I returned on Tuesday from a 4 day stay in Cartagena. I was there to see Maria, one of the ladies I met back in March through Odee. She and I have been corresponding by phone and email since I was there in March. Her birthday was this week and I went at this time expressly to celebrate it with her. Once again I had a wonderful time with this woman, she is an amazing combination of sweetness, sensuality and intellect that you just can't find here. I've dated many woman here and have never come across anything like it. I guess you guys who have experience with LW can attest to this as well. Anyway, we both agreed that we were nuts for each other and given the circumstances that an expedited courtship is probably in order. I'm planning another trip the first week of August and if all goes well she and I will start the K1 process soon after. If all goes well.
Some of you have been asking about Cartagena recently. I love it there. It is a safe and interesting city with plenty of single women roaming about. I can't speak to the women's attitudes because I have no experience (Maria is from Bogota, only works in Cartagena), maybe others can comment. On this trip we hit the Museum of Modern Art, la Popa, la Playa Blanca, la Fuerte de Boca Chica, and several nice restaurants. Unless you like abstract, you probably won't like the museum. La Popa is a must see. Most taxi drivers will take you there, drop you off, and return later for around $20.000. The tour costs $10.000 each (I think) and if you want an English speaking guide it's another $5.000 each. Well worth it though. The view of the city is absolutely incredible. Some of the displays are a bit cheesy but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the place. La Playa Blanca is very nice beach about 30 minutes boat ride from the city. The water and sand is prettier than the beaches at Boca Grande and there aren't as many vendors nagging the hell out of you. You can catch a boat at 9A in the morning from the big tour operation across from the Clock Tower gate in the Old City. I don't know the name but you can't miss the place. For $15.000 each you get a ride out and back, lunch at Boca Chica and a tour of the fort. The fort is not as impressive as San Felipe, but it has it's own unique appeal. If you can get out there, check it out. While there we ate at Da Pietro (I know it's been recommended here, but we were both very disappointed with this one. I won't return.), the ever popular Crepes and Waffles, a very cool restaurant on the beach at Boca Grande near Laguito (sorry I don't know the name but you can't miss it. Thatched roof, two story with dance floor on the first and hammocks on the second. Great place to kick back and watch the sunset), and the Nautical, a great seafood place in the old city near the big Vivero department store. We also took in breakfast one morning at the restaurant at the Almirante hotel. They have an excellent all you can eat buffet every morning and the atmosphere is very nice. You can sit by the window and check out the beach.
The weather there now is a bit odd. They've had a lot of rain and while I was there it rained everyday, usually during the night or early morning. The sun was out only the day we went to the beach. I rented a very nice apartment for $40US/night in the Camino Real just up the street from the Hilton. I wanted to cook for Maria and it gave us an opportunity to live like a couple for a time. I loved the apartment but unfortunately it will be rented for a year starting next week. We were shown a similar one in the same building and I may go that route in August. If not I'll just hit a hotel somewhere close to Laguito. Or maybe the Almirante again.
The nice thing about Cartagena is that if you stay in Boca Grande or Laguito, you can walk just about anywhere and find just about anything you want. It's safe and very user friendly. Plenty of stores, from cheap to upscale. I went out alone to stores for supplies several times, both by taxi and walking, and never felt in danger. You should always exercise caution, though. And always ask how much something costs before you buy. Many of the smaller convenience type stores will try to rip you off by charging you too much. (Ask me how I know this!) While I was there I saw quite a few American men walking around or dining with pretty Colombianas. Clearly there is an agency presence. Looked like some of the in country US military visit Cartagena for leave as well.
I hope this helps some of you who've been considering Cartagena. I'd recommend it especially for those who've never been to Colombia and have limited Spanish skills. Many there speak English b/c it's a popular destination for North Americans, Canadians and Europeans. I may regret this, but here is a link to some photos I took while there: http://www.jrsretro.com/Cartagena2.htm. One of my photos was ripped off the last time I posted them but I think it's important for those here who haven't travelled to Colombia to see what it's like. Enjoy!
JR
