El Cafecito Travel Talks

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

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email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

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If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

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New episodes are released every Tuesday.

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What really goes on behind the scenes of a hotel?

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Pierce Lowney, an Irish hospitality professional who started working in a local pub at just 14 years old before building a career in luxury hotels. Now backpacking across South America, Peirce shares the stories, lessons, and unforgettable moments he’s experienced from both sides of the reception desk.

From hilarious “Fawlty Towers” moments and unforgettable guests to bizarre online reviews and practical booking advice, this episode offers a fascinating look at the world of hospitality through the eyes of someone who’s lived it.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a hotel lover, or simply curious about what happens after you check in, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the people working behind the scenes.

In this episode:

• Starting a hospitality career at just 14 years old
• Funny hotel mistakes and unforgettable guest stories
• Behind-the-scenes secrets of running a hotel
• The strangest online reviews guests have left
• Cultural differences between travelers
• Hotel vs. hostel vs. Airbnb
• How to choose the right place to stay
• Why hospitality is really about people

Guest: Pierce Lowney, Irish hospitality professional

Host: Tony Lloyd

Travel • Culture • Connection

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Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Gregorio Cárdenas from Medellín, Colombia, who set out on the adventure of a lifetime: riding his motorcycle from Colombia to Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world.

What started as a dream became a journey through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Along the way, Gregorio balanced life as a digital nomad, crossed deserts, navigated some of South America’s most challenging roads, battled freezing temperatures, and discovered that travelling alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely.

From Bolivia’s infamous Death Road to the windswept “73 Malditos” in Patagonia, Gregorio shares stories of unexpected kindness, perseverance, and what happens when you finally stop waiting for the perfect moment and simply go.

In This Episode

• Why Gregorio left Medellín to travel South America
• Choosing a motorcycle as the ultimate travel companion
• The realities of being a digital nomad on the road
• Riding from Colombia to Ushuaia
• Crossing the Siloli Desert in Bolivia
• Surviving freezing nights and challenging road conditions
• Death Road and other unforgettable adventures
• The people who helped along the way
• Why solo travellers are rarely truly alone
• Pursuing dreams instead of waiting for the perfect time
• What “home” means after a life-changing journey

Memorable Quote

“If you have a dream, you have to pursue it. You’re the only person responsible for making it happen.”

Guest: Gregorio Cárdenas (Medellín, Colombia)

Host: Tony Lloyd

El Cafecito Travel Talks is where travel, culture, and connection come together through conversations with travellers, expats, adventurers, and locals from around the world.

 Stay • Explore • Listen • Connect

Support the podcast by sharing this episode with a fellow traveller or dreamer.

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Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

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If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Troy, who recently relocated from the United States to Cuenca, Ecuador — along with his dog, Cosmo.

Troy shares the real process of moving internationally with a pet, including paperwork, airline restrictions, unexpected costs, and why he eventually used a pet transport service with a pet nanny. He also talks about the extra complications of travelling with a flat-faced dog, finding pet-friendly housing in Cuenca, and how Cosmo adjusted to life in a new country.

This conversation is especially useful for anyone thinking about relocating to Ecuador with a dog or another pet.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Troy decided to move from the U.S. to Cuenca
• Why leaving Cosmo behind was never really an option
• What a pet nanny does
• Airline restrictions for flat-faced dogs
• Paperwork, vaccines, microchips, and travel certificates
• The cost of international pet relocation
• What it felt like to travel separately from his dog
• Reuniting with Cosmo in Ecuador
• Adjusting to Cuenca’s altitude, stairs, smells, and new surroundings
• Finding dog-friendly housing in Cuenca
• Why local connections can make relocation easier
• Advice for anyone planning to move abroad with a pet

Host: Tony Lloyd
Guest: Troy
Dog: Cosmo, a three-and-a-half-year-old Boston Terrier

Memorable Quote:
“I go where the dog goes.”

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Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

What is it like to move to another country at age 10, learn a new language, attend school in a different culture, and build a new life from scratch?

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd sits down with Karmarri and his mother, artist Iyahdae Rose, as they reflect on two years living in Cuenca, Ecuador, before returning to the United States.

Karmarri shares his experiences learning Spanish, adapting to school, making friends, discovering Ecuadorian food, and what surprised him most about life in Ecuador. Iyahdae discusses her decision to leave the United States, the importance of peace and quality of life, and what she believes families can gain from living abroad.

Together, they explore how travel and cultural immersion can shape a young person’s perspective on the world.

Topics discussed:
• Living in Cuenca, Ecuador, as a family
• Learning Spanish through immersion
• School life in Ecuador
• Ecuadorian food and culture
• Raising children abroad
• Independence and personal growth
• Travel through a child’s eyes
• Returning to the United States after living abroad

Guests: Karmarri and Mom Iyahdae Rose (iyahdae.art)

Host: Tony Lloyd

Travel • Culture • Connection

If you’d like to support El Cafecito Travel Talks and help keep these conversations going, you’ll find a contribution link in the podcast notes.

