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Google map:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pt-PT&geocode=&q=cartagena+colombia&sll=6.326218,-76.096802&sspn=2.685936,5.603027&ie=UTF8&ll=10.45135,-75.787811&spn=1.328876,2.801514&z=9
The outskirts are really vast, contrasting high-end hotels in modern high-buildings closer to the water, with typical and uncharacteristic Latin American one-storey constructions elsewhere.
Yes, the city centre is touristy, but it’s what is really charming about this place. As to tourist presence, I’ve seen worse elsewhere. Even if, I’ve to say, I haven’t missed at all those crowds of British men wanting nothing else from their “one week trip in Colombia” but to stay the all time in the same hostel, in the same place, just getting drunk.
Where have I seen this before? Hum…
P.S.1: Man, South America is indeed a big place, or perhaps it’s Central America that it’s really small. Distances are a completely different ball game here – 13h bus ride from Medellín to Cartagena. Massive – really massive – and beautiful Andes landscape. Small and poor little villages. Frequent military road blocks, for increased safety. 13 long and sleepy hours…
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pt-PT&geocode=&q=cartagena+colombia&sll=6.326218,-76.096802&sspn=2.685936,5.603027&ie=UTF8&ll=10.45135,-75.787811&spn=1.328876,2.801514&z=9
The outskirts are really vast, contrasting high-end hotels in modern high-buildings closer to the water, with typical and uncharacteristic Latin American one-storey constructions elsewhere.
Yes, the city centre is touristy, but it’s what is really charming about this place. As to tourist presence, I’ve seen worse elsewhere. Even if, I’ve to say, I haven’t missed at all those crowds of British men wanting nothing else from their “one week trip in Colombia” but to stay the all time in the same hostel, in the same place, just getting drunk.
Where have I seen this before? Hum…
P.S.1: Man, South America is indeed a big place, or perhaps it’s Central America that it’s really small. Distances are a completely different ball game here – 13h bus ride from Medellín to Cartagena. Massive – really massive – and beautiful Andes landscape. Small and poor little villages. Frequent military road blocks, for increased safety. 13 long and sleepy hours…
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P.S.2: Very nice Colombian open-air movie showing at Cartagena’s University. Tip: for interesting happenings, well away from the crowds, trash the guidebook, drop at the local university and find out what’s going on… As to the movie, “Los niños invisibles”, narrates the story of three kids who, in a small rural village in the 1940s, embark in witchmen’s adventure to become invisible and spy the girl of their dreams. Not being seen by those around you doesn’t turn out to be as fun as anticipated, and that thought can somehow hit home when you’re travelling alone: there are moments when you feel like you’re invisible to everything and everyone. And that is not always as fun as you wish it would be…
Nice hostel - plain room, but a swimming pool (a blessing in such a hot and humid place!), cared-for design, kitchen for guests' use, wi-fi internet and pleasant terrace. All for $9 per night. The secret: go for places called "Art hostel" and get them in their month of opening... Ah! And dump the guidebook (once again) and look for expats' local publications...
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