Cartagena

With my flight to Cartagena being at 7.55am, I had an early start on the Sunday, setting my alarm for 3am! I was up and on the metro by half 3. The night before the journey planner told me to change at 4th avenue, but on arrival the line was shut. When I asked someone what to do they sent me back to 34th street, where I was then directed to catch an A line train which was running on the F line. It was all very confusing. From what I can make out there were engineering works on the express line to the airport, which meant I had to get there on the slow line. I got to the airport in the end, but a lot later than intended.

After finally negotiating the metro I arrived at the airport and checked in without any problems, although they didn't understand my pronunciation of Cartagena at first. I even eased through security and managed to get to my gate with time to spare. I flew with Avianca to Cartagena which I think is a Colombian airline. Due to this all the flight announcements were in Spanish so I didn't really know what was going on. I was probably the only English person on the flight.

The flight ran pretty smoothly although there were a few bad patches of turbulence. The food was good too, serving some omelette thing with potatoes to start with, and bacon sandwiches later in the flight. Luckily with the in flight entertainment there was the option to use it in English and I played the games and watched Skyfall. The landing into Cartagena was interesting as we flew past the city and then did this massive u turn before landing really smoothly. I was able to see the skyline and surrounding areas upon arrival as I was lucky enough to have a window seat!

After landing I obtained my Colombian visa easily and decided from the airport I would walk to my hotel which was about an hour walk. I stayed in the airport for a little while though for the wifi and the air con! The walk to the hotel was interesting as I basically walked through the slums which I probably shouldn't have done. It was very muggy too and raining every so often. I found the hotel without any problems and was surprised to find I had a double room en suite! 

Cartagena itself is one of the most historic cities in South America, and is also famed for its beauty. The area was inhabited by various native civilisations for thousands of years before the city was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, who named the city after Cartagena in Spain, where most of Heredia's sailors were from. Having suffered a tumultuous past full of battles, raids, invasions, destructions and reconstructions, the city became heavily fortified and huge defensive walls now surround its narrow cobbled streets and colonial buildings. The city is made up of various districts. The new town with its high rise hotels, apartments and nightspots, and the older colonial parts of the city. The old city is the main attraction for visitors, particularly the inner walled town which is packed with churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions.

I spent the afternoon relaxing at my hotel, before heading out to dinner Sunday evening where I just got a subway, and then a few beers for the hotel. I ended up having an early night in the end with my early start catching up with me! Due to this I was up about 5am this morning, although sunrise was about then too! I had breakfast included at my hotel which was fresh fruit, and scrambled egg with this bread and cheese thing. It was very nice.

When leaving the hotel I decided the best way to explore the city was to follow the city sightseeing bus route. I went to new town first with its high rise buildings and followed the extensive coastline round back to where I started. The new town is basically on a spit. It was however very muggy so I was glad on my way round to find a big shopping centre, and later a supermarket which had a good air con. The beaches in the new town were also very packed, although I think mainly South Americans come to holiday here as there weren't many other nationalities at all.

 After visiting the new town, I went into the old town, following the big wall which surrounds it. I went for lunch here, going to a restaurant where I ordered the pork. I didn't really understand what I was ordering though as the menu was in Spanish, and the waitress didn't have good enough English to translate. What I did find here was a geocache. It said I had to order an "El Tesoro de Blas de Lezo" when I looked before coming out, and when I asked out came a big treasure chest to my table!

After my meal I continued exploring the old city, following the wall and going to the many cobbled streets full of colourful housing. I even visited the nearby castle and it was nice to see the many market stalls and street entertainment. Despite what people say the locals are actually really friendly, even if they can barely speak English and half of them are trying to sell you drugs. Apparently I get a proper guided tour of the old town on Wednesday where I will learn about all the Spanish history.

After a busy day I relaxed at the hotel, before heading out to the seafront along the city walls to watch the sunset which was very nice. Instead of going out for a meal tonight, I went to the supermarket and picked up some random food and a few beers and sat on the rooftop balcony of my hotel underneath the fan. Tomorrow I get to meet my group who I will doing my tour with, so I'm looking forward to that. It's still absolutely boiling here,  but other than that having an amazing time.