*Desto3 thanks guest poster, Lynne Shaw, for her travelogue content.
The city of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias in Spanish, is a port located on the northern coast of Colombia, with a population of about a million. It is the fifth-largest city in Colombia. Economic activities include the maritime and petrochemicals industries, as well as tourism.
Cartagena is a lovely city. It is a combination of colonial elegance and tropical Caribbean fun. Historically, Cartagena was an important port for the slave trade, and the abundance of riches made it a perfect target for pirates. The British, French and Spanish forces were there to share in the booty, and the Spanish built lavish fortifications which still survive today. The old section of the city, the Ciudad Amurallada, is surrounded by perfectly preserved 12 foot walls that can be walked on and enjoy views of sandy beaches and blue ocean. The city itself has narrow, flower lined cobblestone streets and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearby is La Boquilla, a small fishing village a few miles north of Cartagena. Driving there, the inequality of the people is very apparent. On the ocean side of the road are huge, high-rise luxurious condominium complexes, and on the other side of the road are mangroves filled with shanties. The condominiums stopped just short of La Boquilla. Then suddenly, the paved roads turned to sand with low-rise shabby housing and outdoor fish restaurants in varying stages of disrepair with mismatched tables and chairs. In La Boquilla there was a band of well-known Columbian musicians who perform professionally, mostly at music festivals. They play indigenous instruments, the most unusual being the “gait.” If you’re curious as to what it sounds like, you can listen to them play on you tube: “El Leon Pardo.”
For a price, tourists can ride a “chiva,” in Cartagena, a brightly painted psychedelic open air bus. Beer is included as well as listening to a very loud 3 piece traditional band sitting in the back of the bus. Everyone in Cartegena yells, waves at the chivas, and cheers the bus on, wanting to join the fun.
