In a beautiful small mountain town called Villa de Leyva, 4 hours from bogota. Were staying 3km out of town in a adobe two story house on an onion farm with incredible views! Lots of pine trees, farm land, and cacti. We couldn't find the place at first so the microbus dropped us off at the military post where we sat talking to the young men in camo with guns strapped on their backs until the owner of our hostel came to pick us up. The first question they asked us is ¨what is your impression of colombia?¨ After we told them we thought it was a beautiful country with really friendly people they proceeded to tell us about all the beautiful places to visit while we are in their country.

This is genearlly the first question that is asked. Not surprising since they are used to people outside of Colombia thinking only of cocaine and kidnappings.

Traveling tomorrow to the city of Ibague in the Department of Tolima to work for 4-5 days with artisans teaching basic computer courses during the mornings and then visiting their workshops in the afternoons. They work making products out of cornhusks, goat horns, and fique and other fibers. We will also be conducting interviews with some of the artisans and making short marketing pieces for Aid to Artisans to use to promote sales and then will be helping set up for an artisan fair. Aid to Artisans staff is generous and trusting, taught us a bunch about the many artisan groups they provide business asistance to. The ultimate goal being that the groups will all be sustainable and able to work directly with exporters. All groups are made up of artisans who are displaced from their communities. Colombia has 3 million displaced people, Sudan being the only country to surpass this.

We get an apartment for 4 nights while we are in Ibague. considering working in Neiva, another community, in a couple weeks. These artisans make incredible leather bags and hats made out of all kinds of fibers. The best hat I´ve seen so far is made from tabacco leaves!

hasta pronto