From the Ring of Kerry to the streets of Medellín: Why I travel for community, not checklists

By Sheyla Paz | July 2026
The Journey Between Places
Stories about the people, moments, and communities that shape the way we travel.
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Killarney became our home for several days as we explored Ireland’s breathtaking Ring of Kerry.  Unlike the oversized coach tours that seem determined to race from one viewpoint to the next, we embraced a slower rhythm—one that allowed us to experience Ireland rather than check it off a list.

One of the most memorable moments came at a family-owned sheep farm tucked into the rolling green hills of County Kerry.

Comuna 13, Medellín. The mural says “Vibra en Alta” - vibrate high. This is the kind of community art we’ll experience together. Photo credit: Impulse Travel.

Standing quietly along the fence, we watched a shepherd work in perfect harmony with his Border Collie.  With nothing more than a series of whistles, the dog instinctively gathered the flock, turning left, turning right, stopping on command, and guiding every sheep exactly where it needed to go.  It was a remarkable display of trust built over years, not minutes.

Afterward, we cuddled energetic sheepdog puppies destined to become future working dogs and met newborn lambs resting peacefully beside their mothers.  It wasn’t an attraction created for tourists.  It was simply life in rural Ireland, and we had been invited to witness it.

As we continued around the Ring of Kerry, cyclists wound their way along the narrow roads ahead of us, naturally slowing our pace.  Instead of feeling delayed, we found ourselves appreciating every curve, every stone wall, every emerald hillside unfolding outside our windows.

Some of the day’s best moments weren’t planned at all.
We paused at Ladies View because the light was too beautiful to pass by.  We lingered over lunch at The Moorings, a welcoming restaurant in a village where large tour buses rarely stop.  There wasn’t one headline attraction that made the day unforgettable.

It was the luxury of having time.
Time to notice.
Time to listen.
Time to connect.
That’s the kind of travel I believe in.

And it’s exactly why I’m so excited to return to Colombia in February 2027.
Because the journey we’re creating isn’t about collecting famous landmarks; it’s about meeting the people who give those places their soul.

In Medellín, we’ll step into a neighborhood dance studio where locals perfect their salsa before heading out for the evening.  I’ve danced salsa for years, but Colombian style has its own rhythm and character.  Our instructor will patiently guide us through every step, sharing not only the technique but also the culture and history behind the music.

We’ll enjoy lunch in Comuna 13 at a restaurant where food has become a catalyst for opportunity.  Every recipe carries generations of family tradition, and every meal supports programs that continue transforming the neighborhood through art and education.  You’ll leave with more than a full stomach—you’ll leave with a story.

In Cali, the world’s salsa capital, we’ll meet the musicians before the performance begins.  You’ll hear the instruments warming up, learn about the rhythms that define Colombian salsa, and experience the music long before the curtain rises.

Then, in Cartagena, instead of wandering through rows of souvenir shops, we’ll spend time with women artisans whose handcrafted mochila bags help provide for their families.  These aren’t anonymous vendors.  They’re talented women with names, stories, and generations of craftsmanship woven into every piece they create.

Behind the scenes, my trusted partners at Impulse Travel handle every logistical detail—from hotels and transportation to local permits and operations.

My role is different.
I’ll be there with you, introducing you to the people who have welcomed me into their communities and sharing the relationships that transform a vacation into something deeply personal.

Because that’s the difference between taking a tour and becoming part of a community.
Ireland gave me a brilliant sheepdog named Jess, warm brown bread shared over lunch, and a handcrafted wool headband that still reminds me of County Kerry.

Colombia will give you a salsa instructor counting in Spanish, a chef whose kitchen nourishes her neighborhood, and an artisan who proudly signs the piece she created with her own hands.

Those are the moments you’ll remember long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

Because the best journeys aren’t measured by how many places you visit.

They’re measured by the people who change you along the way.

Should this style of travel speak to you, I’d be honored to share Colombia with you.

I’m currently finalizing my intimate February 2027 Colombia Journey, with participation intentionally limited to just 10 travelers to preserve the authentic connections that make this experience so meaningful.
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