Associate Spotlight: Ranch Life and Rich Coffee: My Family Reunion in Colombia
By Caroline Chamoun, Process Excellence & Analytics Manager and Chair of Conexion + Allies BRG
My mom's maternal side of the family hosted their first-ever reunion in Bogota, Colombia, in August 2014. I was filled with pure excitement to meet my relatives – many of whom I did not know because my family moved to Madrid when I was young – and share with our children a glimpse into our childhood, our roots and the authentic food, music and culture of our beautiful Colombia.
The reunion took place at a “finca,” a Spanish word for “ranch,” a popular spot for Colombia holidays and reunions. It's rural, the grass is as green as an emerald and the sky is a deep sapphire blue. A trip highlight was the day we visited a coffee plantation, where we taught our kids the art and science behind Colombian coffee – whose fragrant smell wakes our household every morning, with each sip a daily reminder of our motherland. We learned every step, from planting the seed to creating, curing and drying the beans to grinding and packaging.
On the last evening of our visit, we ate at a restaurant owned by Carlos Vives, a famous singer, songwriter and actor from Colombia, whom you may recognize from Disney's latest release “Encanto.” We danced until the early hours of the morning of our departure back home. Needless to say, everyone slept the whole flight back. It was a trip to remember and one we hope to replicate soon.