Cartagena, Colombia
September 26 - October 6 [2021]
Cartagena is a port city on the northern shores of Colombia about an hour flight from Medellin. On a comparative basis, it’s a photographers dream given the historical infrastructure, colorful architecture, dramatic skies and Caribbean flair. Walking out the door each morning offers enough aesthetic satisfaction to last you a week- and it’s available around every corner. Primary colors, pastels, grey’s and varying degrees of whites are blended and contrasted within each block and often times complimented by boxes of flowering Boungainvillea. The historic center of Cartagena is surrounded by a protective wall and built for people, very pedestrian, ideal in scale and peppered with Spanish Colonial Cathedrals throughout.
Equally inspiring is a neighborhood known as Getsemani a block or two to the south of the fortified city. This is an artist quarter composed of narrow streets that connect popular gathering spaces showcasing a potpouri of musicians, artists, vendors and street hustlers. Most of the walls in Getsemani are painted with inspiring murals and graffiti-many lit for evening viewing. Like Cartagena central, you can find a variety of restaurants, shops, cafes and bars but they tend to be cheaper, more relaxed and Bohemian in flavor.
Cartagena is a tourist destination but it appears to be a popular city for retires as well. The skyline mimics Miami Beach with rows of white washed mid rise condos occupying narrow stretches of land flanking the city center. And yes, there are many yachts, and assorted pleasure craft to accompany those multi story bundles of wealth. The entire area is also surrounded by beaches including a few on nearby small islands for those seeking life with sand and surf.
Overall, this was a very memorable visit and I city I’d like spend additional time. My Airbnd apartment in Manga was ideally located a block from the water surrounded by areas of interest and featured a view of the harbor. As an added bonus, my host was fantastic-spirited, warm and super friendly. She made me feel like a local. Thanks Mila!
