Bogota, Colombia

Cartegena, Colombia

 The last leg of my trip was spent in Colombia. Cartegena is a colorful beach town.

 My time in Cartegena was relatively basic -- no grand adventures so to speak, but it was exactly what I wanted. I spent time admiring the beautiful architecture, enjoying the bright colors, soaking up the sunshine, and laying poolside. After weeks of trekking around Peru, I needed the R&R. Backpacking is an incredible experience...but it's not exactly a relaxing walk through the park. Cartegena was just what the doctor ordered. 

Popular Colombian fare. Pictured above is my favorite: AREPAS! Yum.

 I enjoyed walking around the historic square, especially in the evenings when it cooled off a bit. The square was a very safe place to walk around, but my taxi drivers always warned me to be safe - especially near my hotel around the airport I stayed at the first night. The hotel itself was perfectly fine, but I felt like I couldn't really leave it without sketchy people walking around. I didn't like feeling confined to my room.

After weeks of hostels in Peru, I decided to treat myself and booked the rest of my Cartegena trip at the Hilton resort on the beach. It was a very nice hotel, and I took advantage of the evening "Happy Hour" that was included in my stay. Every afternoon when Happy Hour began at 6, I'd be in the lounge reading and ready for the server to come around with wine. He knew my order by the end of the week. 

Packed up and headed to the Hilton from my airport hotel. I had the pack mule look mastered by the time I reached Colombia. Also, if anyone ever tries to doubt me on my meticulous packing abilities...I will happily show them this photo. Nearly a month's worth of clothes here -- and the kicker is I visited a hot, sandy beach AND a snowy mountain. (I didn't pack enough warm clothing, but we don't have to get into all that. PSA: South America is generally pretty freezing in July. Just saying...)

Fresh juices every morning at the Hilton. I enjoyed speaking Spanish to every one I met at the hotel (and all throughout South America, for that matter). My Spanish is far from perfect, but I almost always got compliments and questions like "where did you learn to speak?" Natives would constantly tell me that most Americans never bother trying to speak Spanish with them. I think they appreciated my effort...and the compliments gave me enough of a confidence boost to keep striking up Spanish conversations with strangers.

The day before I left was mostly rainy, but it cleared up eventually. This was the view from my room. 

I was sick of wearing my one and only dress in Cartegena, so I went shopping and found this outfit. I didn't do any historical tours (other than taxi drivers pointing things out on our drive like the Old City Walls, etc)...but I did a lot of walking around and exploring on my own. Just people-watching and observing the way that locals interact with tourists was fascinating. I got back on the plane to Bogota with a few days left to explore...

That'll be my final South America post. 

Coming soon!