Even though I have been here for a little more than three weeks now, I still cannot believe that you can buy a subway sandwich for $7,000! (2,000 Pesos ≈ 1 USD). It’s always funny walking around the streets and thinking “Honestly, who would buy a burger for $7,000?” and then remembering the exchange rate.

Last weekend, I went to a beautiful town called Villa de Leyva. Villa de Leyva is full of Spanish architecture that dates back to the Spanish invasion. This makes it a very historically interesting place. I learned quite a few things on Colombian history in that city.

Not only did we have the chance to visit the wonderful streets and beautiful little shops that inhabit them, but we also had the opportunity to go see an ostrich farm. Those big ridiculous birds are actually very scary up front.

In the city, on the night of our first day, there was a very nice firework celebrating la Señora del Rosario who is the saint of Villa de Leyva. Also, I had the opportunity to try a very local soup called “ajiaco” that is made from a whole bunch of things: multiple potato varieties, different flowers, corn, and some beef. It’s very good!

Speaking of food, Colombians LOVE cheese. They put cheese in absolutely everything! Over at Villa de Leyva, I learned that they don’t put marshmallows in their hot chocolate. Oh no, that’s too sweet. Instead, they put cheese! I would have never thought of doing that… This may sound crazy, but it is actually pretty good. I might start replacing my marshmallows with cheese now.

I had a wonderful time at Villa de Leyva, and I can’t wait for the Halloween party this weekend and everything else that Colombia has to offer. – Paul Virally ’17, Exchange Student @ Colegia Anglo Colombiano