12 WAYS KRISTEN CASTELLANOS SAVES THE DAY!!!! NOT CLICKBAIT!!!
Today's blog will encompass every activity we achieved today, as well as highlight our beloved libero, Kristen. The reason behind Kristen's reception of fame is due to one of her many hidden secrets. Prior to the trip, Kristen told us she knew a little Spanish. To me, a little Spanish means you've passed a Spanish class in high school. Apparently to Kris, it means being completely fluent. We would not have survived today if it weren't for her communication (and many other) skills.
1. Up bright and early for class, Kristen deciphered an excerpt from Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad, relieving the other nine of us from answering the question. This will be the team's last class until August!
2. For good luck, Kristen brought along her stuffed animal monkey in hopes we'd see lots of monkeys on our boat tour. We rode around hundreds of islands in Lake Nicaragua that were created by a volcanic eruption a thousand years ago. Most of these islands were occupied by private owners who built mansions on the land. The houses were unbelievably beautiful, but I can't help but wonder how they get their groceries? Or have a friend over?
3. When we pulled up to the monkey reserve island, monkeys covered the rocks. The good luck charm worked! I'm pretty sure Kristen almost cried.
4. Once we got back to the hotel, we had some free time to get lunch. When searching for a spot, we got extremely lost. In perfect Spanish, Kristen asked a local man where to find some restaurants. This was the first time we realized Kris could hold a conversation in Spanish... it's been five days. Since a lot of Nicaraguans cannot speak English, this skill is of high praise.
5. Our waiter at lunch did not speak English, so Kristen translated for the entire team.
6. One of the first things we were told about Nicaragua is that EVERYTHING takes forever, especially food. Well, we had been waiting for our lunch over an hour, and had a team meeting at the hotel very soon. None other than Kristen Castellanos made sure our food was out in time AND she helped pay the bill.
7. Amongst others players, Kristen helped prepare a practice plan for a clinic the team was hosting for local girls in the community 15 minutes before we were leaving to run the clinic...
8. Okay, now the big one. As the girls piled in the gym for the clinic, we realized we had no way of communicating with them, no less than teach them volleyball! There were twenty clinic-goers, thirteen LMU coaches, one court, and one bilingual Kristen. She ran the entire clinic basically by herself. The team helped out with everything we could, but ultimately, Kristen was the lifeline. Without her, I have no idea how we could've coached these girls. The clinic ended up going extremely smooth, and we had a blast playing alongside these young, enthusiastic players.
9. After the girls left, we got to our team's practice. Coming off of a tough loss last night, we had a lot of things we wanted to work on. After focusing on our serving and passing, we got to play extremely competitive drills. Towards the end of practice, the score of our drill was all tied up, and Kristen passed nails into her team's victory.
10. Next, we went to dinner at a beautiful restaurant in downtown Granada. Kristen didn't really do anything extremely special here, but her presence was adequate enough.
11. We walked to a gelato store down the street, and once again, Kristen had to order for every single one of us. As we sat outside enjoying our varying flavors, a man sang to us.
12. It is now the end of the day and our savior is in bed as some of the team hangs out in the wifi-filled lobby. However, she did not reside in room 111 until she handed over her laptop so I could post another blog.
I do not want my teammates to think I love them any less than Kris, so, Alexis, Emma, Jess, Kekai, Lindsay, Sara, Sav, and Sierra: I love you! ;) This trip has been so fluid due to the unwavering positivity from every individual in our group. As I sit here observing my teammates lounging on the patio and in the lobby, I realize how lucky we are. One more day to soak it all in.
Until then,
Tess :)
1. Up bright and early for class, Kristen deciphered an excerpt from Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad, relieving the other nine of us from answering the question. This will be the team's last class until August!
2. For good luck, Kristen brought along her stuffed animal monkey in hopes we'd see lots of monkeys on our boat tour. We rode around hundreds of islands in Lake Nicaragua that were created by a volcanic eruption a thousand years ago. Most of these islands were occupied by private owners who built mansions on the land. The houses were unbelievably beautiful, but I can't help but wonder how they get their groceries? Or have a friend over?
3. When we pulled up to the monkey reserve island, monkeys covered the rocks. The good luck charm worked! I'm pretty sure Kristen almost cried.
4. Once we got back to the hotel, we had some free time to get lunch. When searching for a spot, we got extremely lost. In perfect Spanish, Kristen asked a local man where to find some restaurants. This was the first time we realized Kris could hold a conversation in Spanish... it's been five days. Since a lot of Nicaraguans cannot speak English, this skill is of high praise.
5. Our waiter at lunch did not speak English, so Kristen translated for the entire team.
6. One of the first things we were told about Nicaragua is that EVERYTHING takes forever, especially food. Well, we had been waiting for our lunch over an hour, and had a team meeting at the hotel very soon. None other than Kristen Castellanos made sure our food was out in time AND she helped pay the bill.
7. Amongst others players, Kristen helped prepare a practice plan for a clinic the team was hosting for local girls in the community 15 minutes before we were leaving to run the clinic...
8. Okay, now the big one. As the girls piled in the gym for the clinic, we realized we had no way of communicating with them, no less than teach them volleyball! There were twenty clinic-goers, thirteen LMU coaches, one court, and one bilingual Kristen. She ran the entire clinic basically by herself. The team helped out with everything we could, but ultimately, Kristen was the lifeline. Without her, I have no idea how we could've coached these girls. The clinic ended up going extremely smooth, and we had a blast playing alongside these young, enthusiastic players.
9. After the girls left, we got to our team's practice. Coming off of a tough loss last night, we had a lot of things we wanted to work on. After focusing on our serving and passing, we got to play extremely competitive drills. Towards the end of practice, the score of our drill was all tied up, and Kristen passed nails into her team's victory.
10. Next, we went to dinner at a beautiful restaurant in downtown Granada. Kristen didn't really do anything extremely special here, but her presence was adequate enough.
11. We walked to a gelato store down the street, and once again, Kristen had to order for every single one of us. As we sat outside enjoying our varying flavors, a man sang to us.
12. It is now the end of the day and our savior is in bed as some of the team hangs out in the wifi-filled lobby. However, she did not reside in room 111 until she handed over her laptop so I could post another blog.
I do not want my teammates to think I love them any less than Kris, so, Alexis, Emma, Jess, Kekai, Lindsay, Sara, Sav, and Sierra: I love you! ;) This trip has been so fluid due to the unwavering positivity from every individual in our group. As I sit here observing my teammates lounging on the patio and in the lobby, I realize how lucky we are. One more day to soak it all in.
Until then,
Tess :)
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