Being on this PMSLA (Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America) tour to go to Colombia and share such a beautiful embodied exchange of knowledge was powerful. I enjoyed learning about Caleno and Colombian culture, and understanding the way they view performing arts in their perspectives. I enjoyed teaching the students from Universidad del Valle as…Continue Reading Iatua Felagai Taito
Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Living in Cali, Colombia for one month was an unforgettable experience which will leave a lasting impression on me. Aside from my own personal development, Colombia fostered a deeper appreciation for diverse culture, and a renewed commitment to living life with resilience, open-mindedness, and a genuine connection to the world around me. My preconceived notions…Continue Reading Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Joanna Cook
My time in Colombia was nothing short of incredible. Before leaving, I had apprehensions due to the negative perceptions often associated with the country, such as safety concerns and drug-related issues. However, this trip proved to be a remarkable experience. It was exceptionally well organised, with a local producer/chaperone guiding us and an excellent translator….Continue Reading Joanna Cook
Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
This trip to Colombia was really like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I was quite nervous about travelling and being there because of all the unknowns and the reputation Colombia has in the world. However, after spending a month there, I developed a great appreciation not only for the culture but for the people we interacted with….Continue Reading Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
Teuila Hughes
Colombia was beyond anything I could have imagined. In the months leading up to the trip, there was some worry about spending a month in Cali, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. My concerns also stemmed from having watched the complete Netflix series, Narcos that painted quite a violent and intimidating image…Continue Reading Teuila Hughes
Settling into a New ‘Normal’ – Lessons, Reflections, Adventures
The past few weeks in Mumbai have been amazing to say the least. It’s been great finding my bearings and slipping into the rhythm of this city. I’ve really welcomed this change in pace. Although I love the laid-back lifestyle in New Zealand, the constant hustle and bustle of this city has been exhilarating –…Continue Reading Settling into a New ‘Normal’ – Lessons, Reflections, Adventures
Gaining perspective
Over the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lot of talk of coming to terms with a “new normal”. Life changed as we knew it and we had to adapt to big changes very quickly. It has now been a few weeks since we got back from India and I have…Continue Reading Gaining perspective
Khao Yai: The bat caves off the beaten track
And the best Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup) I have ever tasted. Having always travelled with family or on school trips, where itineraries were rarely dictated by your own choices, being able to plan weekend trips, with transport, accommodation, and food was equal parts thrilling as it was daunting. Daunting, because I felt…Continue Reading Khao Yai: The bat caves off the beaten track
Dharavi to Delhi
Taj time! We had our first opportunity to venture into the north of India with our weekend trip to Delhi and Agra. I was a bit nervous about this trip, because Delhi doesn’t quite have Mumbai’s safety reputation, but luckily we were able to make a solid safety net of sticking together and hiring a…Continue Reading Dharavi to Delhi
Serendipity
Noun: the gift of finding valuable or agreeable things not looked for. More than the places I have been to on this trip, which have been beautiful indeed, it has been the people I have met there that have left me in a perpetual state of “how?!” How is it possible that I shared breakfast…Continue Reading Serendipity