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John and Mandi

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Succumbing to the Sexy Sultry Seductress, Cartagena

Oct 11, 2017
by John

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. Casa Abril II, San Diego, Cartagena

Much more spacious than the van

Casa Abril II, San Diego, Cartagena

We could live like this forever

Casa Abril II, San Diego, Cartagena

No need to shout from these rooftops

Casa Abril II, San Diego, Cartagena

Who doesn't grow bananas in their courtyard?

Casa Abril II, San Diego, Cartagena

Howdy neighbor (for reals!)

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.

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Getting close to hot-thirty

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

When a man hikes up his skirt, shit's about to get real

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Yes, we can get ice cream

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

And we complain about being stuck in traffic

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Pepto-tastic

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Spiff it up, La Papa will be here tomorrow

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Everybody's peddling something

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

If Gringotts wasn't wonky

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Why my face is so round

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

She's got the pineapples I'm talking about

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Central squared

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Trump can only wish

El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Misfits in crime

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.

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Beaming like our hearts

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

There's a bird splattered on the wall

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Betty boobalicious

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

You got that right sister

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Before the tear drop, was the anchor

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Who be trippin

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Jabba's alive and well

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Got me

Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Taking it one step further than Nat Geo

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.

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Opulence is unbecoming

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

We don't confess, shit, wait a second

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Yeah, it makes your neck look funny

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Like that's ever helped

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

At least it will be quick

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Don't take the free blankets

Inquisition Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Which one is civilized?

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.

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Take not, a lesson they didn't learn

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

I will sparkle like a wealthy woman's neck

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Yoda with lip rings is even more badass

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Falic Phrogs

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

E.T. was here centuries ago

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Creepy little finger puppet masks

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

It must be cold in there

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

The unsuccessful, cock cap

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Quick, dump it in your purse

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Jingle bells, nothing to do with Christmas

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

Why are they all acting like I have a gun

Gold Museum, Cartagena, Colombia

So, trash wasn't everywhere until you came along

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.

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Hot and moldy

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Flying buttress

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Droppin 10 pounders all day long

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Again, close enough

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Me thinks they stole this design from the Mayans

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

It also survived a shelling

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

What's the worst that can happen

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

But we don't eat bread

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Tunnel vision

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Gringa from the deep

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

The architect obviously tried to work in every angle imaginable

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

Clearly it's polish

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

If you look hard enough you'll see the Virgin Mary

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

What, no soccer goals

Castillo San Felipe, Cartagena, Colombia

La cucaracha


Navigating by 'Colombia' tag - Navigate by Date
Say what? (6)
Oct 11, 2017 at 04:12 PM
Stunning stunning stunning
Oct 11, 2017 at 04:18 PM
Thanks Rhonda. She's so sexy you just can't take a bad photo. If it wasn't so hot we might not own a van anymore ; )
Oct 11, 2017 at 07:07 PM
Just have to say, I had some good chuckles with your photo captions. Keep it up. LOL
Oct 12, 2017 at 01:43 AM
Looks really like a great city you enjoyed. Thanks for the nice report. Take care. Claude
Sandy from San Diego
Oct 12, 2017 at 08:36 AM
Your photos (and captions) continue to be amazing.
Oct 12, 2017 at 10:25 AM
Thanks Dennis, Claude-Alain, and Sandy for your kind remarks. Colombia is wonderful so we'll keep on sharing.
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