Unexpected emotional depth in Colombia

I thought I was going to Colombia for beaches, food, and Plaza Botero Medellín. I got all of those things. What I didn't expect was how emotionally affecting the trip would be. The history — particularly around Santa Marta — hit in ways that good travel sometimes does.

incredible coffee region was the moment that crystallised it. Standing there, eating empanadas I'd bought from a street vendor, something clicked about why travel matters. 17 days and I came home genuinely changed. Some places do that to you.