Caribbean Columbia!
Trip Start
Jan 19, 2006
1
139
330
Trip End
Jan 19, 2007
Cartagena,
Colombia
Saturday, June 24, 2006
1-The Slow life
Friday up early and all get boat for a couple of hours to Isla del Rosario an island resort with white sand beach and pool, hotel etc. On way dolphins follow the boat for a bit and we arrive in the heat and are very pleased to swim in the almost bath like hot water although many of us are bitten by some sort of sea creature! We have lunch and enjoy the pool before we see black clouds heading towards us. As we leave the island the wind gets up and the heavens open. Fortunately the crossing is still flat and it is quite nice watching the lightning over Cartagena.
Wander around the old town at night where its a lot busier than the afternoon and lots of shops open. See a wedding in the main cathedral - bit strange on a Friday night. Are trying to find a nice place for Daves birthday night out tomorrow and eventually stumble on a restaurant where some others are which is very nice and reasonable. Manage to negotiate a cheaper price on alcohol and free desert.
Today have a lie in and I sneak out to buy few things for Daves birthday based on not allowed to buy him a card (waste of money so make him one) or any presents. Buy some tacky party hats and blowers and candles for his cake. Feel pretty much at home here now and comfortable despite a few locals asking if I want to change money
2-Cartagena
.FEw of us then head up to Castell San Felipe just outside the old town which is a huge old fort which is very sprawling and has good views of the old and new city (the new bit looks a bit like Miami or some other horrid resorty place). There are loads of dark tunnels to explore too which is quite scary. We then go to the north part of the old town and see where the old dungeons were which are now very tacky tourist shops. Also see more colourful old houses and squares and have lunch in a nice local place which does fantastic fresh lemonade.
Then do some internet for a while and find out that we (well Dave actually as I am just the hanger on) have passed the skills assessment part to go to Oz. Are v pleased as its the biggest hurdle although we are not in yet. Are also a bit nervous about it too though! So double celebration tonight!
Wander home without any shoes on as my sandals are killing me for some reason. Locals not quite sure what to make of the gringo with no shoes.
Get ready for our night out and have some sparkling wine (if you suspend your taste buds for a while) on the roof terrace before we head to the restaurant for dinner. The hats and blowers go down quite well and we sing Happy Birthday to Dave and he blows out his 32 candles. Some of us then go the square for a few more beers where lots of locals are out and about and dancing etc. Some random bloke is wandering around with a mounted bull head on his shoulder no idea why. Places closing up at 1am which feels a bit early but head home as it is now Daves birthday proper!
