CULTURE, CONTRASTS, AND CONNECTION
I’ve spent five weeks in Colombia and have had an amazing and truly enjoyable experience. One of the highlights was spending a week in Anapoima, a small tropical town built around a lake. Everyone gets around in golf carts, and the area is full of natural beauty—vibrant butterflies, hummingbirds, and stunning flowers and plants.
I also loved going up Monserrate and taking a tour of the flower, fruit, and vegetable markets. One of the more confronting aspects of my visit was witnessing the stark socio-economic divide. It’s visible in everyday life—on the bus to school, walking down the street, or going out for a meal. From the mountain we visited and even from a certain spot at school, I could see the informal settlements where many lower-income families live. I was surprised by how far they stretched out from the city. The contrast in infrastructure between suburbs further highlights this divide.
One of my favourite things at Colegio Anglo has been the school cafeteria, where a hot lunch is served daily with multiple options, a salad bar, and juice or lemonade. It’s been a great way to try new Colombian dishes—and I’ve loved not having to pack lunch every day! I also wish we had the same easy access to fresh produce in Launceston; the variety of fruits and vegetables here is incredible.
Something I’d love to see at Scotch Oakburn is the Friday pop-up bakery stall. The freshly baked breads, pastries, and treats are delicious and such a treat to look forward to each week.
What completely surprised me was how green the city is. Despite some rivers now being directed underground, there are still many flowing through Bogotá. I expected a dense city with few trees or parks, but almost every walk to a shop or restaurant takes us past a park or a nature strip down the middle of the street.
Bogotá’s roads aren’t great, which leads to a lot of traffic—especially during the rainy season, which we’re in now. I’m really going to miss the city, the school, and especially the kind and welcoming people I’ve met here. I’ve loved going out at night with friends and experiencing daily life in Bogotá. The school environment and all my classes have been fantastic. I hope I get the chance to come back someday—or that someone I’ve met here visits Australia.
Harriet Woolley
Year 10 Student
