Category: Colombia (2013)

This morning, we got up rather early to ride a minibus up to Santa Marta. We were told to be at the neighboring hotel at 8am, but were also told that it would more than likely be very late. Much to our surprise, the little minivan arrived at 8:05 and had our names and two seats available right in the front. We got our luggage loaded and we were on our way.

During the ride we saw great landscapes including the ocean to the left, and the start of beautiful mountains to appear in front. After about two hours, we stopped for a rest and snack, and were surprised at how fast the trip up was going.

We then were dropped off just blocks away from his aunt and uncles’ home. We visited with them for a while and had an amazing lunch. Chicken wrapped in bacon in a creamy sauce with mashed potatoes and wonderful salad. After a nap, we met Andres’ cousin, and we went to pick up dinner. We stopped at a little stand to get these corn made items like an areipa but rolled.

After eating, we went out with his cousin and friend go Tagonga where there’s a beautiful beach and various bars. We walked around and found a really great bar that was run by a French owner. It was real;ly nice.

Last night, I went to the airport with Julio, who helps manage the small hotel were staying at. We took a taxi and waited for andres’ flight to arrive.

Hearing a plane overhead, we knew he’d be out soon. Finally, he appeared with his luggage and we were on our way back to the hotel. That night we walked on the beach and he swam for a split second and we went back to light small candles for the bellitas festival.

We chatted and caught up a while. All of a sudden, he said oh a dog is there, pointing to outside our gate. I turned around and didn’t see anything at first and then saw a dog head looking straight at me which startled me to the point of literally falling out of my chair.

The next morning, we got up and headed for the old city after our delicious breakfast of some flavorful eggs and fruit juice. The sun was getting hotter as we waited for a local bus to take us into the city.

After a good ride to the old city we started wandering within the city walls. The colors of these houses were so pretty, and the vegetation simply added to the character of every building. Wandering along the streets led us to churches, plazas, museums and fountains of water. We went inside a gold museum that had unique pieces that had been molded centuries before.

We then went to an amazing creperie called creeps and waffles. And as it sounds, it was divine. The interesting tidbit here is that the company is growing and employs only women. They make donations to women for appliances for the home as well. Andres had a steak one, and I went for the Peruvian chicken. At the end, we followed our meals up with a sweet crepe and I had the most decadent Nutella, almonds, and condensed milk cream crepe.

After our amazing meal, we were tired but kept up our walking throughout the beautiful streets. While the sun was hot, the breeze from the ocean was a welcomed coolant. We then decided to head back home for the day so caught a bus back to our place.

After returning, we headed for the beach to layout and rest a little while. It was so relaxing. We then decided it was time for dinner and walked down the road to a place called teso el blas. Here I had a huge steak and frites, and andres had a huge full fried fish.

We then strolled back home and andres’ aunt arranged for our trip to Santa Marta the next morning.

This morning I was brought to the airport by sweet Sandra and Natalia. Natalia made me areipas for breakfast this morning for my first time having a traditional Colombian breakfast. After breakfast, we were then off to the airport to catch my flight to Cartagena.

The flight to Cartagena was quite easy. Apparently there was someone famous on the flight because a bunch of girls tried to take a photo with this man who was standing behind me. I asked the person in front of me if he was famous and they replied saying he was a famous singer in Columbia.

I headed out the exit for arrivals hoping to see someone with a sign with my name on it. Sure enough, there was señor benjamin written on a sign with an old man holding it. I introduced myself, and then we were off to my hotel.

After getting a little settled into my room, I took a shower and got ready for my afternoon out sightseeing downtown. Boy, was it hot.

The old man to me back downtown so I could have lunch at a restaurant that had been recommended by Sandra. I had a wonderful ceviche, and then the seafood stew that was too much for me to even finish.

I’ve been went for that Castillo de san Felipe, an old fortress that have been created by the Spanish. With my audio guide headset on, I toured around the entire castle winding through tunnels, going upstairs and seeing sweeping views of the city below. After a while sightseeing there, I headed back towards the old city and stopped for a bite to eat.

It started to get dark a little earlier than I had planned, so I decided to take a taxi back to the hotel. The city has come alive tonight and music is playing everywhere because of a festival of lights. It is quite the lively festivities for the beginning of celebrating Christmas.

Tonight, my friend Andres will join so I will go to the airport to pick him up. Stay tuned for more adventures in cartagena tomorrow!

This morning I start my journey to Colombia! I’m using my new backpacks that I’ll be testing out for my trip around the world next year! I’ll start in Austin, head to Atlanta, and will land in Bogota tonight! Can’t wait to see more of South America!