Visiting Colombia was my first time outside of the United States. It was an incredible experience and seeing the country in person was eye-opening. One of the most inspiration places we visited was Murillo. Murillo is a small, rural town in western-central Colombia. This town was a place for us to visit in large-part to learn more about the Paz y Región projects taking place there. These projects are meant to promote regional development and offer Universidad de Ibague students the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to work by helping the community. Based on my brief encounter with this program, it seems to be very practical and beneficial and it was worthwhile seeing it played out in Murillo. However, there was much more to Murillo for me than this program. This was a very unique location, as it was our only rural destination. Our lodgings were certainly lacking in comparison to a chain hotel, but this was a good thing. It forced us to learn to appreciate a way of life that is quite different from what we typical experience. This way, we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives and gain a greater appreciation for what we have and might often take for granted. I only mean the best when I say it was a humbling experience.

The town’s rural location and relative isolation may have hampered the existence of fancy lodgings, but it also helped preserve a unique way of life. Livestock and crops could be found within and outside the town. Unique, memorable architecture could be found, especially surrounding the town center. Many school students walk to school and can be found playing soccer or other games in the evening. These are sights suburban- and urban-dwellers like myself do not see very often. It was great to see the strong sense of unity found in Murillo, exhibited by a community center for the elderly that provides them with the opportunity to perform traditional dances and the like to preserve a way of life and contribute positively to their community and by the locals sitting outside stores and restaurants chatting with each other. The people were also very welcoming towards our group and I even had the privilege of playing chess with school students and a restaurant owner, where all of the school-children gathered around to watch. It was an incredible opportunity and it goes to show that there are great people to be found no matter where one goes.

Furthermore, given Murillo’s remoteness within rugged terrain, there was a great natural beauty to be found here. The surrounding hills and mountains harbored many great sights, from hidden lakes to glorious sunsets. We also had the opportunity to hike to a waterfall, a sight I did not expect to find in Murillo, but I was not disappointed. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of (sub)urban life for a little while was a real treat. It reminded me of the brilliance of nature and it allowed me to reflect on my lifestyle and to appreciate what I have, all the great people in my life, and this fantastic world I live in.