Our trip to Cartagena in pictures

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSJYtuQ8JEqw_PbuuTFxEm1ioJq4IZAkReLK_MHIZDk-vHot1jbrV_IqQtFJDbFW4KHjan8CaZIHZtkDAbCf4RFqbHXvWnCeo4UlsB9qn-DdPxsuN1v5xjwwS-iz3gfdrAltxCyeJCFo/s1600/IMG_9907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSJYtuQ8JEqw_PbuuTFxEm1ioJq4IZAkReLK_MHIZDk-vHot1jbrV_IqQtFJDbFW4KHjan8CaZIHZtkDAbCf4RFqbHXvWnCeo4UlsB9qn-DdPxsuN1v5xjwwS-iz3gfdrAltxCyeJCFo/s640/IMG_9907.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are like me, and travel for architecture, food, culture and fresh air then Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly a place you should go.  The main attractions of this city is enclosed within a fortified wall built around the 1530's to protect the city from pirates who seem to be more than interested in the gold existing in ancients tombs as well as in Cartagenas's strategical trading location.  We were expecting a devastating heat while we were there however the weather was perfectly comfortable.  Sunny everyday but also breezy and very little humidity in particular during the late afternoons when the sun is setting.  Between admiring the colonial architecture and trying out the ceviche we had a very memorable Christmas and I highly recommend it.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAnSEn38jaNHWgkTKsGjHMmM2tLD4nRPlHgKYa3GVNwVzhnACGmhbqcVfewfi4joCT8DVkQ5kFwPPu22Cg6O3i3oQUThkHudv37aveHUanOSJN0GGHXNBXeA_BSRObDZxfWDgYYUnQpo/s1600/IMG_9852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAnSEn38jaNHWgkTKsGjHMmM2tLD4nRPlHgKYa3GVNwVzhnACGmhbqcVfewfi4joCT8DVkQ5kFwPPu22Cg6O3i3oQUThkHudv37aveHUanOSJN0GGHXNBXeA_BSRObDZxfWDgYYUnQpo/s640/IMG_9852.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLOZLX7cv5gI-w5RMuKXDKc4Evy3BUIvdNL6PeLLYAZE2aYx_vxmHpw28Ou2U-_TfXIpcuaR7_QafrcTWm1IYufvbgzDgt-z2S951-tM7bPFXhZ61kk5DUST3Aif2PCBRF4A_wYsjBbA/s1600/IMG_9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLOZLX7cv5gI-w5RMuKXDKc4Evy3BUIvdNL6PeLLYAZE2aYx_vxmHpw28Ou2U-_TfXIpcuaR7_QafrcTWm1IYufvbgzDgt-z2S951-tM7bPFXhZ61kk5DUST3Aif2PCBRF4A_wYsjBbA/s640/IMG_9905.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nxLTv0bsh5ZsVrdYACzkudMOT6sTfyshml-9Ml-AvB60ELoM8VSMSNYxINmrf6aSuXWPem4CSRwIaIS1wVez4K4oekQrTmrjgsyqPHMD0I2WpiKX8YthZdD0FxCv4Gqj3ejKXJQVEVo/s1600/IMG_9909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nxLTv0bsh5ZsVrdYACzkudMOT6sTfyshml-9Ml-AvB60ELoM8VSMSNYxINmrf6aSuXWPem4CSRwIaIS1wVez4K4oekQrTmrjgsyqPHMD0I2WpiKX8YthZdD0FxCv4Gqj3ejKXJQVEVo/s640/IMG_9909.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Churches throughout Cartagena are stunning and also a chance to get to cool off while safeguarding yourself from the sun.