Exploring the history and culture of Colombia was a moment straight from what I could have only seen on the travel channel, only I actually had the opportunity to become emer[sed in the culture for myself. Columnoò is embeded in a mountainous region, allowing for unique architectural structures and plenty hills to climb. The people of the "old city" of Bogota were very friendly and inviting. These folks are lovers of their environment, use minimal waste, less water, and they drive small cars. I noticed how dogs seem to roam free of leashes, yet are tamed enough to patiently wait out side storefronts for their masters. Besides exploring the museums, the city, and cathedrals, I had the chance enjoy the food. The restuarant in the old city provided us the opportunity to dine with a spectacular view overlooking the city street. Our evening welcome dinner allowed the residents of Bogota to display their amazing hospitality. Our restuarant presented their culinary excellence through several rounds food in a family style dinner. There was a live band that played serval jazz renditions of classic American tunes, salsa, and a little cumbia! This restuarant was live and full of fun on a Monday night. I was given the title "queen of the table"and I even got a chance to embarrass myself with a little dancing! My experience in Medillin was very different. Although the people of Medillin were a very proud people, their city showcased the senselessness of racism, classism and violence. As we toured the city Medellin, it is clearly seen how the remnants of the political corruption and reign of terror from Pablo Escobar has deeply wounded the citizens of Medillin. Every individual of Medillin has felt the effects of losing a friend or love one to the hands of violence. At the simize of Pablo Esacobar, the citizens of Medillen have taken the positive approach to move forward, but to never forget. We visited the memoriam of those who lost their lives due to the violence of that time. I was impressed at how the citizens have turned what had been negative into a positive opportunity. We experienced part of the Colombian way of life when we had the opportunity to visit the area of community 13. The people of this community are considered to be strata 1, which is the lowest of the income levels 1-6. Their living conditions were unimaginably minimal to say the least. The community is positioned at the highest peaks of this mountainous region, allowing them to look down on those who are upper strata, the same people who would likely look down on them. I'd like imagine that on a starry night, a mother and child will be able to look down on the city with wishful thoughts for the future and opportunities beyond the perimeters of community 13. The folks of this community seem to find happiness and solidarity in the midst of where they are. I envy their ability to love and take pride in the little that the have. And instead of bitterness and anger, they display pride through their music, art, and dance. The city of Cartagena was my favorite site by far. It is a tourist town that embraces their history, mixtured heritage and boost of their beautiful beaches.
Visiting the different Colombian Universities gave great insight to the many similarities and differences in our programs at UofSC. Academic requirements and the student need for financial assistance were very similar while tuition cost and the landscape of the campus was extremely different. Unlike within the states, students typically live at home with their families until they are married. The Universidad Externado De Colombia welcomed us in their awesome test kitchen for the gastronomy program. The experience provided us exposure to native fruits of different varieties. Many which I had never seen or even heard of. The facilities were top rate, allowing their students to be trained in the best environment. The campus was situated on the mountain side exposing a view of awe overlooking the city. Although the number of stairs and hillsides that we were required to climb gave way a spectacular view, it is unfortunate that this particular university is not handicapped accessible and may not even be an option for students with physical disabilities. The countryside was home to the Universidad de La Sabana. This beautiful campus gave way to the mountainside, landscaped with beautiful succulents, with natural water flowing through campus. The visit to this particular university called for us to meet in smaller groups according to areas of expertise. This gave us a more indept insight into our program areas of study, and allowed for the opportunity to ask more directed questions. Their progam was very much similar to our Hopitality program. They too required the students to complete internships, only they must complete one non paid internship through a non profit organization. This provides them the opportunity to make contribution to their own community .One thing that I most enjoyed about the IPHE experience was the opportunity to travel all the way to Colombia to meet an amazing group of participants whom I work with every day, and whom I may have never met provided it had not been for IPHE. Colombia was an amazing experience! Because of the IPHE program, my opportunity to go abroad is an experience that I am able to use to encourage my students to study abroad.