Kyra Powers
La Paz Waterfalls & The Peace Lodge, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the ox cart is a symbol of pride for its rich history of coffee-growing. Costa Rica is a proud, top producer of coffee beans in the world. The ox carts were used to transport coffee beans and became a symbol for the country. With its intricate detailing and fascinating history, ox carts are beautiful to observe and learn about.
Melanie Gonzales
Mural painting of Spartan Alebrije, Oaxaca, Mexico
This photo was taken during the 2024 International Engagement in Mexico program where we had the opportunity to go to a small community in Oaxaca and paint this Spartan Alebrije which represents that Oaxaca culture of the Alebrije created in the 20th century. It also includes a direct quote from Benito Juárez who was the first indigenous president of Mexico also from Oaxaca. The handprints symbolizing butterfly wings are from all the kids in elementary school. The mural shows the colorful importance of Oaxaca and its people tying the Spartan logo all together as one. The quote talks about peace between nations which applied since we were outsiders from another country. The kids loved it so much they even decided to handprint and put some color on my white shirt.
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