Cartagena
Hi everyone! We are back, you do not need to worry anymore and you can be sure that we have more to tell you about our travels. Our little break was not planned and nobody knew how long it was going to be (I think we only missed one post, right?) but it was much needed. I don't like to do things when they don't bring me joy and so now we - meaning me and Telchac and my joy - are back! Also, I would like to say a million THANK-YOUs for the million views we have passed. Now, let me get back to the matter on hand - Colombia.
Last five days, the last part of our trip and finally some sunshine and some Vitamin Sea. Medellín and Guatapé weren't that kind when it came to weather and with the clothes that we had packed, we were really looking forward to those unbearable 30+ temperatures - and we weren't disappointed.
We had only planned one short afternoon in Cartagena before moving on to Isla Barú. In other words: check-in, shower, change of clothes and off to explore. We did not have any plan at all, just to wander and relax and eat some good food. However, at first, we needed to "conquer" the not-so-pleasant walk from the hotel. You see, there is an Outer Wall to the city centre which means that you can only enter at certain places - where the gates are. This complicated things a bit because while the Outer Wall was mere 250 meters from the hotel, we had to walk 700 meters to get into the city - soon, we were really not enjoying the 30+ temperature and in fact, we started preferring the shade :D. Moreover, for the first 250 meters, we had no choice but to walk next to the beach with the wind blowing sand everywhere, I even had to stop talking - which is a very rare sight - because I had my mouth full of sand.
Once we got in, it became clear that this was much more touristy than any place in Colombia we had been so far. It also became pretty clear why - Cartagena is so cute (and again, I hate the word) and instagrammable that you might become lost in all its sweetness. All the colourful little houses with the small graffitied streets full of people and little shops with souvenirs. You can spend hours (literally) if you start admiring the graffiti because there are lots of those in Cartagena - and they are all amazing.
Useful tip: If you're looking for something to buy, it's really worth going for a straw bag - there are plenty of shops with so many bags that you cannot choose only one to buy (that's what happened to me) and also there are plenty of street sellers offering headbands and headwraps.
Don't think for a second that we are only talking cute streets here - remember the Outer Wall I mentioned? Well, you can go up and enjoy the view, take some photos or have a drink up there. Of course, it's quite touristy but it's also pretty nice after so much walking. By the way, when it comes to bars and restaurants, Cartagena is ready for you. There are lots of restaurants and cafes offering everything from seafood to pizza. If you decide to skip this part, you can simply go for a popsicle which we strongly recommend (somewhere near Calle 39 x Carrera 8).
After all the walking and long-yearned-for weather we decided to have dinner at the hotel simply because we did not want to go back and forth once again. But no matter where you decide to eat, you must try some aguardiente - or guaro, if you want to sound cool. Depending on your nationality it may or may not be that strong ;).
When we woke up the next day, we did not have any time to explore. We needed to pack, check out and get to Isla Barú. Our last stop in Cartagena was a supermarket where we were supposed to buy all the food we were planning on eating for the next 5 days. After that, we were off! I won't say anything else at the moment but I will be back in three weeks and you can find out everything about that. C U then!
P.S.: In the meantime, check out our IG with some of our favourite shots (not only) from Colombia!