Interested in meaningful travel experiences in Central or South America? 

Tony Lloyd also provides independent travel advisory services focused on cultural connection and authentic local experiences.

Thanks for sharing a cafecito or tea with us.

Support the show

Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

What would make someone from Switzerland trade a plane ticket for a sailboat?

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd sits down with Tobias, a young traveller who chose the slow route to the Americas. Instead of flying across the Atlantic, he spent 26 days at sea, sailing from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to Martinique in the Caribbean.

Tobias shares what life was really like on board: night watches, endless ocean horizons, dolphins swimming alongside the boat, rough weather, and the surprising challenge of returning to society after weeks at sea.

The conversation continues through his travels in the Caribbean, Colombia, and Ecuador, where he reflects on cultural differences, learning Spanish, trusting his instincts, and the freedom that long-term travel can bring.

In this episode:

• Why Tobias chose a sailboat instead of a plane
• How do travellers find boats crossing the Atlantic
• Life aboard a sailing vessel for 26 days
• Dolphins, storms, and midnight sail changes
• Arriving in the Caribbean after weeks at sea
• Travelling through Colombia and Ecuador
• Lessons learned from slow travel
• The importance of trusting your intuition
• What freedom really means while travelling

Guest: Tobias (Switzerland)

Host: Tony Lloyd

Travel • Culture • Connection

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, sharing, or leaving a review.

Support the Podcast
If you’d like to help keep these conversations going, you’ll find a contribution link in the podcast notes.

Travel Advisory Services

Tony Lloyd helps independent travellers create meaningful journeys throughout Central and South America, including cultural and community-based experiences.

Support the show

Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd speaks with photographer and recent graduate Skye Jalal, who is travelling through Ghana, Kenya, Germany, Ecuador, and Mexico on a Watson Fellowship.

Skye shares how photography became her way of exploring identity, community, family, and the African diaspora. She discusses her experiences photographing Afro communities across different countries, the challenges of travelling alone, and how travel has changed her perspective on culture, belonging, and human connection.

Topics include:

• The Watson Fellowship
• Photography and storytelling
• Ghana, Kenya, Germany, Ecuador, and Mexico
• Afro communities around the world
• Family, kinship, and identity
• Solo travel and personal growth
• Cultural exchange and curiosity

Guest: Skye Jalal
Website: skyejalal.com

Host: Tony Lloyd

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Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

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After several years away from the microphone, El Cafecito Travel Talks is back.

In this special relaunch episode, the tables are turned as Skye Jewel interviews host Tony Lloyd about his journey, life in Latin America, travel, community building, and the experiences that have shaped his perspective over more than 25 years living in Latin America.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and living in multiple countries

• Life as a hostel owner in Ecuador and Colombia

• Helping travellers explore Central and South America

• Why Latin America continues to feel like home after more than 25 years

• Building connections across cultures and communities

• Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas

• The lessons travel teaches us about belonging, identity, and human connection

• Why El Cafecito Travel Talks is returning and what listeners can expect in future episodes

Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming about living abroad, interested in Latin America, or simply curious about the stories that connect us, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Hosted by: Tony Lloyd.

Special thanks to Skye Jewel for joining us for this relaunch episode and stepping behind the microphone as interviewer.

As this is the relaunch episode, thanks for your patience with a few audio imperfections. The conversations are back, and we’re excited to share many more stories in the months ahead.

Support the show

Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

Ed Howell a.k.a. Hazukashii, after retiring from the US military, decides to spend his time hashing around the world.

Hazukashii shares with us the tales of the Hash House Harrison, how he was renamed, and his quest for hashing in over 100 countries. 

His words of advice for us: people are people and the hash is a great way to meet new friends and to discover new cultures

His Hash web site:  ttp://gotothehash.net

Guest: Ed Howell aka Hazukashii

Host: Tony Lloyd

Editor: Tony Lloyd

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Location: El Cafecito Hostel Cuenca Ecuador www.cafecito.net 

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Soundtrack: So Easy Artist: Jahzzar Album: Traveller’s Guide 

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email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

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If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

Brian and Alec Altonen farmers Michigan USA taking a winter break to do a father and son trip to explore Ecuador together

They share with us the reasons for travelling at this time, what they hope to get out of this trip and what life was like back at home for the last year.

Their words of advice for us is, do your research go travelling but do it safely.

Guest: Brian and Alec Altonen    [email protected] 

Host: Tony Lloyd

Editor: Tony Lloyd

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Location: El Cafecito Hostel Cuenca Ecuador www.cafecito.net 

Questions or comments: [email protected]

Please take a look at our Facebook storieshttps://www.facebook.com/pg/CafecitoTravelTalks/notes/?ref=page_internal

Soundtrack: So Easy Artist: Jahzzar Album: Traveller’s Guide 

Support the show

Connect info:

Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas: 

email: [email protected]

El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador
email: [email protected]

Travel Advisor - Latin America:
WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson

Support the Podcast:

PayPal Donation Link

If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact: 

WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550

New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...