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34481012" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvg7CLSOF7AOCYDLZQnbDA2pzRzz5U0nA8EMAJK_GTQFH-SijQNji4kVOZkNv5WwjjVVZdpMc-vXZ2YSSS0gDIdjTbK7GPtOrMVbSUq18t11dwEx_rtxRU_xpJlw2mE-8U7WJS1QjvrA/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvg7CLSOF7AOCYDLZQnbDA2pzRzz5U0nA8EMAJK_GTQFH-SijQNji4kVOZkNv5WwjjVVZdpMc-vXZ2YSSS0gDIdjTbK7GPtOrMVbSUq18t11dwEx_rtxRU_xpJlw2mE-8U7WJS1QjvrA/s640/IMG_9955.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Calle Cochera de Hobo is one of the most beautiful streets in the City.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLY3TiWDkSzlbsX5GfBqUhTP3CDR8VJBXfZ-uvwlc1Zqz4CVSFhsIBEHj_gFXkwq4WVhyQjJPqThjw2ICQ5FbscChotgiX4kX_zGi5rW-VObX_-YtF7zjIu-72QHpYCRn5qE_RI_Jlg4/s1600/IMG_9956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLY3TiWDkSzlbsX5GfBqUhTP3CDR8VJBXfZ-uvwlc1Zqz4CVSFhsIBEHj_gFXkwq4WVhyQjJPqThjw2ICQ5FbscChotgiX4kX_zGi5rW-VObX_-YtF7zjIu-72QHpYCRn5qE_RI_Jlg4/s640/IMG_9956.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">The typical straw hats being sold on practically every street. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJBoPj5ebjHLSipPMaklMijbOSkjS7L0IkxgIo10toYyV8GlucKwTGtlfgZCRdbsEb8ZpSg7ylnsfyveoKSlDBPIE1Dbo66TIoGT2gI2QYPlNfWRrhHufc_xe7ZeE5pg5FCtNmaUd8FQg/s1600/IMG_9849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJBoPj5ebjHLSipPMaklMijbOSkjS7L0IkxgIo10toYyV8GlucKwTGtlfgZCRdbsEb8ZpSg7ylnsfyveoKSlDBPIE1Dbo66TIoGT2gI2QYPlNfWRrhHufc_xe7ZeE5pg5FCtNmaUd8FQg/s640/IMG_9849.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47bhSzAob6FjuLLmvZ7LRD9462AwNB2z9YHPxo_vojC7oP-sAILrTGf00CKy4Z1XnVRjAV4BDgcXvuy5lHyyKtUGawiLTbXtijIUtoyUu1b64kgdahyphenhyphenkdVmSNyXol36p_re0QwoErERc/s1600/IMG_9862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47bhSzAob6FjuLLmvZ7LRD9462AwNB2z9YHPxo_vojC7oP-sAILrTGf00CKy4Z1XnVRjAV4BDgcXvuy5lHyyKtUGawiLTbXtijIUtoyUu1b64kgdahyphenhyphenkdVmSNyXol36p_re0QwoErERc/s640/IMG_9862.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmuPR2tKyUiZkGx0gsYiGJZXck02IDdJpM5L6NgHTuBaQrw3xrBrNqWfqyhqMCvD6yhZ-jfAl5bgTX3iXuHpCSv0zmMd0JcDjWlt0Xg6VtU1XROOaKcCa9kXfZPmD00e0HmWrW3nDKcY/s1600/IMG_9876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmuPR2tKyUiZkGx0gsYiGJZXck02IDdJpM5L6NgHTuBaQrw3xrBrNqWfqyhqMCvD6yhZ-jfAl5bgTX3iXuHpCSv0zmMd0JcDjWlt0Xg6VtU1XROOaKcCa9kXfZPmD00e0HmWrW3nDKcY/s640/IMG_9876.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My hubby always doing silly things.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMp-xWIrvygqIqY3smmk6OiCTTynfYEnfCxQnvqnistflJTtbhZi6GNQkdB_oE4F6irfZ0LEfQUXXBvzACk5Z3sPCVnryRMWQdNaNMXRcZ3ONJ1zSv10fV0td3tp7VYe1qPAE-Vck38Y/s1600/IMG_9877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMp-xWIrvygqIqY3smmk6OiCTTynfYEnfCxQnvqnistflJTtbhZi6GNQkdB_oE4F6irfZ0LEfQUXXBvzACk5Z3sPCVnryRMWQdNaNMXRcZ3ONJ1zSv10fV0td3tp7VYe1qPAE-Vck38Y/s640/IMG_9877.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzYwVwE3IIFZcCoO24zHN-n9NoBKd88YojNeJ7-FputEaX7r5d6XhJxYvxy4jVky7h_2i4HFc4SMwSYwzgMdSTmfBiyH-VFt6BCabUf74ykJYKeH5ErTE_mwi_2sBWKZul-qVkis5UsM/s1600/IMG_9879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzYwVwE3IIFZcCoO24zHN-n9NoBKd88YojNeJ7-FputEaX7r5d6XhJxYvxy4jVky7h_2i4HFc4SMwSYwzgMdSTmfBiyH-VFt6BCabUf74ykJYKeH5ErTE_mwi_2sBWKZul-qVkis5UsM/s640/IMG_9879.