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
#59 The Travelling Lion
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What if your travel companion had been to 117 countries, needed his own luggage, had his own Instagram account—and happened to be a lion?
Meet Montgomery J. Lion, better known as Monty, Ken’s rather unusual travel companion.
Monty’s story began in Tanzania, when Ken brought him home for his son. Years later, when his son left for university, Monty joined Ken on the road—and never really stopped travelling.
Since then, he’s crossed borders around the world, attracted the attention of airport security, posed with complete strangers in China, visited some extraordinary places and even played an unexpected role in saving Ken during a dangerous moment in the mountains of Pakistan.
At the time of our conversation, Monty had visited 117 countries.
His goal? 150.
In this episode:
• How Monty became part of Ken’s family
• Travelling with a one-metre-tall lion
• Eight months travelling across Europe
• Monty’s encounters with airport security
• Why strangers around the world pose for pictures with him
• Returning to the Serengeti
• The extraordinary story of Pakistan
• The journey from 117 countries toward 150
Follow Monty on Instagram: @montgomeryj.lion
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I also provide personalised travel and relocation planning, drawing on more than 25 years of living and travelling throughout Latin America. Send me a message if you’d like to discuss how I can help.
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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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