Personal Context & Goals¶

Background and constraints that shape the whole trip — kept here so any planning decision can be checked against why this trip matters, not just logistics.

Where I'm coming from¶

Based in London (Rotherhite). Italian and English citizenship.
Travelling to Colombia for a friend's wedding — see Itinerary for the WIP booked route, and Places to visit for brainstorming.
Flight to Colombia: 18 or 19 August 2026 (hosts recommend arriving before the Thu 20 Welcome Event; wedding Fri 21 at El Retiro de San Juan) — see Wedding · Itinerary · Flights. Working return ~2–4 September (after the UK summer bank holiday on 31 Aug). Trip may stay Colombia-only or continue elsewhere first (Beyond Colombia).

Personality & preferences

Very shy, especially about dancing in public — but motivated to improve. This is the main throughline of the trip; see Dance opportunities.
Historically no emotional connection to South America; interest is growing through music and dancing (Cuban salsa, Cali style).
Used to be religious (Catholic), now openly against it — feels uncomfortable in religious group contexts (e.g. group prayers before meals). This affects how I'm navigating one specific travel group — see Social & messaging.
Dislikes heavy car traffic and chaotic big-city driving, but accepts it's a constraint in South America.
Loves historical sites, but dislikes over-touristed "bucket-list" venues (e.g. Machu Picchu-style staged tourism).

Goals for this trip¶

Feel safe and reasonably organised.
Build an emotional connection to Colombia through dance + nice places, not ticking tourist boxes.
Use the trip as a mini "dance retreat": become more confident dancing in public, especially in Cali salsa style — see Dance opportunities.
See some historic towns and nature (coffee region, Andean/colonial towns, possibly Caribbean coast) — and archaeology if it fits; brainstorm under Places to visit, lock legs on the Itinerary.