This mountain is located in the city of Bogota and is both breathtaking and an important religious symbol for the locals as it has become a pilgrimage destination for many. On top is built a church and shrine devoted to "El Señor Caído", translating to "The Fallen Lord". One gets to the top either by walking or traveling by funicular--a tram car that transports groups through a steep tunnel on train tracks. We had great fun stopping on a mural and sculpture-filled street on the way. The great variety of styles of murals in Bogota fills me with ideas for our own school community mural. There was a colorful corridor of interesting souvenirs and yummy aromas. I love all the endless choices of foods one is offered here--It is a wonder that everyone is not obese. I sampled cheese with fruit and chicharrones, and my colleagues drank Colombian coca tea and oblea, 2 round wafers filled with arequipe (caramel). As usual in Colombia, their was no end to the good food. We went to Cerro de Monserrate Bogota and I found the Palmitos vegetales al gusto, heart of palm and gooseberries prepared with a white sauce and parmesan, to be a taste explosion--I won't forget the experience any time soon! I chose Bandeja arriera, which is a steak, beans, rice, plantains, and guacamole, because I only needed a tiny snack to tide me over! Ha! As if the day was not full enough, our TGC in-country consultant, Yanilis Romero, gave a presentation on the educational system of Colombia--that girl has boundless energy--and we were surprised when a group of students from CUN, a nearby university, burst in the room and gave a lively musical performance. These young people were so funny, beautiful, generous, and talented, I burst into tears. What could be more hopeful in a country than their young people sharing an experience like this?
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Open ForumThis blog exists in order to encourage discussions between my high school English Language Arts students at New Futures School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and other students around the world. Archives
August 2016
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