Mental Manuelita: 24 hours in Cartagena

I think i may have come across the most beautiful city in the world. I leave this as a possibility only because i haven`t seen it all, yet... Nonetheless, Cartagena sits atop the pantheon of awe-inspiring sites. Founded as a major port-city by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 17th century, the city had seen rapid growth along-side increasing wealth of its European sponsor.

A slightly naighty rendition of a Jesuit brother saving the souls of Cartagena...

With piracy (or privateering for the British patriots among us) becoming a major industry, millions were spent to fortify the city, resulting in a heavy wall that surrounds the old city, as well as a string of impressive fortresses and stockades. As we all know, wealth translates to luxury, as displayed in the grandiose chruches and mansions dotting the Old City center. Yet Getsemani, which once once the slaves`quarter and is now a backpackers`haven, would be be put to shame by its advantaged counterpart. Bright colors such as Orange and Yellow dominate the facades, framing rich wooden doors and balconies which hang above the street-walkers. One could easily spend hours simply walking with head held high and eyes completely enraptured.

an urban labndscape from Getsemani

Cartagena rests on the Caribbean, and its location clearly dictates the way of life. Music of various Latin flavors can be heard throughout the Night (and day) from businesses and private homes alike. Doors are rarely closed, both to let in the cool breeze, as well as provide an easy way of communicating with the neighbors. Some even choose to place their furniture outside, leading to block-wide congragations on the street corners. Drinks are imbibed as early as noon, whether on the beach, sitting on one´s own stoop, or at a cafe´filled with suit-clad office workers.

Setting up for an evening`s Salsa event...

Within the city center

Highlights from my day, the first in Cartagena:

1) After a 5.5 month wait, suffering through a never ending cold streak...I SWAM IN THE SEA, the Caribbean, to be sure! A shjort swimming competition with one of th locals followed by making sand-flavored ice cream with a 6 year-old kid was all i could manage before a tropical rain threatened of a coming storm.

Sorry, didn`t bring my camera to the beach. This is as close as you`ll get for now...

2) Cartaghena modern art museum: some amazing pieces by various South American arists such as Peruvian Fernando de Szyszlo and Colombian Enrique Grau.

Enrique Grau`s interpretation of a Cartagena panorama...