To: Ahsleysimons@exchange.

nz

From: leonluisa07@exchange.co

Subject: Welcome to Colombia

Dear Ahsley,

I welcome you to my country, my family welcomes you with open arms hoping that this
experience of studying abroad will be amazing for you. We do not know much about New Zealand
so it is a good opportunity to get to know your culture, for now I will give you some advice and I
will explain more about Colombian culture.

My father's name is Wilson, he is a police pensioner and he is 47 years old, he is a very nice
person, my mother's name is Luz, he is also a police pensioner and he is 47 years old, he is very
affectionate and homelike, on the other hand is my brother Juan He is 16 in eleventh grade and is
a video game lover. Adittional We also have a pet named Duki, she is very cute and is seven years
old, she is very playful and loving.

I'm going to talk to you about Colombian culture, here a handshake is not disrespectful, on the
contrary it shows cordiality, it is a country very rich in gastronomy, biodiversity and unique
landscapes, the people are very jovial and cheerful. I hope you have knowledge of Spanish, since
although it is a language, many words are handled depending on the region you go to and many
idioms. On the date you plan to come is a warm climate, remember that there are no seasons
here. I recommend you go to the different festivities that there are, most of them are held at the
beginning of the year, such as the Manizales fair, the Barranquilla Carnival, etc. In Bogota it is cold
so I recommend you bring jackets and warm clothes, however there are also hot days.

In Bogotá it is usual to take the "transmilenio" or choose to take a taxi or use driver applications.
To move around the national territory you can do it by bus or plane, we do not have a train or
tram.

I hope this experience is unforgettable and that you enjoy my country a lot!!

I attach some photos of my family and our house!

Best regards,

Luisa.