12/5/2012 Cartagena all day
Knowing the heat and humidity could be relentless, an early morning walk was taken to the other side of town. Crossing a bridge on the way was a bit of an obstacle course walking around all the homeless people who had chosen to sleep there.
Back at the hostel, hanging about for awhile, it was decided to go for a bike ride to familiarize myself with the road to the south. I intend on departing here sometime between 0400 and 0500 in the morning. At this time it is still quite dark.
The road today was something else, no lanes and bumper to bumper, having a pushbike was ideal in this kind of road mayhem.
A wander into town saw me frequent the pork stand and follow the meal there with another lemonade drink.
The day was cooler, even the locals commented on the humidity and heat of yesterday.
In a way I will be happy to head south out of town, though it is beautiful and historic, it is very touristy, being almost claustrophobic for myself.
Interestingly Lonely Planet give Santa Marta a poor review. My money says that they have got it wrong, it has such a laid back, relaxed atmosphere and is all centralized, with the beach and town centre the focal points both within a ten minute walk of each other.
It is not as humid in Santa Marta. Mike and Maggy just emailed, having booked into the Colonial and already like the feel of the place.
So there you have it, my opinion of the two towns. Finally though, Cartagena is a must visit if you are in this neck of the woods, historically it is unrivalled in Northern Colombia. Off course like everyone encountered here in Colombia, the people are so friendly..
It never takes much to get a laugh from someone.
As to the coffee, well at 25c for just the best short black, one wonders why it has become such an over priced ritual in other countries. Being able to buy it anywhere on the streets is so much more of a less pretentious activity than in some cafes. So much more spontaneous!!
We got afternoon rain here today so the heat abated somewhat, infact it was a very pleasant afternoon.
Knowing the heat and humidity could be relentless, an early morning walk was taken to the other side of town. Crossing a bridge on the way was a bit of an obstacle course walking around all the homeless people who had chosen to sleep there.
Back at the hostel, hanging about for awhile, it was decided to go for a bike ride to familiarize myself with the road to the south. I intend on departing here sometime between 0400 and 0500 in the morning. At this time it is still quite dark.
The road today was something else, no lanes and bumper to bumper, having a pushbike was ideal in this kind of road mayhem.
A wander into town saw me frequent the pork stand and follow the meal there with another lemonade drink.
The day was cooler, even the locals commented on the humidity and heat of yesterday.
In a way I will be happy to head south out of town, though it is beautiful and historic, it is very touristy, being almost claustrophobic for myself.
Interestingly Lonely Planet give Santa Marta a poor review. My money says that they have got it wrong, it has such a laid back, relaxed atmosphere and is all centralized, with the beach and town centre the focal points both within a ten minute walk of each other.
It is not as humid in Santa Marta. Mike and Maggy just emailed, having booked into the Colonial and already like the feel of the place.
So there you have it, my opinion of the two towns. Finally though, Cartagena is a must visit if you are in this neck of the woods, historically it is unrivalled in Northern Colombia. Off course like everyone encountered here in Colombia, the people are so friendly..
It never takes much to get a laugh from someone.
As to the coffee, well at 25c for just the best short black, one wonders why it has become such an over priced ritual in other countries. Being able to buy it anywhere on the streets is so much more of a less pretentious activity than in some cafes. So much more spontaneous!!
We got afternoon rain here today so the heat abated somewhat, infact it was a very pleasant afternoon.
The enterance to the old fortified part of town
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There is no official meaning of the Colombian flag; however there are two popular theories on the meaning behind Colombia's flag's colors. One states that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice; the blue stands for nobility, loyalty and vigilance; while the red represents valor, honor, generosity and victory through bloodshed. The second interpretation states the yellow stands for universal liberty; the blue for the equality of all races and social classes before God and the law; and red means fraternity. There is also a popular Colombian children's song which resonates - "yellow is our gold, blue is our vast seas and red is the blood that gave us our freedom"
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