Post 68: Lazy Days en Cartagena

F.A.,

The last few days have been spent more-so relaxing than doing any sightseeing, and that is fine by us, considering the heat. We accomplished the main sites we determined to see a few days ago and have been trying to save money in Cartagena, which is, from what we have been told, the most expensive place to visit in Colombia.

11/22/11

Tuesday, we did not get out the door until well after 3pm. We discussed where to go after departing Cartagena and opted to get a flight to Medellin for Thanksgiving Day, so we could skip the 12 hour bus ride. We also booked a hostel for that evening so we have a secure place to drop our bags before seeing a little bit of the city.

We roamed and found a few more street foods to try before heading for the Museo de Oro de Zenu, in Plaza de Bolivar. We had expected to take a 5pm English guided tour, but it turned out that everything was displayed side by side in English and Spanish. The museum was a delight, and taught us a lot about the local indigenous population in pre-colonial times. After, we returned to our favorite stand in a square close to our hostel to try their selection of empanadas and fresh juice.

When we returned to the hostel, we met with some new friends (Stefan and Stephie, a pair of German friends) we had made and gathered up even more people (2 French Canadians, 2 Irish ladies, and a really awesome Uruguayan guy, Pablo) before heading to the outer city walls for some late evening drinking. It was a great time, full of great conversation.

Unfortunately, our fun was a little soured by some local police who decided to stop and frisk our group (without probable cause of course!) as we made our way home well past 1 AM. I had felt nothing but security up until that point, and it is sad to think that the only people really hassling us were "local authorities".

11/23/11

Yesterday was pretty much the same, we did not leave the hostel til well into the afternoon. The highlight of the day (and of Cartagena!) was our mid-day sampling of some ceviche from the now-famour La Cevicheria, which has been featured on Anthony Bourdain. What a treat it was. We got a basic combo made up of raw shrimp, octopus and squid, in a soupy mix of citrus and other delectable ingredients. I highly recommend this place to everyone and now regret not getting a more full helping. We had pizza for dinner and ended up going out to see some street musicians with Pablo and Stephie.

We fly out for Medellin this morning, and luckily we have decided to share a cab from the airport to the city, which is oddly 50 miles away, This will save some money and hassle for sure. We plan to meet back up with Stefan while there and possibly ride a few of the cities famous cable cars. Tomorrow...who knows where the road will take us.

Gavin