In a world that full of depressing stories like global warming, financial melt-down, mad men shooting in college campuses, and fanatics blowing up everyone everywhere, we need some feel-good stories and feel-good places somewhere somehow for the contra-balancing effect and to reassure ourselves that humanity…Read More

In a world that full of depressing stories like global warming, financial melt-down, mad men shooting in college campuses, and fanatics blowing up everyone everywhere, we need some feel-good stories and feel-good places somewhere somehow for the contra-balancing effect and to reassure ourselves that humanity is not yet in a one way dead-end street, so I went to Colombia. After a slew of bad press from the yesteryears, I heard Colombia had turned around, quickly. This time, I was almost certain that I would be one of the privilege few witnessing the renaissance of a country.

First stop, Cartagena de Indias. A little did I know that I was too late again because it is thriving with tourists from everywhere. Hidden gem no more, the city sits right at the southern end of Caribbean sea with two distinct flavors to offer, the hypnotic Centro and the kinetic Boca Grande.

The Centro (old walled city) along with the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (fortress) are 2 designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. A labyrinth full of pleasant surprises, the Centro is merely 1 sq km in area, yet the combinations of winding passages and narrow alleys seem infinite as each corner you turn, it seems to bring you to yet another undiscovered space. Instead of fighting it and constantly searching for a way out, one should just suppress the natural instinct and get lost in it. After all, it is a vacation, not a race-you-to-exit game. Take the time to enjoy the colonial architectures that are beautifully painted in playful Caribbean colors and the dreamy wooden balconies. Then, visit the Palacio de la Inquisicion, have a hot (literally) lunch date with Botero's fat lady in the Plaza de Santo Domingo, people watching by Torre del Reloj (clocktower), or just an easy walk along the parameter and/or on top of the wall is also fun. And as twilight approaches, Centro starts heating up when night crawlers decide to come out and congregate in plazas and outdoor restaurants to enjoy the cool breeze of Caribbean.

Roughly 1.5 km southwest of Centro is the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It is certainly worth to pay a couple hours of visit. Afterward, flag a taxi to Convento de la Popa and catch the panorama view of Cartagen since it is the highest point of the city. Under no circumstances, however, do not attempt to walk up to Popa as it is not safe for most tourists, day or night.

When you think you have had enough of the olds, then follow Santander south and cross over to Boca Grande, a miniture version of Miami. It is only 3 km and just about 30 min slow walk from Centro, yet some 500 years away. Boca Grande is not a first rate beach resort. Nonetheless, it is a nice beach full of people that are constantly in motion. In the main strip that runs through the entire peninsula, there are plenty of modern boutique shops and restaurants. Perhaps, you can lounge at one of the many cafes after you have enough of sun.

Old or new, Cartagena is a place to relax. Forget about the usual tourist chores and just be yourself to enjoy what it has to offer. Be lost in time in the old town or simply forget about time in the beach, no bad news, no dictator stories, and no falling stock markets. You owe it at least that much to yourself.Close