Advertisement
Published: February 4th 2010
Edit Blog Post
Cartagena
Sitting on a jetti in the ocean I really love Colombia. The first time I went here in 2001, I spent a month in Medellin, but this trip decided to travel around the country. I had a friend who grew up here so I stayed with him and his family. I understand many people think Colombia is dangerous and stay away from this great country, but as long as you take precautions and understand what not to do, the trip is not as dangerous as it seems. It helped that I knew someone to show me around also.
Medellin is a great city, smaller then Bogota and situated in the valley of a mountain. It was home to the infamous Pablo Escobar and his house is still there today. The street food is great in here. Clean and fresh, arepas are a diet staple. I like them with butter and salt, but they make them with eggs, ham and cheese too.
Aguadiente is the common alcohol and way too strong for me. It taste like a mix between vodka and Jagermeister. Not really good to me. But if you want to party there are many clubs and bars and chivas. Chivas are party buses that drive
around the streets. They are loud and a fun way to party around with your friends.
In the square is a beautiful cathedral surrounded by food stalls and bars. This is where most people hang out.
After my stay in Medellin, I traveled by car to Bogota. We went here to stay at my friend's mom's place. She worked in Bogota so she had an apartment in the middle of the city. I thought Bogota was great. It's high in the mountains so it gets cold at night and you need a sweater. The have a great big mall and movie theater there, great clubs and bars and restaurants. My favorite food was the hot dog completo. This is a hot dog with EVERYTHING! including potato chips.
A funny story about loose laws in the city- as we were driving to the row of clubs, notice the word driving, there were many vendors and promoters of new alcohols giving people shots of new drinks as the drove by.
I didn't feel unsafe in the city at any time but there are some dangers and things to avoid, like in most cites. One thing- if driving around
Island Home
Island home off of the Cartagena coast at night most people don't stop at red lights. If the streets are empty, just a quick look before you continue is all that is needed. This is because robberies and car jackings can take place when you stop your car at night. Also, while I was there I didn't speak much English in places I didn't know. It's better if not everyone around knows you're a tourist. This was advice given to me by the people who live there.
When I was in the city I looked up a puppy breeder and got my cute little pug, Chachita! She was sooo little. I got her at about 1 month old. I don't think in the states they can sell them so little.
After visiting the city, it was time for some sun and sea! We drove out to Cartagena by bus. This trip takes you through the jungles of Colombia and is not recommended if you are traveling alone. I had no problems but again didn't speak any English on the bus or outside the bus. I actually didn't speak at all because of my American accent when I speak Spanish (maybe I'm a little paranoid). It
Paradise
Island off of Cartagena coast was definitely a pretty drive there and after about six hours we arrived in a beach paradise.
Cartagena was beautiful. It is becoming more touristy and much safer. The beaches are clean and full of fun, nice people. There are many fun bars, restaurants and great street food.
We took a boat ride out about half an hour to stay on one of the small islands in the ocean past the main part of the Rosario Islands. It was family owned and we stayed in a small room next to the house.
The island was beautiful and primitive and we ate what we and the hostess caught.
Most people out there live on their own, separate little islands and row to each others houses. We went to the main island that just recently (in 2001) got a power generator and was having a big party, playing music and eating great food. It was a very cool experience.
Cartagena not only offers a beach scene but they have a lot of interesting museums and old Spanish charm and architecture.
Some things not to miss- Castillo De San Felipe de Barajas, is a large fortress build on
the harbor in the 17th century, strategically placed to defend for ship or pirate attacks. Also not to miss, the Museo del Oro y Arqueologia, opposite the Palace of the Inquisition. When I was there, there was a man with a sloth and you can take pictures with it.
I recommend anyone going to Cartagena. It is safe, has a lot to offer and has come a long way in appealing to many travelers around the world.
I write more about my travels to museums and art around the world and have many travel pictures at my site-- www.MuseumChick.com ( http://www.museumchick.com/ )
Advertisement
Tot: 0.242s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 8; qc: 53; dbt: 0.0563s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Danie
non-member comment
Question about the bus
I love your blog entry Danee! I'm going to Bogota in a couple of weeks with my boyfriend and I was wondering if you have any insights into riding the bus from there to Cartagena? I know you said you just didn't speak on the bus as a safety precaution, but it will be obvious we aren't from there (he has bright red hair). I was just wondering if you thought doing the bus trip together would be alright from your experiences? Thanks for the great post!