bowl. (I don’t know how many times I have rapidly thrown my hands into pee water to fish out my wad of tp…) The brutal, humid-filled heat was what hit all of us “Quetzal Queens” and Kevin on day numero uno. Right as we all settled in for our first Nicaraguan lunch at the absolutely beautiful Casa Nica (by the way, our first AMAZING hosts), I think we all knew an afternoon nap was necessary. Between that, our drained, travelling bodies, and the delicious rice, beans chicken, fired plantains, and sweet drinks (I had no clue that everyone drank out of plastic bags here! But, I dig it…), sleep was calling our NAMES. The following 24 hours was filled with some satisfying rest and an exploration of the city of Masaya. Fortunately, none of us peeps got lost in our mini scavenger hunt, and we all actually discovered the best, GIGUNDO smoothies in all of the city. We could all definitely go for one of those guanabana or kalala smoothies for a meal once a day. Let me tell you, they were SWEET and certainly 10x more filling than all of those rice and beans. *We had muchas fiestas in our tummies! And on top of those smoothie meals, we got to celebrate our final “intro.” day in la Laguna de Apoyo. Never have I witnessed such deep, crystal-like blue water… AND IT WAS A LAKE. The lakes back at home (in the CT) are NOWHERE near as warm, pure, and serene as this hidden gem. It was a day well spent in paradise. We were even soooo fortunate to be recorded by the “local paparazzi” when we tried out our fresh “whip nae-nae” moves in the beach cabana. Well, what began as a very smooth and super memorable introduction to our next few months ended in a few health issues, a quick (but helpful though!) trip to the hospital, and two girls who unfortunately left the gang. With some meds, fluids, and most importantly, optimism, however, we stuck out the health problemos! As for our two amigas that had to go, we were super upset to see them go, but they are always a “Quetzal Queen” and part of the “Deam Team” in our hearts. We hold onto the hope that we may later on see them in our travels! As always, we canNOT wait to venture off and see what is coming our way in the next few days, especially at La Mariposa in Concepcion. *SOMOS MUY EMOCIONADOS! 😀

Until next time…

Bilbo Bloggins
a.k.a Raquel J

(Y MUCHO LOVE FROM ALL YO QUETZAL QUEENS… and Kevinita.)

HAIKU OF THE WEEK
We are Quetzal Queens
We all smell of rice and beans
TOGETHER WE THRIVE.

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