From Jungle Lessons to Walled City Wonders: How Our Colombia Trip Became a Homeschool Graduation to Remember.

When I decided to take Gia to Colombia, I knew it would be more than just a vacation. As a homeschooler the world is our classroom—and Cartagena offered one of the most powerful lessons yet.

We began our journey in the vibrant heart of Cartagena, where cobblestone streets echoed with the sounds of salsa music and centuries-old stories. But this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about immersing Gia in history—especially the kind that isn't always taught in traditional textbooks.

Standing on Sacred Ground: Palenque, the First Free African Settlement

One of the most moving parts of our journey was visiting Palenque, the first free African settlement in the Americas. Founded by escaped enslaved Africans, this village represents resilience, self-governance, and cultural preservation. We didn’t just read about it—we stood there, soaking in the rhythm of the drums, tasting traditional Afro-Colombian dishes, and listening to the stories of survival and triumph. Gia’s eyes lit up as she made the connection between this piece of history and the stories of Black resistance we've studied in our homeschool curriculum. This was living, breathing social studies—served with patacones and ginger tea.

Boom! History Comes to Life on the Walls of Cartagena

Later in the trip, we stood atop the Walled City of Cartagena, surrounded by cannon slots and centuries of layered history. I’ll never forget the moment Gia turned to me and said, “So this is where the Colombians fought off the British?” She stretched her arms wide across the stone edge, imagining the battle below. It was a proud auntie/teacher moment—she wasn’t just reciting facts, she was feeling them. And the boom of imaginary cannons in her retelling? Priceless.

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A Middle School Graduation with Meaning

We ended the first part of the trip with a celebration dinner to mark Gia’s middle school graduation. I bought her a cap and gown and made her diploma and she heartfelt reflections, and thwalked into the dining area to "pomp and circumstance" played off my spotify account. See her walk in smiling wass the kind of joy that comes from knowing she’s earned this moment. I surprised her with a cash app drop and a trip to H&M after dinner, and we toasted to her future (with mocktails, of course). It was simple, but unforgettable.

Why We Travel to Learn

This trip reminded me that some of the most powerful lessons don’t happen behind a desk. They happen when you go there—when you walk the land, talk to the people, and let history rise up around you.

Cartagena gave us more than memories—it gave us a powerful connection to identity, freedom, and the courage to travel and make new friends. And for Gia, it marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Next stop: high school. And trust me, the world’s not ready for what she’s next!

Cooking class. Gia prepared a 4 course meal.

ATV fun on the beach.

A time was had!!!