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
#62 Finding Family In Ecuador
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When Hannah O’Hare Bennett arrived in Ecuador as a Peace Corps agriculture volunteer, she wanted more than travel...she wanted to build relationships and truly understand a place.
Placed in a small rural community near Saraguro, Hannah initially struggled with isolation, limited Spanish and the thought of spending two full years away from home. But through the patience, humour and warmth of her host sister Sandra and the rest of the family, an unfamiliar community gradually became another home.
Hannah shares the moment she first made Sandra laugh in Spanish, the emotions of leaving Ecuador and what happened when she returned after 12 years. Within ten minutes of arriving, she was once again harvesting corn alongside the family.
Now, with a master’s degree in textile design, Hannah is also connecting her life in the United States with the traditional beadwork created by Indigenous Saraguro artisans.
This is a story about cultural immersion, unexpected belonging and finding family far from where you started.
Hannah O’Hare Bennett:
https://www.instagram.com/hannahoharebennettstudio?utm_source=qr
http://www.hannahoharebennett.com/
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Joining the Peace Corps at 27
• Adjusting to life in rural Ecuador
• Building relationships across a language barrier
• Finding family near Saraguro
• Returning after 12 years
• Connecting textile design with Saraguro beadwork
• Why letting go of expectations can create a deeper travel experience
Subscribe to El Cafecito Travel Talks and share this episode with someone who believes that family can be found anywhere.
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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