South America Day #2

Lo Siento. Hablo espanol un pocito. This has quickly become one of my most used phrases over the last two days. Our second day in Bogota was has been very interesting. This morning we took a taxi and visited two bilingual schools in the North part of the city. It was fascinating to talk with other administrators and learn about the philosophy of schools in another country. One thing I love about Hockaday is how they're always striving to open new doors for students. Today, we spoke not only about our boarding department, but also about our summer school, possible exchange program, and even the opportunity for our classes to collaborate and communicate with each other. 


After visiting schools and getting a special Colombian snack (some sort of homeade cheese and bread treat), we decided we would try to cash our traveler's checks. I don't know a better way to explain what happend for the next two hours than this:


1. Front desk tells us to go to the money exchange around the corner.
2. Money exchange tells us to go to another money exchange shop in La Salitra (mall about 5 minutes from our hotel). 
3. On our way out, front desk at hotel tells us to go to Colombiabanco at La Salitra. 
4. After waiting 30 minutes in line, Colombiabanco tells us to go to a money exchange called Cambio (still in the mall). 
5. Cambio tells us to go to Cambino (another exchange store in the mall). 
6. Cambino tells us that they don't cash travelers checks. 


And after all of this, we still weren't able to cash our traveler's checks. Someone said no one in Colombia will say, "I don't know," and I believe it.


To end the day, we had dinner and drinks with our colleagues from the group we're here with, TABS. It's always interesting conversation to talk with other boarding schools from around the country - both coed and single sex - and exchange ideas and information. 


Tomorrow will be a big day as we have our Boarding School Fair in the afternoon. Crossing our fingers that we have lots of attendees. Ciao from Bogota!