What my sabbatical taught me: Snapshot #4

Since 2012, I’ve worked with many design and technology teams based in Colombia. I always found my Colombian co-workers to be friendly and fun, leading me to want to visit the country. I didn’t have the chance to visit until February 2023, 11 years later, and I’m so glad I did. My time in Medellin and Santa Marta was rich with community from former colleagues becoming friends to meeting other travelers and exploring together to the many opportunities to dance.

Medellin is full of salsa and bachata dance classes and parties. One of my favorite moments from the trip was a Friday night when my new friend and I went in search of salsa dancing. The original spot we were going to wouldn’t be open for a few more hours, but across the street an impromptu, multi-generational crew of folks was singing and dancing. We were immediately embraced and invited to dance, creating one of the most fun dancing experiences I’ve had in my life. While I love any form of dancing, sometimes partner dancing contexts are anxiety provoking. Will someone ask me to dance? Should I ask someone to dance? What if I can’t dance well? This group melted any anxiety though with their jovial and welcoming energy. My time in Colombia was a sweet reminder that our journeys are richer when surrounded by the right community.