El Cafecito Travel Talks
El Cafecito Travel Talks is a travel and cultural podcast hosted by Tony Lloyd, a travel planner, hostel owner, and community builder who has spent more than 25 years living and working in Latin America.
Each episode features real conversations with travellers, expats, backpackers, cultural explorers, community leaders, and people who have chosen to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world in their own way. From short adventures to life-changing moves abroad, these stories highlight the experiences, challenges, connections, and discoveries that come from seeing the world through different eyes.
Along the way, we’ll explore travel, culture, community, identity, and the unexpected moments that connect people across borders. Many conversations focus on Latin America, including the stories, experiences, and contributions of Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas, but the lessons and connections are universal.
Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming of living abroad, planning your next adventure, or simply curious about the people and places that make our world interesting, there’s a seat for you at the table.
Grab a cafecito or a tea and join us for the journey.
Travel. Culture. Connection.
El Cafecito Travel Talks
#52 Irish Teacher in Colombia
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In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Azim, a 27-year-old teacher from Dublin, Ireland, who is working at an American international school in Valledupar, Colombia.
Azim shares what led him to leave Ireland, how international teaching can open the door to travel, and what life is like in a hot, music-filled Colombian city famous for vallenato.
The conversation explores culture shock, language barriers, Caribbean Colombian Spanish, power cuts, dance culture, social life, and the emotional side of living far from home. Azim also reflects on being the first Irish teacher at his school, working alongside mostly American colleagues, and how even English speakers can experience cultural differences through accent, humour, and everyday language.
This episode looks at what happens when we live outside our comfort zone — how we judge, adapt, learn, and grow.
Topics include:
Irish life vs. Colombian life
Teaching abroad as a way to travel
Valledupar and Vallenato culture
Language learning and identity
Culture shock and cultural bias
Missing family while living abroad
Friendship and support in a new country
Advice for anyone thinking of working internationally
Guest: Azim, Irish Teacher
Host: Tony Lloyd
Travel · Culture · Connection
Connect info:
Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:
email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com
El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: admincafecito@gmail.com
Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550
LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson
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New episodes are released every Tuesday.
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