More Than Just Academics...

Our teacher softball team for binationals!

Something we've been learning lately is that Colegio Bolivar takes education seriously yet realizes education is more than academics.  In light of that, we've had class time cut and replaced with assemblies, tournaments, halloween festivities and field trips.  First, our school hosted a Binationals Sports Weekend.  We invited teacher teams from all over Colombia to come compete in soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball.  Aaron and I played on the softball team.  We played four friendly games over a weekend and ended up 2-2.  It was a fun way to spend a long weekend.

In Korea, Aaron and I always looked forward to Sports Day--somewhat like "field" day that we had in elementary school where students spend an entire day competing against each other in different sports.  Colegio Bolivar has a Sports Day twice a year for elementary, middle and high school students.  The students compete in track, ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball for an entire day.  They also get points for spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship.  It's a lot of fun for all involved.

Callie's 10th graders on Sports Day!

Aaron's 8th grade house on Sports Day!

Aaron's house won Sports Day for middle school!

Finally, this past week Aaron traveled with his 8th graders to Santander, Colombia for a week.    Santander is known as the adventure capital of Colombia with gorgeous mountains and valleys to explore.  Therefore, this year's field trip included high adventure sports and some social service work.  They hiked, camped, repelled down a waterfall, rafted and even learned how to build a rammed earth wall for a local family!  Needless to say, Aaron was in heaven and had a fantastically tiring time!

Along the famous hike, "El Camino Real,"  from Barichara to Guane.

Students creating a rammed earth wall for a local family.

Learning about textiles at Cofibras in Curiti, Colombia.

Students at Colegio Bolivar also participate in social service and must complete a specific amount of hours of service work during high school.  They host English classes on the weekend and are involved in a variety of non-profit organizations in Cali.  I have always been a strong proponent for extra-curricular activities, and it's refreshing to be in a school that seeks out and embraces educational opportunities outside of the classroom realm!

Colombian Culinary Creations: Ajiaco and Lulada

Patricia's house in Jamundi.

Aaron and I have been taking Spanish classes offered by our school.  Our Spanish is coming along slowly but surely.  I have to admit that having a background from 4 years in high school has helped a lot!  Anyhow, the other weekend our Spanish class took a field trip to the house of Patricia, a former Colegio Bolivar teacher.  It's in a small town just south of Cali called Jamundi.  Our mission was to learn about Colombian produce and make ajiaco, a hearty soup popular in Colombia's capital of Bogota.  The soup is made out of 3 varieties of potatoes, chicken, and a special herb called Galinsoga or Guasca.  It's topped with capers, aji (a mix of green onions, cilantro, tomato, pepper, vinegar, and lime), cream, and my favorite, avocado.  It's honestly my favorite meal in Colombia so far.

Our homemade ajiaco.

Some of the ladies learning the ropes!

We also learned about Colombia's produce and how to make lulada.  Lulo is a common fruit here that kind of looks like a bright orange tomato.  It's fuzzy and a bit prickly on the outside.  Lulada is lulo juice except instead of simply squeezing out the juice, you mash up the whole inside of the lulo and get all the yummy chunks in it!  It's a sour yet sweet concoction with lots of unique textures.  Add some sugar, a little water and some pineapple juice if the sourness gets to you, and you have a delicious drink!

Chomping on some starfruit!

Smashing up the lulo with our bare hands! Slimy, squishy fun!

So we never got the actual recipe for the ajiaco we made, but I've been doing my own research and this one seems to be pretty spot on.  I'll be trying it on my own soon!