¡Hola! Hello! I’m Kate Dana
I’m an international travel blogger, an adult Spanish learner, and the founder of Cocameca. I’m bringing my culture, lifestyle, and travel expertise to inspire you to discover authentic experiences and embrace new adventures.
Table of Contents
In 2012, I sold most of my belongings and set out to live and work abroad. What started as a one-year career change turned into a five-year adventure. Along the way, I learned some incredible lessons and that you can take almost any dream and make it real.
I created this website to share travel information and insider tips with you about four places I have lived and love. These special areas – Colombia, California, México, and Carolina – form the acronym COCAMECA, and inspire my continued journey.
I currently live in Sacramento, California, and road trip often throughout this impressive state. When I’m not blogging or traveling locally, I enjoy riding one of my two vintage Italian scooters and planning new international adventures.
Read about my life as a teacher and traveler in México and Colombia on my 2013-2018 website, La Gringa Costeña
Historia/Past
The Beginning is Everything: Antigua
As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved exploring places, discovering cultures, and celebrating experiences. As a young girl, I lived on the island of Antigua in the British West Indies, where my parents encouraged me to snorkel, swim, and ride horses before age five.
I humorously blame these early years for my living fearlessly and fully present whenever possible!
From the Caribbean to Carolina
After Antigua, I spent my formative years in Charleston, South Carolina. Life in the Lowcountry had its “bless your heart” moments, but growing up in Charleston was fun, enlightening, and ever-changing.
East Coast to West Coast
After many years in the Deep South, I moved along the East Coast to other cities including Atlanta, Georgia, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Fine Art, and Baltimore, Maryland, where I bought my first home.
Dana
In 2003, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of relocating to the West Coast – the land of gnarly surf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and giant redwoods.
In one year, while working full-time, I traveled solo to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Spain, attended multiple scooter rallies, went on dozens of road trips, and enjoyed camping throughout California. Anything is possible!
Mid-2000’s: México
In December 2012, curious to learn a second language and live outside of the United States, I pursued a career in international education. I earned my TEFL certificate from the International Teacher Training Organization, in Guadalajara, México.
In 2012, I moved to México and lived with a wonderful family in Jalisco, where I learned Spanish as an adult muy rapido. It was challenging and hilarious, but, it worked. ¡Éxito de inmersión!
I loved México so much that I stayed after graduation, living and working for a year in Tlaquepaque and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco.
Próxima Parada: Colombia
After Mexico, I found an opportunity to work for a year as a volunteer English Teacher on the coast of Colombia. One year turned into four and, from 2014 to 2018, I lived in Barranquilla and Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast of South America.
In Colombia, I fell in love with the music, food, people, and traditions of Costeño culture. I continued learning Spanish while traveling extensively throughout this gorgeous, biodiverse country, diving into its lush landscape, tourist-friendly cities, and pueblos magícos.
I became an expert at traveling solo throughout Colombia – a skill I now share with readers on Cocameca.
Back in Sacramento
In 2018, I returned to Sacramento, the capital of California, known for its high-temperature summers and central proximity to many great cities. I work as a Communications Specialist, a rewarding, bilingual position rooted in proofreading and translation.
Today, whether I’m backpacking solo through Colombia or seeking out secret spots in the Golden State, I love discovering new places and things to do.
Every adventure is an opportunity to bring my best to the readers of Cocameca!
Disclaimers
Photo Disclaimer
I aim to use real photos from my adventures and travels whenever possible. These photos are copywritten to and by me, Kate Dana, and may only be used with permission.
Occasionally, due to photo quality or other limitations, I use stock photography on posts and pages. If you have any questions about the photography or photographs used, please contact me.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Thank you for checking out my website! I only recommend things I use or have discovered through my experiences and believe will be helpful and practical for readers.
Since I am part of some affiliate programs, posts and pages on this website may contain links to products or services. If you decide to purchase a product using a link from my site, I may earn a small commission from the retailer, at no cost to you, which helps me maintain my website. Thank you!