BLOG: SOUTH AMERICA 2016

BOGOtÁ, DÍA DIECIOCHO, EL ÚLTIMO dÍA (6/29/16)

7/1/2016

On our last day of our trip, we woke up early this morning to volunteer at the local food bank, where we were given the task of packaging deodorant. It was a little chaotic at first, but we soon learned to work together in an assembly line, and actually ended up getting a lot of work done. A few of us also got to put together care packages for families, which included foods and other goods that they may not be able to get themselves. It was a different kind of volunteering than we'd done at other organizations on this trip, which made it all the more interesting and fun of an experience.

We then went to play a soccer match with a different team from the same organization as the one we played with on Monday. The team was made of an older group of girls, which, along with the high elevation, made it a difficult game, but we still managed to learn a lot. By the end of the game, we were working together much better, and we could see how we've all improved over the course of the trip.

After the game, we sat in a circle, and had some fun reflecting on our trip with some wise words from both our coaches and Sierra. We had some fun goofing around for a while, and tried doing some flick-on headers, as well as other soccer tricks. We played a competition of short-short-long, and even though the better team (Bella, Alex, Quinn, Casey, and Sara) suffered an unfortunate loss, we really had a lot of fun.
Our last day in Colombia was definitely a memorable one.

We out.

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BOGOTÁ, DÍA diEcisietE (6/28/16)

7/1/2016

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This morning we woke up and the hotel staff had prepared a more American breakfast for us than usual. We were served pineapple, pancakes, orange juice, and strawberries.

After breakfast we took a gondola up to Monserrate hill. From the top of this hill you could see a panoramic view of Bogotá and visit the massive church found there. We learned that every Sunday many parishioners hike the steep slopes to reach the church. After looking through the church we went to the many artisan stalls where we found bracelets, necklaces, shirts, bags, and magnets, satisfying all our tourist-y desires.

We then took a train down from Monserrate and then bused to the Gold Museum. We saw many ancient artifacts and got to learn about the gold found in Colombia and its importance to the indigenous people of the area and its significance today. We spent an adequately-long portion of our busing today trying to guess the surprise of the day. Our closest guess was ice skating but it turned out to be Rhumba dancing! Although many of us were hesitant about it at first, as the dance lesson went on we began to enjoy ourselves. We realized that on the field our footwork gets us goals, while on the dance floor we just fall-ish a lot.

That was our day off before our final day of the trip. We look forward to tomorrow.

We out

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BOGOTÁ, DIA DIECISEIS (6/27)

6/29/2016

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We started off our day with a casual training with a local team from a foundation called Fundacol, which works in a similar way as Fútbol Más in Chile, but Fundacol has both a recreational and a competitive program. The team we worked with is their highest level team that plays in the local competitive league. We integrated drills and did a mixed scrimmage at the end. It rained on and off throughout the practice, and the foggy weather reminded us of San Fran.

We then went to a mall for a light lunch and popsicles. After lunch, we drove to the GolStar fields to play a match against their U17 team. The two sides were equally matched, and we worked through the altitude issues to compete and work together to play.

After a quick stop at the hotel, the team went to another mall to watch Finding Dory and get dinner. It was great, and was a welcome way to end the strenuous day.

TOMORROW WE GET A DAY OFF FROM FROAM ACTIVITIES AND GET TO EXPLORE BOGOTA A BIT MORE.

End of day—we out

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VILLA DE LEYVA, DUITAMA, BOGOtÁ, DIA CATORCE (6/26)

6/29/2016

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Today we woke up super early to leave Villa de Leyva for a game against TERRAnova, a club IN THE CITY OF DUITAMA, that Norman has been in touch with over the past year since our last trip to Spain and Portugal.

It was a tough match because it was our first game at a high altitude. The team was made up of girls of a variety of ages, the youngest being A VERY SKILLED twelve-YEAR OLD. It helped that we had some guests from the other team, and though it was hard at first, we were able to work together as a team and in the end it was really fun!

After stopping for lunch, we drove for 3 more hours to get back to Bogotá, where we ate and watched the exciting COPA AMERICA match between Argentina and Chile. It was a close game, but many of us were more focused on the questionable calls of the ref, Herber Lopes (yes we searched his name), which included two red cards, at least seven yellow cards, and a foul by Lopes himself on Messi, resulting in an almost-goal for Argentina. After the match was over and Chile won the trophy we headed back to the hotel to shower and get some rest.

END OF THE DAY- WE OUT

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vILLA DE LEYVA, DÍA TRECE (6/25)

6/29/2016

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Today we got to sleep in a little bit and ended up beginning practice around 11:00.

OUR PRACTICE was at high altitudes in warmer weather than we were used to. At first, we all kind of struggled with our breathing and being able to run more than five steps, but as time went on, we became more acclimated to the conditions. While we were practicing a group of young kids were practicing for something like JrROTC and then they also played soccer AFTERWARDS.

After practice we went to the weekly village market where farmers come to sell their delicious, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Some of us got various food items such as carrots, tiny bananas, grapes, avocados and a giant watermelon for the group.

After going back to the market we went to lunch where we watched a wedding happen just outside the window in the Plaza Mayor. After finishing lunch, we went back to the hotel and collectively decided on going on an ATV tour of the local wilderness. It was a lot of fun and many of us can't wait to go again another time.

Later in the evening we all went out to dinner and watcheD the Copa America third place match between Colombia and the US. cOLOMBIA WON, BUT the US HAD SOME CHANCES IN THE SECOND HALF.

