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Published: June 24th 2010
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I had very low expectations for Cartagena because many people told us that the costeños try to rip you off and there isn´t much to do, however, when we arrived Sunday night with a bunch of guys from our last hostel, I was very pleasantly surprised. The city´s colonial architecture and beautiful lighting was so enchanting. I just couldn´t get enough of the 15 ft. wooden doors and the intricately designed balconies and terraces.
We ended up staying at Hostel de la Pirata in the historic center with the group of guys we came with for the first night, and Sim was definitely not happy with the place. Needless to say, it was less than comfortable with stiff beds, one bathroom for the entire hostel and 3 huge dogs growling at you from the top of the stairs when you attempted to go to the kitchen. However, the location was amazing right in the center on town, so I couldn´t complain. After dropping off our things, we got some comida corriente (fast food) of grilled chicken, rice, beans, salad, and tripe soup as a starter all for under $3. I can´t believe I ate tripe soup--not horrible but not particularly
appetizing either. The results of the election were also broadcasted tonight--Santos won, which was not a big surprise because he was supported by Uribe.
Afterwards we met some more french people staying at another hostel and walked the streets of this enchanting city, taking in all the lights, vendors, and music. I couldn´t stop taking pictures because the city has so much character. I was so excited just to be able to walk the streets at night without being on guard since we were with so many guys.
We only expected to stay one night based on what people told us before hand, but after exploring the streets by night, we knew we wanted to stay one more night to really get to know the city. So on Monday we got up early and walked the entire city from the fort walls that surround the city all the way to Las Bóvedas (The Vaults). When the city was first founded in 1533, these vaults were used to keep gun poweder and ammunition, but today they have been converted into a market for artesanías.
We also found a new, more comfortable hostel in the Getsmani neighborhood and
moved our things over there for our second night after leaving a note for the guys to meet us at a terrace party across the street from us. Sim was definitely put at ease when we got settled in our new hostel. I´ve realized that little luxuries are definitely more important to her than they are for me--I have more patience for uncomfortable situations.
After perusing the local vegetable markets and buying up the goods, Sim and I made a massive fresh salad for dinner all for about $2.50. I love buying the local produce and getting to see the real people of Cartagena, rather than just a bunch of foreigners on a tour.
After dinner we popped across the street to Media Luna where they were hosting a terrace party so we could celebrate Simonne´s job offer. I´m so happy for her and now we can both truly enjoy our trip without having to worry about our job situation when we get back. I can´t believe she´s moving to Chicago for it--so exciting! So we definitely had fun celebrating together and running into loads of people that we had met on the trek to the Lost City.
It´s funny how you start to see more and more familiar faces when you´re traveling. We also got to dance some salsa again, which made us both happy, but by then end of the night I got sick of getting hit on by one the guys in our group so Sim and I called it a night when they decided to go to another place. I´m still trying to figure out why latin guys don´t understand the concept of just friendship with a foreign girl. Gr.
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