My trip to Colombia was a visit to the coastal town of Cartagena, official name: Cartagena de Indias. Here, is where I reminded myself how fun it was to swim, by snorkeling for the first time. It was also where I purchased my beloved coin-purse, that is proudly featured in my banner, alongside a half-eaten empanada, and another local pastry favorite…Sometimes you just have to capture the moment!
I guess there were a couple other firsts, as well -- my first whole fish that I was shown how to eat, and my first time taking a motorcycle taxi! Sometimes you have to leave the country to do everyday things!
Cartagena is an old colonial town that the Spaniards settled and fortified (built a fortress), back in the days of yore. So if you like to visit colonial towns for their old-world charm & narrow streets, and visit fortresses, then this is a good place to visit. But it caters to more than just history and architecture enthusiasts, there are also water excursions that you can do, and plenty of fresh seafood for you to enjoy! |
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Why Colombia?
I was already interested in Colombia, but hadn't really seen or heard any positive PR for it, until I was working in Mexico when I saw a "Visit Colombia" commercial. Of course, I had never seen this commercial in the US, so I was intrigued. The commercial was bright and colorful, and in a quick 20-30 seconds, seemed to feature the different cultural aspects of Colombia. After seeing this very effective commercial, I did some research and decided that it would be the next Latin American country that I would visit. Sometimes all it takes is a well-placed ad to inspire your next adventure! During my visit to Cartagena, I enjoyed the food, by taking advantage of the fresh fish at my disposal, brushed-up on my Spanish, and did a snorkel excursion… twice! Given the short time I was there, I had a very fun and memorable experience! |
Activities
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Snorkel
I wanted to take advantage of being in a coastal town, and once I went snorkeling the first time, I decided I wanted to do it again a couple days later. After all, I figured it would be a while before I would have easy access to warm, clear, tropical waters! When planning the trip, I wasn't aware that there would be the option to do a snorkel excursion, I don't think I had really considered the activity, since it had been years since I had been swimming, and never really in an ocean. But when I arrived, and explored my water-tour options, and discovered they all included snorkeling, I figured I'd give it a go! How would that have been, sitting in the boat, while everyone else was enjoying the sea? Not very fun! (Especially sine there was no unusual safety risk.) At the tourist area by the docks is where all the tour providers solicit your business. They all offer the same options, for generally the same price. |
Fortress Visit
Prior to arriving in Cartagena, I knew I wanted to visit the the fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas because I had seen an informative internet video, and it looked interesting to attempt to venture down into the dark tunnels of the fortress. I went down the entry-steps, but since I had no flashlight, didn't venture much further! The fortress is very impressive with great views, and vantage points for nice photos. Fortunately, I bumped into a fellow tourist, and we partnered up for chit-chat, and photos.
Language Lessons
As with previous trips, and as discussed in "How to Can I Start?", I used a language school for my lodging accommodations. I purchased some language lessons, in conjunction with the homestay with a host family. It was a very nice accommodation that included a private room and bathroom, with easy access to the tourist center / colonial part of town. The language lessons were very helpful, and my instructor was very informative about recent history in Colombia. I took only a couple lessons at the beginning of my stay, and that was sufficient for me to enjoy myself, and interact with the locals!
Prior to arriving in Cartagena, I knew I wanted to visit the the fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas because I had seen an informative internet video, and it looked interesting to attempt to venture down into the dark tunnels of the fortress. I went down the entry-steps, but since I had no flashlight, didn't venture much further! The fortress is very impressive with great views, and vantage points for nice photos. Fortunately, I bumped into a fellow tourist, and we partnered up for chit-chat, and photos.
Language Lessons
As with previous trips, and as discussed in "How to Can I Start?", I used a language school for my lodging accommodations. I purchased some language lessons, in conjunction with the homestay with a host family. It was a very nice accommodation that included a private room and bathroom, with easy access to the tourist center / colonial part of town. The language lessons were very helpful, and my instructor was very informative about recent history in Colombia. I took only a couple lessons at the beginning of my stay, and that was sufficient for me to enjoy myself, and interact with the locals!
¡Espero Volver!
I enjoyed Cartagena, Colombia, very much -- the climate was just my preference, and it was easy to make friends, and get around. I hope to one day return to Cartagena, and explore more of what the rest of Colombia has to offer!
I enjoyed Cartagena, Colombia, very much -- the climate was just my preference, and it was easy to make friends, and get around. I hope to one day return to Cartagena, and explore more of what the rest of Colombia has to offer!
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