So, the Latin American part of the tour is over. We have 10 days in the USA to help acclimatise to English; food; being able to put bog roll in the toilet; that kind of thing.
Apart from endless security checks, going to Miami was a breeze. We were in Business class (the only ticket they had left, and not that much more anyway). Which was OK, but not super-good. We did drink fizzy wine though.
Cartagena is a very pretty place - we took a horse drawn trip around it and T took some pictures
Another horse pulled up next to us.
We also took a three day trip to the beach north of Cartagena, we did little but read, watch TV and Swim. It was very relaxing and the food was exquisite.
Our last evening in Cartagena was spent wandering around.
The old walls are quite a sight.
And so to bed. (via Cafe del Mar, without bumping into friends this time, and a nice pizza on the square)
Partially because our hotel was full, but mostly because it was a place to go to - we decided to go to the Islas del Rosario. Our hotel recommended Isla del Piratas, which was pretty expensive, but we decided to go for it anyway.
Up at the crack of dawn (obviously they didn't know we were now on holiday) we went to the rather haphazard dock to get our boat.
After much faffage, we were on our way. Cartagena is in a natural harbour, protected by islands - it's quite cool. The Spanish build fortresses to guard the main entrance.
We checked into our hotel and then had to get put in the right room. It was right on the beach and we were constantly barraged by people trying to sell us crabs; lobsters; snorkelling trips; bangles; stuff. Some of them did it from boats passing by.
T made herself at home.
The location and the scenery were quite amazing.
Unfortunately, the local wildlife was quite ferocious and the room was a bit too rustic to keep them out. After a sleepless night, bitten to within an inch of our lives, we decided to return back to town (and A/C) the next day. It was an expensive and unpleasant trip. Which was a shame - as it could have been so nice.
Upon return to town, we checked into a nice (but also very expensive) hotel with a rooftop pool. After observing 3 Colombians showing off their iPhones, we were informed that the bar couldn't serve us any beer. Apparently there was an election the next day and so there is no alcohol allowed to be sold the night before or the day itself. Bizarre.
Cartagena is nice. We like it. We are staying in the old town which is very picturesque, safe and interesting. There is another area nearby which is the 'beach' area which we haven't been to yet - but it is full of tall buildings and chain hotels. Here in the old town, things are much more relaxed.
We haven't seen much evidence of large numbers of foreign (i.e. non South American) tourists here - which is quite nice too.
Cartagena has its fair share of pretty squares with churches too.
After strolling around town, we decided to head to Cafe del Mar for sundowners. We were the first there, but by the time sunset arrived, there were about 40 people in all. We had a Mojito each. It was pretty.
After sunset, T had an "Oh, My, God!" moment as she spotted some people she knew from London-town. Emma and Simon were duly joined and we had a couple more mojitos to celebrate.
A lovely evening which involved a meal; some strolling; going to a cash machine; lots of nattering ; some mojitos; some beer and, half a bottle of rum; was had by all.
We did not get up early the next day. We are On Holiday
We are investigating going to Panama by boat, but T isn't very keen at all - after Captain Eric.
BTW - it is hot and humid. A/C in the room is a must.
So, we got up in time for our flight (at 11:30am - what a reasonable time it was too) and flew from Quito to Bogota and thence to Cartagena.
Bogota airport is quite the most surreal one I've been to. Amongst the many bizarre events, was the rather curious sight of people flying with plastic bags stuffed to the gunnels with Dunkin Donuts (sic).
We finally arrived in the sweltering heat of Cartagena (pronounced "cart-a-hen-yer") and checked into our lovely hotel with soft beds, air conditioning and a pool.
We cracked open a couple of beers and declared the travelling to be over and that we were now, officially on holiday.
So far, on holiday has been: have a nice meal; have a nice sleep; lie in bed reading books.
