Cartagena

Welcome to romancing the stone meets hot summer nights if you are moved by dancing salsa in the late hours of the night or finding a rocking band in one of the plazas you might have just entered Cartagena. A place filled with wild nights, mystic energy, and firery passion with a mix of Afican, Indian and Spanish culture to add to the excitiment. Do not forget your dancing shoes if you visit Cartagena. A town with rich history you might want to think back to a time when fortresses defended the area from piarates and invadors, drug loads vacationed in their mega wealthy casas and sailed in their lavish yahats, and romance filled the air as the horse drawn carriages click and clack through the copple storne streets.

I love getting lost in the walled city dreaming of a time where I might be trapped in while the bad guys are hiding out.

Cartagena was a major trading port for just about everything from precious metals to slaves. Cartagena and Veracurz (Mexico) were the only cities authorized to trade with black people.

Getsemaní neighborhood

This is one of the most representative neighborhoods in Cartagena. African people brought as slaves in the past lived in this neighborhood. The most prominent place is Parque Centenario (Centenary Park), built in 1911 to commemorate a century of independence. Inside there are interesting monuments and one dedicated to the military. Parque Centenario also serves as a local police station and perfect for mid-afternoon people watching. Over the years, the park has acquired, through various means, a sloth, two gila monsters and a few monkeys. Cartagena's Convention Center, Third Order Church and San Francisco Cloister are all located in the area. The Old City has the same architectural styles as the area surrounded by The Walls.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande (Big Mouth) is a much-sought-after area with many hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. It is located between Cartagena Bay to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west, to include El Laguito (The Little Lake) and Castillogrande (Big Castle), two renowned neighborhoods. Its particular appeal is in the beaches and nightlife around Avenida San Martín (Saint Martin Avenue), the backbone of the area.

The beaches are pretty but be prepared to get asked to buy everything from the "beach vendors". I find it quite entertaining. You might want to get creative like I did and make them smile. Everyone is just trying to make a living.

Cartagena Top 10 list

1. A visit to the bizarre Plaza de Inquizition where you can just imagine being a bystander in a square where misrepresneted criminals such as witches, adultresses, and thieves where hung, guilteen, or burned at the stake. It is hard to beleive the torture items that were used to inflict pain on others.

2. A wonder through the streets allowing your nose to do the seeking to find a hidden gem of a restaurant or you might want to make a reservation at La Vicrolla (the hot spot of the who's who of Cartagena)

3. Dance salsa all night long. The places that I suggest Cafe Habana, Quiebra Canto, or Mister Babilla

4. A rooftop drink at either of the following locations Media Luna hostel or Cafe de Mar

5. Smile at all the beach vendors at Bocagrande - if you are not interested in the goods, be creative with your responces.

6. Rent an apartment and feel like a local or play it cheep and stay for $8 a night to meet people in Getsemani at Hotel Holiday or Media Luna

7. Stumble into live free music at Plaza Aduana or on any of the streets in old town

8. Start dancing with the locals in the middle of the day to some type of music and bond through music

9. Take a side trip to the mud volcano, an experience like no other, and hold a memory that will stick in your mind forever. You can take a bus and do it on your own, but it is much less hassle to take the tour.

10. Buy some fresh fruit from the street vendors around town. Ask to sample something you have never tried and be amazed by how wonderful everything tastes.