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABXO_dGVZBFqkRHYAarTboIfhEpPmkUl0WN9kmMMwDsTJExQlMsPPczIWC-8_I6pPzp-EEBL6RQaVpI_mJ9xFwOzuut3pS2cEcraywph7RU4fxmsAuoDtzC5ncUElJ2lZYle8TlmRCZ0/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABXO_dGVZBFqkRHYAarTboIfhEpPmkUl0WN9kmMMwDsTJExQlMsPPczIWC-8_I6pPzp-EEBL6RQaVpI_mJ9xFwOzuut3pS2cEcraywph7RU4fxmsAuoDtzC5ncUElJ2lZYle8TlmRCZ0/s640/IMG_9957.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">There are horse carriages you can stop and hop on everywhere in the city. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG00fZCwf1HOtApgdfk9ZB76Skwr13hnRupNuSjUXE4Ixb4l4aM7xIEowh4-hP_NkQYwlHHxu6ZUMFC9Z-PdLWrm98ioHiiH2c1xS7lhQevEfq_l84ED02KUDed4HWLbLpkc-ramNHJle/s1600/IMG_9904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG00fZCwf1HOtApgdfk9ZB76Skwr13hnRupNuSjUXE4Ixb4l4aM7xIEowh4-hP_NkQYwlHHxu6ZUMFC9Z-PdLWrm98ioHiiH2c1xS7lhQevEfq_l84ED02KUDed4HWLbLpkc-ramNHJle/s640/IMG_9904.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plaza de San Pedro Claver<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnn2YP6aAAQU1jQw5T99h_stRTlCmYjzGaILQg-yzOTzY0a-FnsPcpix-slhLEv-yMtqk_ycF2PBzOA-TeUV37jPNccmT7bQgqJW05wet0p1Duww-podgZxyEJAFLRmic0-3oa6xynW4/s1600/IMG_5647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnn2YP6aAAQU1jQw5T99h_stRTlCmYjzGaILQg-yzOTzY0a-FnsPcpix-slhLEv-yMtqk_ycF2PBzOA-TeUV37jPNccmT7bQgqJW05wet0p1Duww-podgZxyEJAFLRmic0-3oa6xynW4/s640/IMG_5647.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMCANwWesP8VW4AgJ6u2tovF0rz45ZjsTqPfn3VzAleVb3g8r1GNIlBfASMjdbzXhBJu4Tv8kgnhrdpIvlTs5PZUS7RwCKbTV_GBG8GDrpSVXxtQUBAJ75qvbNS2obmpzZCwidp8MFfo/s1600/IMG_9890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMCANwWesP8VW4AgJ6u2tovF0rz45ZjsTqPfn3VzAleVb3g8r1GNIlBfASMjdbzXhBJu4Tv8kgnhrdpIvlTs5PZUS7RwCKbTV_GBG8GDrpSVXxtQUBAJ75qvbNS2obmpzZCwidp8MFfo/s640/IMG_9890.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Restaurante <a href="http://www.donjuancartagena.com/" target="_blank">Donjuan</a> was my favorite for lunch.  Not only for the beautiful ambiance and decor but also for the good food. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF7gnnxUw8NJYZeGZosFdBsBvCYDjOT0LNtqGEGNTMBD18wlNcwMWDaomqnI5TY0yJycRL1HJ-f4v3N7MtjecV-lpPqUjMzV6cIFMCwynmKzskhm656_IGyDXqIjRxpiFhk5TjF0m8nc/s1600/cartagena-poolside-vera-484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF7gnnxUw8NJYZeGZosFdBsBvCYDjOT0LNtqGEGNTMBD18wlNcwMWDaomqnI5TY0yJycRL1HJ-f4v3N7MtjecV-lpPqUjMzV6cIFMCwynmKzskhm656_IGyDXqIjRxpiFhk5TjF0m8nc/s640/cartagena-poolside-vera-484.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Restaurante Vera at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, owned by the most well known Colombian designer, Silvia Tcherassi, was the best for dinner.  (picture above is from Bon Appetit)<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2mL41ETQuTbzmYFsjndXks3C6BUlBDXI_UnxF9E8igs4v_QK_7T9QY2CRq76RQPXUBRlCxqc4jQnMcVkfz7iPaLH3xTncn3BnhvrwK-QmZClg2ieWVjKpPzL54V3tPPQcklXI8HVsmU/s1600/IMG_9933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2mL41ETQuTbzmYFsjndXks3C6BUlBDXI_UnxF9E8igs4v_QK_7T9QY2CRq76RQPXUBRlCxqc4jQnMcVkfz7iPaLH3xTncn3BnhvrwK-QmZClg2ieWVjKpPzL54V3tPPQcklXI8HVsmU/s640/IMG_9933.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="im">We stayed at <a href="http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1871-sofitel-legend-santa-clara-cartagena/index.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Sofitel Legend Santa Clara</a>.  Located in an old monastery, the setting and decor couldn't have been better.  The service is excellent as well. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOcdwU9OKTGWSKEGSKu3UMUuBUefwf4b5BbJIg10Q-0VXTobPby53zaBx3Mxz-nnXyZ_bs4cU7MnQ8auKVh65KJ_yRWcVhgJXQ1qIs9HAGB19Y9xOI1nN99QTHfHNTV6pd6H5_5L9Kkg/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOcdwU9OKTGWSKEGSKu3UMUuBUefwf4b5BbJIg10Q-0VXTobPby53zaBx3Mxz-nnXyZ_bs4cU7MnQ8auKVh65KJ_yRWcVhgJXQ1qIs9HAGB19Y9xOI1nN99QTHfHNTV6pd6H5_5L9Kkg/s400/IMG_9934.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">They offer a full buffet breakfast and/or a la cart.  Colombian soft note coffee is so far my favorite coffee and when French pressed it is even better.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nk_IzHUjnlDFyf1RVRMgf3vfR2_WgFhlai5vwSxDhB6iSBe4zNuP9V8_snadLwDv3PyPuGXjVrx9U8RlM5NlkvR32ECGWuOZ-HFJXvpGQ1uLDiLWimfKN64V0YBqLT-jAjo_6CsTU88/s1600/IMG_9931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Nk_IzHUjnlDFyf1RVRMgf3vfR2_WgFhlai5vwSxDhB6iSBe4zNuP9V8_snadLwDv3PyPuGXjVrx9U8RlM5NlkvR32ECGWuOZ-HFJXvpGQ1uLDiLWimfKN64V0YBqLT-jAjo_6CsTU88/s640/IMG_9931.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is outside the walled City, it's as hot as hell and you basically get to walk outside on the structure where the sun seems to bounce all over the place.  I don't really recommend a visit here, unless you are really-really into it!. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbnRMWdjlvTF98LTnLCJsb88N6lrWTcqUzMlq0hW9ykkHUun62H7LKRpQbDCvv1rHbEzLWpz-N0TTH3ZSbz_p00SKNGNemXKnr9tVenw9T-HIYI4kUCRGLFvQvOqDci_T-L5dgQ9gutA/s1600/IMG_9962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbnRMWdjlvTF98LTnLCJsb88N6lrWTcqUzMlq0hW9ykkHUun62H7LKRpQbDCvv1rHbEzLWpz-N0TTH3ZSbz_p00SKNGNemXKnr9tVenw9T-HIYI4kUCRGLFvQvOqDci_T-L5dgQ9gutA/s640/IMG_9962.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>This is Mateo.  A permanent resident Toucan of Sofitel Santa Clara.  Everyone who goes there expect to see him and get acquainted with him quickly! <br />We decided to hop on a speedboat and spend one day and night at the beach.  