By Margarita Barbeiro, Colombia

I have heard that if Life takes something from you, it is because it has something bigger prepared on your way… and it is true. One of the biggest challenges that I have experienced this year was to be separated of my family in Colombia and it was incredible the way that my feelings to be far away from home were compensated in CICD this Christmas with a new and amazing experience.

The day started with the preparation of the event with only 12 people in total, considering that most of the team had travelled to their home countries. Food, decoration and activities were the main points to keep in mind. The food team started to organise the ingredients very early and the result was an incredible “english moment” adapted with a mix of skills, feelings and flavors of Portugal, Algeria, Spain, Italy, Romania and Argentina; a magical composition of colours, shapes and spices. I have to say that every vegetable, meat, potatoe and desert that I tried was perfect thanks to the mix of love and excellence behind the desire of giving the best of us and our gastronomy.
Everything was served in the dinning hall in the middle of candles; these lights illuminated an exclusive and eclectic “brik a brak”* combination of red and golden fabrics, reindeers and stars. This decoration can not be completed without a Christmas tree; parts of a recycled old plastic tree was rebuilt with a new support and a touch of creativity.
It was complemented with the perfect soirée; even though this is a time that generates different feelings, in this case the nostalgic ones was overpassed with joy. After dinner, we enjoyed some words about the meaning of Christmas, a violin piece and a beatutiful romanian chorus as a tribute for the ocassion. In addition, the “Secret Santa” not only brought personalised presents but also unexpected messages that touched hearts, reafirmed friendships, made some eyes cry and made it an unforgettable special moment. Afterwards, the Bingo kept our attention and it was followed by an international music combination that made us dance until 2 am.
I have to say that nothing in the world could replace a moment with my family, but I need to admit that in an incredible and impredictible way the Life brought me a new experience, full of flavours, colours and feelings that made this incredible CICD Christmas unforgettable. So, in the process to learn about detachment and be open to new begginings, the Life could surprise and invite you to keep hope and trust that good things come to our lives in many and beatutiful ways.

*Brik a Brak: Storage of recovered ítems to be reused or sold