IT EARS ROLLED DOWN my face as I sipped on wine in an Emirates flight. I was flying from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro—the 15-hour flight being one of the longest I had ever taken. But that wasn’t why I was crying. I had just had my heartbroken and left it behind. Why was I drinking wine? Because I was celebrating the act of embarking on my life’s most awaited adventure: travelling to an unknown land all by myself.
Colombia wasn’t always my dream destination. In fact, I knew very little about it. That’s exactly why it fit my description of a ‘somewhere unknown’ in a ‘land far, far away’. Just the place for an adventure at 27 years of age. My career was going nowhere exceptional and my love life had just gone down the drain. I decided it was time to reboot my life. So, I headed to Bogotá for a six-month-long ‘Teach English’ programme piloted by the government of Colombia.
When I landed at Bogotá, the airport flummoxed me and I couldn’t find my luggage or guide. I knew not a single word of Spanish. So, I mimed my queries to the airport crew. My bilingual guide, eventually found, held my hand as she took me around the La Candelaria neighbourhood in broken English.
BOGOTÁ
This story is from the March 2022 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2022 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Travel, Leisure, And Everything In Between
Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world
The Sound Luxury
In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.
APPETITE for LIFE
Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.
Silk Route Revival
With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.
Basking in Opulence
Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.
