The amount of times I have seen local artists doing graffiti or painting new murals in the city while on a walk definitely makes me think there is an air that inspires art in Bogota.
Learning through music has also been one of my favorite aspects about living in Colombia. I loved learning to play the flute in middle school and the drums in college, so I knew I definitely wanted to learn more about Colombian music. Before coming to Colombia, I remember listening to Cumbia singer Toto la Mamposina, and jamming out to her song “Rosa." Little did I know she is an alumni at the university I work at! Do you recognize her song? If not, how is it different from other music you listen to?
My favorite memories that I have in Colombia are connected to music and dance. Recently, I started taking a drumming workshop where I am learning to play el tambor alegre (which literally translates to “the happy drum”) along with other percussion instruments. While this is definitely hard, I am glad I am learning something new! Another memory that sticks out to me is the bullerengue circles (a Colombian music genre) I have attended. Listening and dancing to a combination of the drums, maracas and gaitas while someone belts their heart away singing new songs for me, allowed me to fully embrace new music genres. Although it was my first time attending and I didn’t really know how to dance well to the music, everyone was welcoming and willing to teach me. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that people are willing to share their culture with you if you are willing to learn.
While it can seem scary or daunting to travel to a new country, I have come to love Colombia and Bogota.
