From the chubby faced figures of Botero to the eclectic street art, Colombia boasts uniquely modern artistic expression.
Artisans inspired by both indigenous and Spanish cultures sell wares that speak of the country's rich heritage.
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Approximately 70% of Colombians practice Catholicism, making it the country's primary religion. Schools are required to teach it as a subject and religious images of the Virgin Mary grace playgrounds and classrooms. At the Parque del Cafe in Quindio, a small chapel held service every Sunday so amusement park patrons wouldn't have to miss the weekly mass. The food court at the shopping mall next to our hotel became a makeshift church on Sunday mornings, drawing thongs of worshipers.
Food and Juices Colombian cuisine is influenced by local flora, fauna and ethnic cultural traditions. Meats include beef, chicken, pork, goat, fish and seafood. Rice, beans, corn, potatoes and plantains create popular side dishes. Vegetables were in short supply, but we were treated to a wide range of fruits and fruit juices, many of which I had never heard of before! Common fruits include mango, papaya, guava, blackberry, lulo, guanabana (soursop) and passionfruit. My favorite drink was the limonada de coco, a coconut limeade which was delicious! The fermented pineapple drink, Chicha de piña, appears to have an acquired taste. Arepas which are round, flat corn patties are a popular staple that has been around since pre-Columbian times. They are cooked and sold on street corners and seemed to accompany lunch, dinner or were served with meat and cheese as an afternoon snack. Big Ass Ants or Hormigas Culonas - crunchy, with a slightly smoky flavor Coffee
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AuthorMichelle Van Sant is a National Board Certified Teacher who has been educating children for over twenty years. ArchivesCategories |