Venezuela-bound

Although my original plans to study in Mexico were foiled by the Swine Flu, I will still find myself in Latin America this summer. I know I will be disappointing everyone who expected me to take over a Mexican drug cartel, but fear not; Colombia is only a short bus ride away.

I will be leaving in three days to study in the beautiful city of Mérida in the Venezuelan Andes until June 29th. The city is a college town located in a valley between two mountain rivers, Albarregas and Chama. The Sierra Nevada and Sierra La Culata, two Andean ridges, offer a picturesque backdrop.

During my stay I will study Literatura Caribeña (Caribbean Literature) and Arte Latinomericano (Latin American Art) through a program run by the University of Minnesota. Please stay in touch through e-mail and Skype while I am abroad, and stay tuned for stories, photos, and reflections on my Venezuelan experience!