Monday, Jan 7 in Managua
            This morning we enjoyed the breakfast buffet at the hotel and waited for the students from UAM and the innovation entrepreneurs from UNAN to arrive.  We spent the majority of the morning in our groups getting to know the people that we have been in contact with for about a month and the projects and businesses that they are passionate about.  The different groups vary, from water purification to finance school-kits, to flash bracelets.  While we encountered some language barriers with the students, many of my Spanish-speaking classmates and a few translators were able to help us communicate efficiently.  We took a short break for lunch, which was served outside by the pool and we got the chance to enjoy the beautiful Nicaraguan (HOT) weather.  Following lunch we continued to work with each other to produce brochures, business cards, and business plans that will help our new friends with their businesses.

            Later in the afternoon we visited Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo, the chocolate factory.  The founder described the chocolate making process to us and we even got to try two different types: fresh and temperate.  They all had very unique flavors such as banana whiskey and orange made only from orange peels.  It was interesting to hear about some of the differences between a micro-processing factory compared to the big corporate factories in the United States like Nestle and Hershey.

            Following the chocolate factory we went to dinner at a local American sports bar.  The food and service was fantastic.  Jane, expert in accommodating large parties, ordered our meals ahead of time so we didn’t even have any wait time.  It’s been very interesting so far to experience different types of restaurants and compare them to the restaurant experience back home.  We’re all very excited to continue our projects with the UAM and UNAN students tomorrow and are exhausted from the long packed days of activities we’ve been fortunate to enjoy thus far!
Ellen