Cartagena

The slog up the coast from our Caribbean beach location was slow with lots of traffic, and hot. By the time we were within 15 km of the city we were in heavy city traffic. If you have never traveled where scooters and small motorbikes reign, riding in this kind of traffic can be maddening and refreshing all at the same time. You see, normal rules of the road do not apply. Traffic, no issues. Ride past and don’t pay attention to signs or road markings. Just don’t die! Easy, unless you have a fat, loaded bike for traveling. Add to that the heat of this Caribbean City, feeling like 117 degrees F (47° C), your head at times feels like it may explode.

We had found a beautiful Airbnb just minutes of a walk from the walled city of Cartegena, and right on the harbor. Just out our door was an old fort overlooking many colorful sailing vessels and gray military ships in the harbor surrounded by high-rise buildings. Also in town at the same time were friends Tim and Janne Robinson, from Australia, and Renee Troutman Maxfield, from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Our first evening there we walked around a bit and then decided to all meet at Café del Mar Ltda., on the western wall of the city, for drinks and to watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. We stayed way past sunset enjoying drinks and each other’s stories of the road. We finally all parted ways just to find Tim and Janne at a pizza place, the White Patio, just down a couple blocks from where we were. We had a couple more drinks and a couple pizzas before parting ways again and Uber-ing back to our home for a couple nights.

The next morning we grabbed a hop on/hop off bus for a city tour. After a loop of the city we walked to a very colorful artistry section of the city, Getsemani. This is a very hip section of the city with paintings, coffee shops, breweries and musicians. You can almost feel the Caribbean / Havana vibe hanging heavily in the heat of the day. We pause for a coffee along a small street where thee owner is roasting the beans just inside the door. There was a musician just outside with his guitar playing for tips. We sat in small chairs in the cobblestone alley and through some coins in his hat as we left to thank him for entertaining us. As the sun was dipping low in the sky and the heat was starting to fade, the pace increased as the salsa beat resonated off the colorful pink, reds, and green buildings along the cobbled streets. As you stroll along the narrow streets your senses are overwhelmed with colors and lights, balloons and umbrellas suspended along the streets over your head. I met a Rasta man with beautiful dreadlocks hand making arm bracelets out of colorful twine. I bought one as it just felt like the time to do so. It was such a wonderful encounter. We met Renee again at a recommended restaurant, Di Silvio Trattoria. The atmosphere is definitely a Caribbean Italian feel. We ordered a bottle of red wine for Renee and I to share and Melanie ordered a mojito. Each of us ordered a different entree and all we’re very happy with the meal.

The next day we did more of the same and met Renee again in the evening for dinner. We had a wonderful time visiting this vibrant Caribbean city and entry point to many coming by motorcycle to Columbia.

Cheers,

2WANDRRs