Succumbing to the Sexy Sultry Seductress, Cartagena
Walking out of the airport we were greeted with the familiar taste of steamy humidity. Unlike that of Central America, more akin to the panhandle of Florida, which so happens to be our old stomping grounds. There is a sweetness in nostalgia, but its extent was only the high temperatures and equally high humidity level. Within minutes of our arrival we were staring at each other, Cartagena had already seduced us with her hot sexy curves and sumptuous soul.
What We Did
Casa Abril II
Everyone seems to stay in Getsemani but we had a strong desire for the old city center, booking Casa Abril II, a little 7 room place bordering the San Diego neighborhood. We just happened to be arriving in Cartagena days before the Pope's visit, we were slightly concerned about how many people might be attending. Like our place, quaint and tranquil, so were the events surrounding the Pope. Our love of El Centro, and our great little location, had us extending our stay even before we retrieved the van from the port authorities. In total, we spent 12 nights in Cartagena for a little over $46 each.
El Centro, Cartagena
We spent our days wandering the streets, drinking cappuccinos, basking in the morning sun, hiding in our room from the midday heat, and venturing out each late afternoon for an iced coffee and culinary treat. Several evenings we dined out with Matty & Ingrid, celebrating our successful shipping of the Darien Gap and their wedding anniversary, splitting a carriage ride one night which was wonderful ($20). The old city is absolutely captivating, from her relentless street vendors to her high end designer stores.
Getsemani Street Art
Most of our time was spent in the city center but we did manage to visit the neighborhood of Getsemani a couple of times. The different street art was fascinating, something we couldn't resist photographing. While we prefer El Centro, it was fun to explore the forever up and coming Getsemani.
Inquisition Museum
Not all history is grand, actually, what history is? For a little over $6.50 each, we couldn't resist learning more about how wonderful spreading the gospel has been for the rest of the world. We're not sure it was worth visiting as the inquisition exhibit was really small.
Gold Museum
Who doesn't like gold, especially when it's free...well visiting the Gold Museum was. Another horrific side of history with a fascinating glimpse into the ancient peoples of Colombia. We really enjoyed perusing the artifacts and learning about the atrocities, we're not sickos, just a couple of people that prefer to have knowledge of the past. The real gold was reading the descriptions and explanations instead of just ogling over the shiny objects.
Castillo San Felipe
We like old things and we cannot lie, Sir-Mix-A-Lot can't deny...how badly we bastardized that song. Wandering around centuries old structures, regardless of their history, has always been one of our favorite things. Even though the temperature was approaching 100 and we arrived to bus loads of Western tourists, we had a great time exploring Castillo San Felipe ($17 for the two of us). We were surprised by how many older people were visiting with how hot is was, unfortunately an ambulance was called to usher one of them away. We visited first thing, meaning: some days are hotter than others, some days are hotter than others, some day's temperatures are hotter than other day's temperatures...sorry Morrissey.
Where are we now
Look Rock, TN
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