Our Story
Although a Colombian connection brought them together, Sam and Ale met in the darkest depth of Dalston in September 2018. Despite Ale’s initial shock that she was not bought dinner on the first date (only spicy crackers) they have gone on to form a mega team with their two feline young boys and house in suburban Walthamstow! A love of Killing Mockingbirds and Colombian music bought them together but Sam’s sense of humor and a good understanding of latino time-keeping and Ale’s warm heart and bread baking have kept them together. Intensive lockdown living, moving house and stresses a global pandemic, not to mention cat herding ahead of trips to the vet have only made the initial strong bond even stronger. Let's make it official!!
Colombian Culture
Many of you will have heard Colombia discussed in the context of unsavoury drug lords and guerrilla fighters, exacerbated but recent Narcos series. It's a sad truth that such a spotlight overshadows the many wonderful things and amazing people of the country. Obviously though, as the locals say "no dar papaya" (put yourself in dangerous positions) whilst you focus on the wonders of this country.
Major cultural cornerstones include the writings of Gabriel García Márquez, the flamboyant hair and skills of legendary footballers, the adorable new Disney adventure Encanto, as well as this being one of the most biodiverse and visually spectacular countries in the world with amazing music and culture (not just Shakira!)......oh and a heads up, it's also spelt "ColOmbia" :)
We have recently watched Monos and Birds of Passage films, which are heavy but great films. Also the much acclaimed Embrace Of The Serpent, all of which give an insight of the indigenous community and a great showcase of the cinematic wonders of the country. The Two Escobars is another tragic docu-film of the heroic football captain Andres and the deplorable narco Pablo. If we have one recommendation though, it would be to watch Encanto for a taste of the real Colombia, although don't expect flowers and heavy lifting skills from the Martinez-Rodriguez sisters!
Bienvenidos a Colombia!
Ale
Ale grew up in Bucaramanga but moved away to Bogota to study, where she lived with big (but also pocket sized) sister Lali. Later, little sister Cristi joined the Bogota party. Ale's parents, Norita and Camilo, have also since moved to Bogota and have joined Cristi, husband Alejo and their daughters Adelaida and Antonia and Lali and husband Nacho.
Ale left Colombia in 2015 to study her MA in London and met many lovely friends who have largely since had the sense to leave London, but fortunately will be in attendance. Thankfully Ale had the sticking power to stay put and meet the man of her dreams, which has lead to a discovery of the joys of Tottenham Hotspur, post-rock music, town planning and an ongoing education in the charms of cricket.
We are so pleased that you will get to see some of Colombia and the places and people that helped form Ale and hope you will love it as much as we do.
Sam
Sam first visited Colombia in 2011 to travel with fellow adventurer and now best man, Will Spellman. As well as finding themselves they also found such luminaries as esteemed guest Martin Thomas. Sam later moved back to Colombia to live in Cali in 2013, where he lived and worked as a teacher, giving a loose interpretation of inspiring the youth and salsa dance floors of Cali. Inspiring stories of Colombia perhaps influenced younger sister Hat to embark her own adventure in Colombia too. Many other Londonians have also, lived and holidayed in this country and on occasion, married a local!
It's a great honour for you all to come and join us on the other side of the world and to celebrate with us. Special thanks to Mum & Dad (Sue and Rob) for embarking on their first journey outside of Southwold and big sister Josie and husband Greg for dragging three very challenging children on a long haul trip :)