I just reviewed the forum for the time I was gone and found out my friend Keith Baggs has finally given up on some of the payasos around here. I can sympathize.
My latest review of Cartagena was an attempt to paint a comparison of that city against the well covered lifestyle of Cali. Obviously, I don't know everything about the place, but I spent seven days investigating the quality of life there instead of sitting in an agency keeping score. So here is what I found. Cartagena is a totally different world than Cali. I can't compare it to Bogota or Medellin. But I find the people, attitudes and general atmosphere is the opposite side of the coin.
Cartagena doesn't operate on the papaya principle. drivers have manners. People don't seemed to be wired and the frantic feeling of impending violence is nonexistent. I would compare it as the difference between Detroit and Key West. Cities that I am totally familiar with. I had thought to eventually live in Cali. I liked the energy and beauty of the Calenas. The food was good and the prices fantastic. The city has major drawbacks, street crime and an atmosphere of danger. Cars ignore traffic signals because of robbers and carjackers, In the night, no one is on the streets except Avenida Sexta. People prefer to live in gated communities to avoid Home invasion robberies. There seem to be no police at night. Yes you can live there if you are aware of your surroundings but why restrict yourself to a few neighborhoods and three malls. I would never meld in there at 6' 200lbs silver straight hair. So I would always be a target of oportunity. I left Detroit for that reason.
I am aware that most on this board have visited Cartagena for tourist reasons. The hassles with the touts and peddlers can be a pain. Renting an apartment for $50.00 a night or staying in a hotel for $80.00 and eating in its restaurant is the tourist route. Of course it is expensive But there is fresh produce, fresh seafood and fair prices in the markets. all those small shops your were afraid to visit in Cali are safe here, fresh Juice restaurants, small mom and pop stands and you don't have to lock your car. Like most tourist cities, let the buyer beware, if they can charge you more--they will, but they wont take it from you with a knife. Think about it I am jimc
