“The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being YOU; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” – Wade Davis

“A nation’s culture resides in the heart and in the soul of its people.” Mahatma Gandhi

Question Of The Day: Why is culture important in the 21st century? Why is it important to preserve culture?

Buenos Dias, Global Family!

My name is Liss B. with GGL Brendan in support, and we are the Lideres del Dia for Culture Fun Day. 🙂

After some much needed rest following a couple long travel days, we woke up nice and early at 7 AM to a fresh breakfast (sandwich, arepa, fruit, and soy milk oatmeal) provided by Welin from Rincon Bohemia. With full stomachs and some mental refreshment on today’s theme, we hopped on a safari truck that took us up and through the beautiful Dominican countryside. Our destination, Bohios Campo Añil, started our process of learning about some local cultural traditions and history – the old and modern tools of a kitchen, the process of making chocolate and coffee, and the stories of the property and land. After that introduction, we moved on to the fun portion of the day with pool time (!), music, bonding, and lunch. It was a great way to relax and build up our energy for our afternoon activity back at the hotel. Once there, we met Ashley and Adely, our dance instructors, who taught us the bachata, merengue, salsa, and dembow.

Today’s activities helped us experience a bit more of the local culture after yesterday’s city tour, and we were also able to get to know each other more. Whether through swimming, playing pool, building our music playlist (and singing), dancing, self-reflection moments, or group discussions, we strengthened our community for the coming days and themes. It was an amazing experience to see our group try new things, open up more personally, and be fearless with our dance steps and partners. Also, for myself, as the first student leader of the trip, I was super nervous to take on such a big responsibility, but I am really proud of doing public speaking and presenting, keeping everyone on track with a tight schedule, remembering the routines and duties of leading, and participating in so many activities and conversations.

And even though it’s only our third day, our group responded to slight changes in the schedule and also a special guest film crew from Global Glimpse and the Live Like Leo Foundation. We stepped up with the call to represent the qualities of Leo and really showed out with our honesty and enthusiasm for telling our own stories and keeping our commitment to honor the special people in our lives. It was great to learn so much about Dominican culture and to grow closer as a group (with some heavier topics ahead).

BIG LOVE SHOUTOUTS

• Leo from Bohios Campo Añil, for welcoming us into his family’s land and for telling us their story and history.
• Ashley and Adely, our dance instructors, because they were so patient teaching us as a group but also individually.
• Big love to the entire GG group, for being open-minded, patient, positive, and brave.
• Brendan GGL, not only because he took on the role of being our Leadership Coach, but for being patient with me since I didn’t know so much beforehand about the role and responsibilities – his help throughout the day was a rose for me.
• GGL Bridgett and our Program Coordinators, John and Pamela, for their amazing positivity, senses of humor, kindness, and openness with sharing their experience and knowledge.

It’s finally time to pass the torch to Alan and Kyle, who will lead us on our Global Business Day tomorrow!

Chao!