From Cali to Connecticut: A Colombian's Journey of Exploring Cultures and Capturing Memories

Traveling to different countries is always an interesting prospect, as it allows you to experience new cultures, foods, and lifestyles. Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Juliana Lopez, a native of Cali, Colombia who now resides in Connecticut, United States.

Juliana's story begins with a vivid description of her homeland, Colombia, a country full of life and energy. With over 52 million people, Colombia is a place of great diversity, with different foods, languages, and cultures. For example, did you know that Colombia has 12 native languages, besides their official language Spanish?

As a child, Juliana's life in Colombia was joyful and full of happiness. She spent her time playing with friends in the streets and parks, playing soccer, basketball, and a game called lleva. And when she wasn't playing, Juliana's parents always had delicious food on the table, including plantains, chicken, beef, and Sancocho, a typical soup from her city. This soup was a medley of flavors, with plantains, yucca, and chimarrón, which is difficult to describe in English. But trust us, it's delicious!

Juliana's love of music and dancing was also a significant part of her childhood. Salsa is the heartbeat of her city, and it's impossible to visit without feeling its rhythm. Juliana was not just a dancer but also a teacher, and her passion for salsa continues to this day. She speaks also of Vallenato, which is a traditional music genre of Colombia. It is popular in the country's Caribbean region, particularly in the departments of Sucre, Córdoba, and Atlántico. The music is a mixture of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. It is typically played on a four-stringed accordion. Juliana describes it as very romantic, but also very suited for parties. Colombia is known for its many musical traditions, blending Indigenous, African, and European rhythms and sounds together. Known as the land of a thousand rhythms, Colombia has musical genres as diverse as its geography and climate. For example, the country touches the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, while the Caribbean side has a completely different accent and the music played is Vallenato, however, on the Pacific side they play more Marimba. Colombia's culture is full of different music and instruments, you can say they are a very cheerful country.

Her love for exploring other cultures and lifestyles led Juliana to become a traveler and she ultimately decided to move to the United States. As a teenager, she contemplated her future, unsure of what it held. After studying journalism in college, she worked at a local channel where she found herself uncomfortable with the emphasis on physical appearance over quality journalism. So, when she visited the United States for a wedding, she met her future husband and decided to start her family there. Although she missed her home, Juliana found the new lifestyle, food, and traditions of Connecticut to be fascinating. The snow was a particular highlight, something she had never seen much of in Colombia.

In Colombia, Juliana was raised with the expectation that success meant following a traditional path of education and career. But here in the United States, she has discovered a world of endless possibilities. No longer limited by societal pressures, she has been able to explore her passions and pursue her dreams.

But beyond just the promise of success, the United States offers something even more valuable: diversity. In Colombia, Juliana was surrounded by people who looked and thought just like her. But here, she has been able to immerse herself in a melting pot of cultures and languages. She has made friends with people from all over the world, and in doing so, has gained a new appreciation for the beauty of our differences.

Most importantly, Juliana has the freedom to provide her children with a future of infinite opportunities. They can choose to pursue any career, explore any passion, and be whoever they want to be.

Of course, moving to a new country came with its own challenges, such as being away from her family during holidays. In Colombia, the December fair was an essential part of the holiday season, but in the United States, it was more about family time on Christmas day. Another challenge was the food, which was not as healthy as she would have liked, especially for her children.

Despite the challenges, Juliana's positive experiences have been many. She cherishes her family, her husband, and her children, who have taught her so much about life. She has also gained a new perspective on the world, learning more about different cultures and traditions.

Today she has embarked on a new journey as a photographer in the United States. Juliana's interest in photography was piqued when she became a mom and wanted to capture special moments of her baby. Her passion grew, and her husband saw her potential, so he gifted her with her first camera.

Starting out, Juliana faced challenges with the language barrier. As a Spanish speaker, it was difficult to navigate English-only camera settings and communicate with clients who only spoke English. However, with time, she learned to adapt and now offers her services in both languages, which has become one of her unique selling points.

Juliana's favorite part of being a photographer is capturing those special moments that people want to remember forever. She enjoys photographing portraits and products, and although she's open to event photography, it's not her specialty. Juliana takes pride in her ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during shoots, allowing her clients to feel at ease and capture their best selves.

Looking ahead, Juliana hopes to expand her business by renting a studio space and helping other aspiring photographers get a foot in the door. She knows firsthand how challenging it can be to start a photography business, and she wants to pay it forward by providing mentorship and a space to learn and grow. Juliana is determined to continue improving her skills and creating beautiful and meaningful photographs for her clients, and she's excited about what the future holds.

In conclusion, Juliana's story is one of courage, resilience, and determination. She has successfully navigated two very different worlds, embracing the best of both while staying true to herself. Her love of music, dancing, and delicious food has transcended borders, bringing a piece of Colombia to Connecticut. So, to anyone who is contemplating a move to a new country, Juliana's advice is simple: embrace the challenge, learn from the experience, and always keep your roots firmly planted.

If you want to learn more about Juliana's story, you can follow her on Instagram @wownovaphotography or check out her website: website: www.wownovaphotography.com