Our first choice for <a href="http://bellevivir.blogspot.com.br/2013/08/on-my-travel-list-hotel-agua-baru-island.html" target="_blank">Hotel</a> didn't have any availability but everything works out for the best.  We got to spend a wonderful time in <a href="http://www.hotelmajagua.com/en/" target="_blank">San Pedro de Majagua</a> bathing under the sun, sipping mojitos and munching fish and lobster.  We couldn't ask for more. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVuxDIHayGDuwrtHJUsfvN-bs0BIvjlyN2g8d7683TBayMypxDBfPO6M7qJdqH5w4aYFxigBmBSOCt_9SpGf817mRQV9N2yq1-_TZkEBUlZcLPJIguvK2XSTuy9ZHtEYq1nCF7wIqL30/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVuxDIHayGDuwrtHJUsfvN-bs0BIvjlyN2g8d7683TBayMypxDBfPO6M7qJdqH5w4aYFxigBmBSOCt_9SpGf817mRQV9N2yq1-_TZkEBUlZcLPJIguvK2XSTuy9ZHtEYq1nCF7wIqL30/s640/IMG_0003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ik7eSQFB9TwBolUiF4PBq0qMlWXU1muufYe1JPqQzUW_VBdgWorqsuE5q3ihGfMRZEA1iMErD3Ert5DLuTwZxoXQBrcOLWR6kqM3fyG66zg6wZ7-l7dqEo6mERpuvJ8SwlyNaF7kh-4/s1600/IMG_9967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ik7eSQFB9TwBolUiF4PBq0qMlWXU1muufYe1JPqQzUW_VBdgWorqsuE5q3ihGfMRZEA1iMErD3Ert5DLuTwZxoXQBrcOLWR6kqM3fyG66zg6wZ7-l7dqEo6mERpuvJ8SwlyNaF7kh-4/s400/IMG_9967.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The Hotel has suites with outdoor spaces with hammocks where we went late afternoons tired of doing nothing.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34481012" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsk6OhP08FHoXAfl1BM9wxF_15_-2X3Fff-ILKDVOerQxl0lO3EW9DhlHPORrWBVVrVhDCFTB-Sab1ats3y-r5OXROPZhKQXwe9RsWJQ0q2QC1NJOHOWFoV75IIA_9HwYAtBYpNacXXA/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsk6OhP08FHoXAfl1BM9wxF_15_-2X3Fff-ILKDVOerQxl0lO3EW9DhlHPORrWBVVrVhDCFTB-Sab1ats3y-r5OXROPZhKQXwe9RsWJQ0q2QC1NJOHOWFoV75IIA_9HwYAtBYpNacXXA/s640/IMG_9999.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, when are we going back again?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbJgMorpL8eeySKc7O7ue75-gbsLzHnTr7-3r1DGKNpfSjUdtEOnB98dUN6ws5czUSo1t3u7g2chPeM1JLY90paezaEKuzgvnv8dVTv7lnhSZsQYWanKq49VoBlUnTuqAzGLy9uDmyA8/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbJgMorpL8eeySKc7O7ue75-gbsLzHnTr7-3r1DGKNpfSjUdtEOnB98dUN6ws5czUSo1t3u7g2chPeM1JLY90paezaEKuzgvnv8dVTv7lnhSZsQYWanKq49VoBlUnTuqAzGLy9uDmyA8/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34481012" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-moz1g9nYanfLtJYRzNQkVvjgrWrYDxNImwwu9Qm1N5E1ZSwUuqle-k0ztWyjJ-TBwYJcIABfQvJsGyxomTMkOS6CgwVF1euWIj4C3Rstl5zBpl5Zke4tUfJCpanS81lE1KsIwXffDvI/s320/5r9xt.gif" width="244" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: right;">All pictures taken by me with the exception of the Vera Restaurant. </div></div></div>

Our trip to Cartagena in pictures

If you are like me, and travel for architecture, food, culture and fresh air then Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly a place you should go...

