Everybody says that we should visit Cartagena because it is such a beautiful resort and beach town but we really have no appreciation for either resorts or beaches and had no plans to go to Cartagena. We made a somewhat last minute decision to go when we learned that our UK friends Paul and Sigi were on a cruise from San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale and had a six hour stopover in Cartagena after going through the Panama Canal.
On January 13 we departed Medellin on a direct flight to Cartagena.Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestoned streets and colorful colonial buildings. With a tropical climate, the city is also a popular beach destination.I guess all Americas truly does run on Dunkin. This one is in the Medellin Airport in South America.While in the Medellin Airport lounge Jim poured himself a drink from this bottle. We had never seen it before.Apparently in 1985 Absolut Vodka contracted Warhol to create a painting of the bright blue bottle but its whereabouts remained unknown and its existence lapsed into legend until the gem surfaced at an auction in 2020. Absolut is now honoring Warhol’s legacy with this new 2024 limited edition bottle as a way for consumers to have a piece of his art in their homes. Now we need to get one for $26.99. Look for it in your local liquor stores if it interests you.First views of Cartagena from plane.Hot, Hot, Hot and hazy. Steamy you might say.Colombia mines and produces the most emeralds for the global market, as well as the most desirable. It is estimated that Colombia accounts for 70-90% of the world’s emerald market. Sandy considered buying one but it is a fragile gemstone and can shatter easily so she did not get one. We encountered these native women dancing in the square on the way to our hotel.After some research of AirBNB vs Hotel Jim decided it would be nicer and cheaper to stay at a hotel. He chose the boutique Ananda Hotel located in the walled Old city.Upon arrival we were met at the door where they promptly relieved us of our luggage and sat us down in comfortable chairs as they checked us in. We were then escorted to our room where a waiter welcomed us at the door to our room with a delicious limeade and mint drink that really hit the spot.Comfortable king size bed in our suite.Beautiful bath with soaking tub and separate shower room and toilet.Some bird sightings on our private deck. A dove and a Vulture.Hotel pool.Soon after checking in we went out to explore this wonderful Old Town with colorful colonial buildings. Sandy thought it was very Havana-like although she has never been to Cuba.Most of the buildings had wooden balconies overlooking the street.Jim booked us for dinner the first night at Alquímico which is ranked #8 of the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024. Each of its three floors is packed every night and serves its own different cocktails and food menu. It operates out of a cherished 100 year old 19th century mansion in Cartagena’s Old Town.The next day around noon our friends Sigi and Paul from London arrived at our hotel to pick us up to join them for a guided city tour of Cartagena. We were all so happy to see each other again.We drove in a small tour bus to Gethsemani. Two decades ago this area of Cartagena was a ghetto but a big revival by its inhabitants has turned it into the artistic epicenter of the Caribbean.Our guide explained that this hip barrio centers on Holy Trinity Square aka Plaza de la Trinidad where locals gather to drink beer, listen to street music, dance and snack on food from local stalls.Statues of Colombian independence activists, a Franciscan priest and a local craftsman. Gethsemane was the cradle of independence for Colombia.This is one of the oldest buildings in Gethsemane which was founded June 1 1533. Forbes magazine named it one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.An antique car parade came through as we were in the main square. Sandy’s Dad had this chevy in this color but it was not a convertible.These old cars driving through made the city seem even more like the Havana that we imagine.This is called the wide alley which is one of the most colorful and crowded passageways. The people who live on the street actually open their doors and set up bars in their living rooms and front steps for the tourists and locals despite not having a license to do this. So many of them participate that the authorities now just ignore it. We really enjoyed walking all the narrow and colorful alleyways of shops and homes. This is called the narrow alley.The Spanish spelling of The Garden Of Gethsemane.Lovely colors everywhere you look.This parrot wasn’t the least bit interested in roosting on our guides hand.The street art here was absolutely amazing.
We stopped for some liquid refreshments and enjoyed hearing jazz from this saxophonist. Click on the video to listen to him. He was from Arkansas.The gentleman at the end of the table was Gordon from Sydney Australia who Sigi and Paul befriended on their cruise. He was the only other member of our tour.Our guide took us through this interesting French style park that was once the site of a municipal slaughterhouse and an indigenous settlement.Today it is a meeting and recreation place where you can enjoy nature and observe animal species such as this sloth hanging on a tree branch.Portal De Los Dulces is an arcade walkway full of confectionary stands selling local sweets.Peregrinos de esperanza Cathedral Translates to Pilgrim of Hope.Old city wall contrasts with the new area of Cartagena high rise buildings.So so many sombreros to choose from.
Saw this by the Cathedral on our walk to dinner not sure what it was all about.It seemed to be some kind of photo shoot.A statue of Pope John Paul II who visited in 1986.We have a Red Sox fan in Cartagena.
We took this video because of the music which was beautiful. Sandy did feel guilty though as it is not acceptable to film in a church during a service.Yes this was real fruit in a basket on her head. They pose for tourists in exchange for $1 USD.Adios Cartagena. We loved you but you were way too hot and steamy for us.
What a fun two days in a different city of Colombia. Getting to see Paul and Sigi was worth all of the time and expense as they are very dear friends and they have done so much for us over the seven years that we have known them now. Friends are the most important asset that we have accrued over our many years of life. They are precious gifts that we treasure so for those of you who are reading this right now, thank you for being part of our life and following this retirement adventure. We love you all dearly.♥️
Hello dear ones…..absolutely loved this introduction to Cartegena and especially to see our dear friends Sigi and Paul….I am so jealous!!
What a colorful city!!!
Great blog , Sandy and Jim. We were so happy and honoured that you took time out to meet us in stunning old town Cartegena. We would have loved to spend more time there with you , ; that’s a ‚down ‚side of cruises – too little time at each port.
It was good that our guide was happy for us to catch up over a cocktail and a coffee (although the coffee wasn’t quite what you expected Sandy!)
It truly is a beautiful place .
We look forward to your Panama experience !
With our love , dear friends
Paul & Sigi
You two have to be the most interesting people I know. What a fabulous retirement. Enjoyed all the pictures and captions. Thank you for taking me with you on your adventures. Continued safe fun!!!
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