First impression: as the airplane descends, we get a spectacular view of Cartagena, it looks beautiful from the air . . . as we drive into the historic center, we soon discover that it is truly beautiful. Walking around in the historic center of Cartagena is a bit surreal, almost like being in a fairytale.
Our hotel is just outside the walls surrounding the historic heart of the city, in a neighbourhood that feels more real (many street sellers, a busy market nearby, and a prostitute or two at night). Close to our hotel we discover the most charming square where the locals gather in the evening to sit and talk, while the kids play in front of the church. On a Sunday morning we walk by this church and hear what sounds like a party so we enter the church. Wow, mass here is something else: a live band, tons of singing, everyone clapping and swaying, the church is packed with both young and old. What a difference from Sunday mass in Zurich. One day we join the Colombian tourists (from Bogota, Medellin etc) on a “Chiva” tour going around the different sites and forts around the city . . . there is a vibrant local tourism, the first sign that Colombia is a relatively affluent country.
We fall in love with Colombia. What a great country!!!
Cartagena Pictures - click here.
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