United Buddy Bears Exhibit

 "We have to get to know each other better ...
... it makes us understand one another better,
trust each other more, and live together more peacefully."

Over the weekend an exhibit opened in our town called United Buddy Bears. Here is a little background from their website: 

Under this motto, the UNITED BUDDY BEARS promote living together in peace and harmony on their global tour. Around 140 Buddy Bears (each 6.5 feet tall) represent as many countries recognized by the United Nations.  Since the first exhibition in Berlin in 2002, more than 40 million visitors world-wide have been able to admire the United Buddy Bears.  Each Buddy Bear shows the individual design created by different artists on behalf of their native countries. The international artists’ different styles are joined together in one work of art, spreading zest for life. The diverse design of the Buddy Bears – always typical for the respective countries – enables the visitors to experience a journey around the globe.

It is the first time for the bears to visit Central America.  They will be in Antigua until May 12 and will then be moved to Guatemala City for two weeks. 

A list of the countries they have visited in the past.  How cool that it is now being hosted in our town!

We had seen the workers setting them up around the Central Park last week and could not wait to go see them.  When we returned from a short anniversary getaway Saturday afternoon we went into town to check them out.  Below are some pictures I took of them.

Each bear has a plaque in front to tell you which country it represents and shows their country flag.  It was a good geography lesson for the boys.

a back view

the boys with the Guatemala bear

We will be attending a homeschool conference next month and while there the boys have to do a presentation.  They had to each pick a country to learn and share about.  Cruz chose Spain and Ben chose China.  Of course they were both eager to find those countries and have their picture taken with those bears.  Here they are with the China bear.

Cruz with the Spain bear.

Hooray for the U.S.A.!  

Here we are with the bear representing our home country.

Here are some more random pictures of the bears and our boys who wanted me to take their picture with each and every one-

 
It is a really fun exhibit.  I am sure we will go back again before they leave.  If you are in town, go check them out.