Tomorrow we will wake up early and drive 1 1/2 hours to our soccer match IN teh town of duitama. After that we will return to Bogotá.

Day 13 Over. We out.

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BOGOTÁ AND VILLA DE LEYVA, dÍA DOCE (6/24)

6/27/2016

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This morning, we woke up in our apartments IN BOGOTÁ, packed up, and drove to the hotel we will be staying at when we return to Bogotá AFTER OUR WEEKND STAY IN VILLA DE LEYVA. We dropped our stuff there and had breakfast.

Next, we took a walk through the neighborhood and into a park. EVEN THOUGH AT THE PARK We were scolded by a parent for being too old TO RIDE THE SWINGS AND SLIDES, that didn't stop us from enjoying the time we spent there.

After our walk, we settled into our spacious new van for the 3 and a half our drive to Villa de Leyva. We drove past mountains, green fields and lots of grazing cows. About 2 hours into the drive, we stopped at one of the famous historical sites in Colombia, CALLED EL PUENTE DE BOYACA. It marks the place when the Colombians beat the Spanish army, officially gaining both their independence and statehood.

Finally, we arrived in Villa de Leyva. We had a nice lunch at a local restaurant, where we had to relocate to a different table, when we heard thunder and thought rain was coming. We walked back to the hotel, stopping for ice cream and to pet stray dogs.

Later that night, we took a night time walk, exploring the neighborhood once the tourists (other than us) were gone. We visited a little empanada store on the way back and are excited to continue to explore this town tomorrow.

day 12 over. we out.

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MEDELLÍn/BOGOtÁ Día ONCE, TRAVEL DAY (6/23)

6/27/2016

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Today, we got to sleep in a little before going to a delicious brunch at a nearby restaurant. While everyone played cards, Mo and Alex used their creativity to make their own game, called Sweets, played with sugar packets (contact us for more information).

We then rode in the van to the airport IN MEDELLÍN and took the shortest flight ever from Medellín to Bogotá.

IN BOGOTÁ, we settled into our spacious suites that we used since our hotel rooms weren't ready, and headed to the mall to get dinner and have a surprise bowling party!

After a long wait, we played four games of bowling, which Mo, Lety, Edan and Anna each won. After our exhilarating evening we returned to our rooms and packed for the next few days we would be spending in VILLA DE LEYVA.

Day 11 over. We out.

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MEDELLÍN, DÉCIMO dÍA

6/24/2016

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We began our day with a friendly scrimmage against a local soccer team, funded by the organization we worked with yesterday. Most of the girls came from the neighborhood we had visited the day before, and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to play with us. We enjoyed meeting them as well. It was a warm day and we played in the blacktop field where they train and play.

After the game we came back to the hotel and Norman delivered us the news that our afternoon match versus the U17 Formas Íntimas team was cancelled. We were a little sad to miss the opportunity, but we shifted into rest and relaxation mode. After lunch, a group of six of us travelled to the park to see some of Fernando Botero's most famous paintings and sculptures. We thoroughly enjoyed his unique approach to reality and are glad we went. While some of us were at the park, the rest of the team relaxed in their rooms.

After visiting the park and museum we returned to relax for awhile and prepare for the Semifinal Copamerica game between Chile and Colombia. We walked to the central plaza where we watched the first half of the game on a jumbo tron. Chile started off the game pretty well, scoring two goals in twenty minutes. We sat amongst many Colombian fans who were not too happy about this bad start. At half time we walked to a nearby restaurant. This restaurant served delicious crepes that elicited nothing but a wall of smiles from us. After dinner we returned to our hotel. There we will watch the second half of the game. (It was delayed because of severe weather conditions)

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MEDELLÍN, NOVENO DÍA

6/23/2016

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Today we met with an organization called Fundación Golondrinas. The foundation works to build a stronger community by providing medical care, day care, sporting activities, environmental education and other services to disadvantaged and displaced populations in and around Medellín. One of the volunteers led us on a walk through the recently developed community garden and park in the outskirts of the city, giving us valuable insight on the organization's work. The gardens are built by the community to prevent erosion and to provide sustainable agriculture at the same time. On the walk we reached a lookout point that allowed us to see Medellin as a whole.

When we returned, we got lunch at a nearby restaurant and had the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood and visit some local shops.

Next we played a game against a local Colombian team, many of who play on the Colombian Olympic and national teams. The game was quite challenging, given that we hadn't played in a few days since Santiago, and the elite level of our opponents, but overall the games was a valuable and fun experience.

We returned to the hotel, tired from a long hot day, but excited to watch the US vs Argentina game. Unfortunately our hopes were dashed by the US's inability to connect three passes in a row! and Argentina's superb skills. Argentina scored within the first three minutes and it only went downhill from there. We went to bed disappointed but hopeful for a good match between Chile and Colombia tomorrow.

day nine. we out.

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OCTAVO DÍA, TRAVEL DAY FROm SANTIAGO TO MEDELLÍN

6/21/2016

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Today we woke up dark and early at 4:30 in Santiago and left for the airport. We took a plane to Bogotá, and flew from there to Medellín. After arriving in Medellín, we walked to a local restaurant a few blocks from our motel and got our first taste of the tropical weather in Medellín, with a warm shower half way through dinner, where some of us ate traditional Colombian food.

We are excited for what is to come tomorrow, as we will be playing soccer with one of the best clubs in Colombia, as well as doing service in the morning.

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