Guest told us while we were having dinner at Can Cocollona
The dining room at Can Cocollona is a space where stories come to life. It’s the place where travelers from all over the world sit down to share their experiences, and where we, as hosts, have the opportunity to learn and grow through their stories. One of these travelers was Themba, a South African who left an indelible mark on us with his story of self-discovery and commitment to the environment.
The Durban Traveler
Themba, originally from Durban, South Africa, came to Can Cocollona with a particular energy that was hard to ignore. With his dark skin, long dreadlocks, and intense gaze, he not only caught our attention for his appearance, but also for the way he expressed himself. At 40, Themba was at a point in his life where he needed answers. “You get to a certain age and you ask yourself a lot of questions,” he told us while we enjoyed a coffee in the dining room. “I didn’t know how to handle it, until one day the light bulb went off: I had to pack my bags and travel to several destinations from my country to find myself,” he said.
In his quest for self-discovery, Themba decided that his trip would not only be a journey into his inner self, but also a journey that would be respectful of the planet. Hailing from South Africa, a country that has faced serious drought problems, Themba felt the need to do something different. “I’m going to walk, take public transport, use ferries… everything I can to avoid taking a plane, until I’m 100% forced to do so. I want to contribute to reducing my carbon footprint and do my part for the planet,” he told us with a determination that left everyone at the table impressed.
At Can Cocollona, we are used to hosting conscious travelers, but Themba’s story resonated deeply with us. His commitment to responsible tourism and his desire to reduce the environmental impact of his trip were inspiring. She reminded us of the importance of the #SlowTravel philosophy, a way of travelling that not only allows us to discover the world in a more authentic way, but also respects the environment and local communities.
The dining room at Can Cocollona
Our small vintage dining room has then been a space to reflect on our own lives through the stories of others. It is not uncommon for one story to inspire another, as happened with Emilia, a 55-year-old Brazilian woman who was also on a journey of self-discovery. Emilia left her life in Brazil behind, sold all her material possessions and decided to move to Thailand to volunteer. “I want to avoid the plane as much as possible, but I also have to listen to my body. These days of activity have made me realise that moving can be exhausting, especially at my age,” Emilia told us, sharing her own version of what it means to travel responsibly.
Our refuge welcomes all travellers
The stories of travellers like Themba and Emilia are what inspire us every day to continue promoting sustainable tourism in Girona. Can Cocollona is not just a place to rest, it is a space where an ecological conscience is cultivated and where each guest is encouraged to consider the impact of their travel decisions. We believe that every trip is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world, and we are committed to being part of that transformation.
The next time you think about embarking on a trip, remember Themba and Emilia. Think about how you can travel in a more conscious and environmentally friendly way. Girona, with its rich history and natural beauty, is the perfect place for a sustainable and meaningful travel experience. And at Can Cocollona, we will always be here to welcome you and accompany you on your own responsible adventure.
Keywords: Can Cocollona, responsible tourism, conscious travel, Slow Travel, sustainable Girona, Durban, South Africa, carbon footprint, sustainable tourism, self-discovery, responsible travel.