Dancing my way through Colombia On Sunday 27th of August we jetted of on our month-long adventure to Colombia. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this trip, but the 36-hour total commute across the Pacific Ocean left me feeling a bit anxious. As soon as we arrived, this feeling eased. As soon as…Continue Reading Bronte Jones
Iatua Felagai Taito
Being on this PMSLA (Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America) tour to go to Colombia and share such a beautiful embodied exchange of knowledge was powerful. I enjoyed learning about Caleno and Colombian culture, and understanding the way they view performing arts in their perspectives. I enjoyed teaching the students from Universidad del Valle as…Continue Reading Iatua Felagai Taito
Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Living in Cali, Colombia for one month was an unforgettable experience which will leave a lasting impression on me. Aside from my own personal development, Colombia fostered a deeper appreciation for diverse culture, and a renewed commitment to living life with resilience, open-mindedness, and a genuine connection to the world around me. My preconceived notions…Continue Reading Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Joanna Cook
My time in Colombia was nothing short of incredible. Before leaving, I had apprehensions due to the negative perceptions often associated with the country, such as safety concerns and drug-related issues. However, this trip proved to be a remarkable experience. It was exceptionally well organised, with a local producer/chaperone guiding us and an excellent translator….Continue Reading Joanna Cook
Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
This trip to Colombia was really like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I was quite nervous about travelling and being there because of all the unknowns and the reputation Colombia has in the world. However, after spending a month there, I developed a great appreciation not only for the culture but for the people we interacted with….Continue Reading Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
Teuila Hughes
Colombia was beyond anything I could have imagined. In the months leading up to the trip, there was some worry about spending a month in Cali, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. My concerns also stemmed from having watched the complete Netflix series, Narcos that painted quite a violent and intimidating image…Continue Reading Teuila Hughes
Final Thoughts and Thanks
After being back in New Zealand for just over a week, I thought I’d share my final thoughts on my amazing month-and-a-half trip to Mexico. As my previous posts have been quite wordy, I am going to aspire to keep this one short! People have been asking me all week about my time away, and…Continue Reading Final Thoughts and Thanks
Adjusting Back To Nueva Zelanda
Today marks a week since I arrived home in New Zealand. Many components of my lifestyle in Mexico were different, and I had to adjust. Adjusting back home made me recognize the differences between Mexico and New Zealand and the changes within myself over my time away. Although I have spoken English my entire life,…Continue Reading Adjusting Back To Nueva Zelanda
A slice of paradise & final reflections
For week six, the last week of our time here in Mexico, we went to Cuetzalan in the small state of Puebla. Our last week in Cuetzalan was incredible, from the people and communities to the beautiful nature. Highlights The journey to Cuetzalan started at 7 am. We left Colmena, our accommodation, whilst the sun…Continue Reading A slice of paradise & final reflections
Oh, we’re halfway there, woahh
Wow, it’s really been a rollercoaster, hasn’t it? It seems like yesterday when we boarded the plane to Mexico! This trip has been incredible, and I am so thankful for this opportunity. I will admit there have been a few challenges along the way, some parts where I’ve felt the full effects of culture shock,…Continue Reading Oh, we’re halfway there, woahh