Everyday I studied Spanish with an enthusiastic and talented young teacher. Her lessons covered Colombian history, traditions, food and places of interest. The lessons were taught in Spanish and ended with a daily grammar review.
My 10 day experience in Bogota was amazing.
It is a challenge and a little frightening, at first, to travel alone to a country where few people speak English. No worries!
I stayed in a safe, well located lovely hotel. The cost was economical and well worth it with delicious breakfasts and very helpful, kind staff. (City Flats).
Everyday I studied Spanish with an enthusiastic and talented young teacher. Her lessons covered Colombian history, traditions, food and places of interest. The lessons were taught in Spanish and ended with a daily grammar review. I was well prepared for my afternoon field trips to museums (Gold Museum, National Museum and Botero Museums) I also visited the summit overlooking the city, the Botanical garden and the fruit and vegetable market. These trips occurred on afternoons after lessons.
On the weekend we visited a coffee plantation in the countryside, a lake and the salt mine churches underground. All trips had a guide who conversed in Spanish but understood English, including my friendly driver.
In addition to school and trips I was very lucky to partake in special family meals.
The Colombians are most gracious and kind.
Don’t hesitate, Do It! It will be an outstanding memory and your Spanish will improve.
In Sapanish:
Mi experiencia en Bogotá estuvo increíble.
Al principio fue un poco aterrador viajar sola a un país donde pocas personas hablan inglés. Quedarme en un hotel que tiene un costo razonable, con desayunos que estaban deliciosos y unas personas de recepción muy serviciales y amables.
Cada día estudiaba Español por 3 horas con una maestra joven y entusiasta. Su lecciones cubrieron historia, tradiciones, comidas y lugares, todas en Español. Estas lecciones me preparaban para mis viajes de la tarde. Visitamos el Museo del Oro, La Candelaria, El Museo Nacional, El Museo de Botero, El Cerro de Monserrate, El Jardín Botánico y La Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemeo.
El fin de semana visitamos una finca de café, las minas de Nemocón y Zipaquirá y La Laguna de Guatavita. Todos los viajes tenían un guía en español que entendía inglés, incluyendo a mi conductor, que era muy amiable.
Adicionalmente tuve suerte de participar en comidas familiares, muy especiales.
Los Colombianos son muy amables.
No vaciles, haz este viaje!
Disfrutando, tu Español mejorará.
Lisa Nierenberg
