Our host teacher arranged for us to take a trip to Chicamocha National Park. Joining us on our trip in addition to our host teacher were Shoon Son and Lina. They teach mechanics and engineering at the school where Jenny and I will be sharing next week.
To get there, we had to ride along a winding rode and and a cable car. Along the way we visited an area with local people selling everything from soap to arepas to snowcones to grilled meats. Parents and children were there preparing fruits and vegetables to sell. It was a great way to see the natural richness of Colombia and its resourceful people.
The park itself was breath-taking. The cable car was a little harrowing, but the views were stunning. A highlight for me was the monument to Santandarean culture. It was a boat shape that depicted the struggle for freedom in a dramatic way. It jutted out of the side of a precipice that was designed for people to walk out on and interact with, as many were doing. There was a narration in English and Spanish that explained each part of the monument.
As I experienced this monument and the beauty that surrounded it, I began to think about the importance of making connections as an educator. How do we connect with the students, community, and co-workers in a new school? How do we maintain the connection to the school where we have worked for many years? How does making connections affect how we motivate ourselves and others to do the work? How will what I learned today about this rich and rugged history and land influence my interactions with the students that I will meet next week?
