Cartagena
(DAY101-103 : San Blas Islands - Cartagena : over 48 hours sailing) (see previous chapter)
(DAY104-115 : Cartagena)
Waking up in Cartagena was truly welcome. Not only because we were exhausted of hardcore sailing under the rough weather conditions, but also because Cartagena looks so different and mysterious at first sight. Maybe because you don't yet know what to expect, or because it has an out of place European flavor even from a far. Or perhaps, only because you're in the forbidden land of Colombia. I couldn't wait to start exploring, but I was still on our anchored boat.
We did get off the boat, and had ourselves "checked in" to Colombia at the yacht club as Guido arranged. Then, took anchor and proceeded to unload the three sleepy bikes. After a fresh-water rinse and a few use of the brakes to clear the minor rust on rotors, they were as sharp as before.
Leaving customs to next day, we headed directly to Holiday Hostel in the old town. Holiday is a dinky place on the rundown street of Media Luna, but it can accommodate motorcycles, and it's dirt cheap at $7 for a private room with bathroom. Cheap accommodation is a good starting point in Cartagena, as I promise that your stay will be at least twice as long as you planned. This appeared to me even before seeing what's inside the historic city walls, and that is where the real treasure lives. Extremely well preserved, full of character, and breathtakingly romantic are some of the first descriptions that come to my mind, yet they sound so weak. If you don't fall in love here, may be it's too late for you. I did. With the city itself. And as for Colombian women... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?? Come on! (Look at me in the eye!)
"What have I been doing here for so long?" is the question many of us at the hostel have been asking ourselves each day. Not once did I hear a meaningful answer. We're staying in the crappier part of town, next to hookers and hustlers, yet we all fool around with big smiles, and dread the idea of leaving. We are mesmerized. We love this place. We love these people. We are home.
Our hostel, in the middle of our street.
Below: Inside the walls
Playa Blanca is only a couple of hours away from Cartagena. An excellent beach only spoiled by an overwhelming number of very pushy sales people.
(DAY104-115 : Cartagena)
Waking up in Cartagena was truly welcome. Not only because we were exhausted of hardcore sailing under the rough weather conditions, but also because Cartagena looks so different and mysterious at first sight. Maybe because you don't yet know what to expect, or because it has an out of place European flavor even from a far. Or perhaps, only because you're in the forbidden land of Colombia. I couldn't wait to start exploring, but I was still on our anchored boat.
We did get off the boat, and had ourselves "checked in" to Colombia at the yacht club as Guido arranged. Then, took anchor and proceeded to unload the three sleepy bikes. After a fresh-water rinse and a few use of the brakes to clear the minor rust on rotors, they were as sharp as before.
Leaving customs to next day, we headed directly to Holiday Hostel in the old town. Holiday is a dinky place on the rundown street of Media Luna, but it can accommodate motorcycles, and it's dirt cheap at $7 for a private room with bathroom. Cheap accommodation is a good starting point in Cartagena, as I promise that your stay will be at least twice as long as you planned. This appeared to me even before seeing what's inside the historic city walls, and that is where the real treasure lives. Extremely well preserved, full of character, and breathtakingly romantic are some of the first descriptions that come to my mind, yet they sound so weak. If you don't fall in love here, may be it's too late for you. I did. With the city itself. And as for Colombian women... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?? Come on! (Look at me in the eye!)
"What have I been doing here for so long?" is the question many of us at the hostel have been asking ourselves each day. Not once did I hear a meaningful answer. We're staying in the crappier part of town, next to hookers and hustlers, yet we all fool around with big smiles, and dread the idea of leaving. We are mesmerized. We love this place. We love these people. We are home.
Our hostel, in the middle of our street.
Below: Inside the walls
Playa Blanca is only a couple of hours away from Cartagena. An excellent beach only spoiled by an overwhelming number of very pushy sales people.
posted by Serdar at
11:07 PM
2 Comments:
Wow that is awesome. Great pictures. Good to have you back in writing saddle!
Glad you like them, wasn't easy getting back on that saddle ;)
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