Bogota: Katie's update

Hello Everyone,

I will attach photos once I find the cable to my camera…In the meantime, I’d like to give you an update on all of the activities that we’ve recently been a part of.

Yesterday, the students were at school at 6:30 in the morning, ready to board busses headed to Chingaza. After 3 hours of driving through gorgeous mountains, we arrived to the paramo of Chingaza. A paramo is an Alpine eco-system found in the tropical Andes (at least 3,000 meters or 12,000 feet elevation). There is a very special type of palm, called the fraliones found all over the area. The students were able to receive an educational presentation about all of this before heading out for a walk through the eco-system. Additionally, a lovely lunch was provided that helped them to stay warm during the strong downpours that occurred throughout the day. By the time the busses returned to school (just after 6:00), the kids were all very happy and exhausted.

Today, classes are in session and the CIEDI and Riverstone students are working on their collaborative projects. As they work, it is very evident that strong friendships have been formed. With the final days of this experience drawing near, you can see that it is going to be very difficult to say goodbye. That is a good thing…a very good thing.

I think that’s about it for now. Again, I will attach pictures shortly.

See you soon!
Katie