Dust & Echoes in Cartagena
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 1272052… yeah, that’s the number of times i’ve nearly tripped over a stray dog this week. and 1356972490? honestly, it just feels like a really long sigh. Cartagena, colombia. it’s… intense. like, aggressively colorful and humid. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the air feels thick, you know? like you could swim in it.
I landed yesterday and immediately felt like i’d stepped into a Salvador Dali painting. crumbling walls, bougainvillea exploding everywhere, and people shouting in a language i mostly understand but mostly don’t. i’m staying in this little place near Getsemaní - it’s a bit rough around the edges, but the balcony view is killer. the landlord, a guy named Ricardo, keeps offering me arepas. i politely decline, mostly because i’m terrified of food poisoning.
Spent the morning wandering the walled city. it’s a maze, seriously. i got completely lost for like, an hour. ended up in a tiny courtyard with a fountain and a bunch of old men playing dominoes. they didn’t speak a word of english, but they gave me this huge, knowing smile. it was… weirdly comforting. someone told me that the best empanadas are found down a side street near Plaza de Bolívar - I’m skeptical, but i’m hungry.
Speaking of food, the seafood is insane. i had ceviche last night that was so fresh it practically jumped onto my plate. i’m pretty sure i saw a tiny fish wink at me. i’m trying to document everything, but my camera is constantly overheating. it’s a struggle.
Let’s talk about the weather. it’s consistently 32.92 degrees Celsius with a feels-like temperature of 36.71. the humidity is hovering around 52%, and the pressure is a solid 1011. it’s sticky. profoundly sticky. i’m starting to understand why everyone wears so much white linen.
I overheard some drunk advice from a bartender at El Candeleros - he said to avoid the restaurants near the cruise ship docks. ‘They’re all tourist traps,’ he slurred, ‘serving you watered-down mojitos and overpriced souvenirs.’ He also mentioned that if you get bored, Barranquilla is just a short drive away.
I spent this afternoon exploring the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. it’s a massive fortress overlooking the city. the views are incredible, but the stairs are brutal. i’m pretty sure i pulled something. i’m considering investing in a portable massage chair.
I’m trying to find some cool street art, but it’s surprisingly hard to find. i did stumble across a few murals in Getsemaní, though. they’re vibrant and chaotic, just like the city itself. i found a local artist’s Instagram - @streetartcartagena - if you want to check it out.
Someone told me that the best way to experience Cartagena is to just get lost. to wander the streets, to talk to the locals, to eat all the arepas. it’s a good piece of advice. i’m trying to follow it.
I’m heading out to explore the Palacio de la Inquisición now. apparently, it’s full of creepy artifacts and unsettling stories. i’m not sure i’m entirely prepared.
Pro-tip: bring bug spray. seriously. like, a lot of bug spray. and comfortable shoes. you’ll need them. and maybe a therapist. just kidding… mostly.
Check out TripAdvisor for some restaurant recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298463-Cartagena.html
And for a local’s perspective, Yelp is your friend: https://www.yelp.com/map/cartagena-colombia
Finally, if you're looking for some local events, check out this community board: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CartagenaEvents/
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/the-nightlife-scene-in-porto-alegre-best-bars-and-safe-zones-dont-ask-me-how-i-know
- https://votoris.com/post/arba-minch-where-numbers-and-history-collide
- https://votoris.com/post/how-to-find-an-apartment-in-okayama-without-getting-scammed-and-maybe-find-a-ghost-or-two
- https://votoris.com/post/sao-paulo-static-humidity-numbers
- https://votoris.com/post/antalya-where-the-code-meets-the-sea