2 a port, resort, and oil-refining center in northwestern Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea; pop. 688,300.
The planning began over the summer as soon as I got my school calendar and knew I had a week off from school at Thanksgiving. We had two major requirements that can frequently contradict each other: We knew we wanted to leave the country and we didn't want to break the bank doing it. After throwing out ideas, consulting The Book (of course), and doing a bit of research we decided on Cartagena. The price was right, it had the Caribbean quality we were looking for, and to anyone we talked to it was practically unknown but we knew it was busy readying itself for our visit.
We spent 4 nights and 5 days exploring the old Walled City, swimming in a mud volcano, lounging on a secluded Caribbean island, and immersing ourselves in the culture dining on authentic meals. It was truly an adventure! And in accordance with what we read prior to our departure- Go now while there is still mystery and serenity to be discovered, before the secret gets out and Cartagena becomes another Caribbean vacation spot inundated with tourism.
The Walled City
Boca Grande
El Reloj
Volcan de Totumo
Fish Soup, Chicken, Coconut Rice, and patacones
Manzanilla del Mar - Local Fishing Village
Castillo de San Felipe
El Convento de la Popa
La Cevicheria- Fish Sandwich
Playa Blanca, Isla Baru
Tierra Bomba
Peruvian Dinner
Don Pedro de Heredia
