Day 18 & 19 - Making Memories

The Alumni Panel discussed their experiences.

A big thanks to Yanilis and Max!

Treasures of the Gold Museum.

Another artifact at the Gold Museum.

The accoutrements of a well-dressed leader.

A symbolic bird from the Gold Museum.

A Fernando Botero sculpture, "Caballo con bridas"

One of Botero's beauties.

"The Earthquake" is one of my favorite Botero paintings.

A Botero fat cat.

Our return to Bogota built upon reflections about our experiences and new learning about the culture of Colombia. Our group interacted with an Alumni panel who shared their post-travel thoughts and experiences. Some key ideas to come from the panel were the importance of setting reasonable expectations and building networks of support. We also gathered our thoughts and processed our own travel experiences in order to develop rudimentary plans to move forward in our own classes. Outside of the meeting room, we had a chance to return downtown to explore the Museo del Oro (the Gold Museum) and the Museo Botero (the Fernando Botero museum). Both museums provided further insight into the Colombian soul. Precious golden artifacts in astonishing numbers unveiled ancient customs and rituals. In contrast, Botero's work revealed the realism and humor with which modern Colombians approach the world and their own identity.