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When traveling; dress accordingly: What to pack to Cartagena

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaznsJfU2Yqr_JsbdLH1Ir2P1AcTsMxcwSlfnCeSJ0NC5I3BPxOzIAvJmvwNW2FFddeaQJfm9H-bbQT8J60FCdYDr12eXxaqqMIESWF4KXIdss1sj51hY9wU2lKRRmMpf2u0wmy_F6U4hp/s1600/5067d5abdd75aa6eccc09a5134f60281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaznsJfU2Yqr_JsbdLH1Ir2P1AcTsMxcwSlfnCeSJ0NC5I3BPxOzIAvJmvwNW2FFddeaQJfm9H-bbQT8J60FCdYDr12eXxaqqMIESWF4KXIdss1sj51hY9wU2lKRRmMpf2u0wmy_F6U4hp/s640/5067d5abdd75aa6eccc09a5134f60281.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>My first choice of clothing when traveling to a city like Cartagena de Indias, Colombia's largest tropical port, would be to embellish myself in only Dries Van Noten and Stella McCartney's sophisticated prints.  When that may happen, I don't know!  Until then, I am happy with shopping at Top Shop this summer.  I paid a visit yesterday to do some shopping for our trip to the wall surrounded city next week and I loved the beautiful prints on their understated British styled pieces.  I was even happier when I saw their price tags.  Here are my picks to pack when going to a city where heat is the norm.  Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgQ1IvuOi6ZdTu-vmQ-ptwHDDqfMcY5KW4rC4xikNX6RozuRalf1u67iWkn0mWi3b8s0xgC_Xq8QMH4ftPSSkunoNqYkR_IqEOf5bxhm9kUi4sxaElhVe9uorFR71Bm2Xbczdo1QCi5sP/s1600/what+to+pack+to+cartagena.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgQ1IvuOi6ZdTu-vmQ-ptwHDDqfMcY5KW4rC4xikNX6RozuRalf1u67iWkn0mWi3b8s0xgC_Xq8QMH4ftPSSkunoNqYkR_IqEOf5bxhm9kUi4sxaElhVe9uorFR71Bm2Xbczdo1QCi5sP/s640/what+to+pack+to+cartagena.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.zara.com/?go=http%3A//www.zara.com/share/woman/accessories/jewellery/necklace-with-stones-and-combination-chains-c499007p1544005.html#utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polyvore.com%2Fcgi%2Fapp" target="_blank">Necklace</a>, <a href="http://boticca.com/eliurpi/camel-capelina-hat/27991/" target="_blank">hat</a>, <a href="http://www.au.forzieri.com/long-scarves/missoni/mi090913-007-00" target="_blank">Missoni scarf</a>, <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/panama-sunglasses/TY7062.html?dwvar_TY7062_color=269&start=1&cgid=accessories-eyewear&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=cj&utm_content=2687457" target="_blank">Tory Burch sunglasses</a>, <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=Promo_Web-Exclusive&ProductID=2000128821&VariantID=&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-tLKdqTkBndNm01KjrAjFNA&ls_affid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_campaign=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=ls" target="_blank">black top</a>, <a href="http://www.thedreslyn.com/one-teaspoon-bandits-beauty.html?source=pepperjam&publisherId=2845&clickId=785739290" target="_blank">shorts</a>, <a href="http://usa.hermes.com/woman/shoes/pumps/ottomane/configurable-product-z-women-ottomane-26825.html" target="_blank">Hermes ottomane</a>, <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/176994?qxjkl=tsid:38929%7Ccat:Hy3bqNL2jtQ" target="_blank">skirt</a>, <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sale_tops&ProductID=2000076521&VariantID=&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-kGZ5V1MkG6QRVMQKpWbYwA&ls_affid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_campaign=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=ls" target="_blank">stripped top</a>, <a href="http://www.calypsostbarth.com/mykonos-printed-caftan" target="_blank">caftan</a>.  Last but not least it's a good idea to pack a few hair pins. <br /></div>When it comes to skin products, in a city like Cartagena where average temperature year round is 32 C and humidity is the daily bread then I don't really want to be using too many of them.  But  anyone over 30 must likely will need some coverage. After my layers of serum, I swear on <a href="http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/category/physical-fusion-uv-defense-spf-50.htm" target="_blank">Skinceuticals physical fusion UV defense SPF 50</a>.  It's almost as light as water with a café-con-leche tone that gives just the right coverage.  For the body I can't replace my <a href="http://www.shiseido.com/Ultimate-Sun-Protection-Lotion/0730852105133,en_US,pd.html&cgid=suncare&" target="_blank">Shiseido Ultimate sun protection lotion SPF 50+ </a> The fact that this product, while actualizing its formula, has been in the market for years, speaks millions to how good it is.  I also love <a href="http://www.getjackblack.com/Products/Sun-Guard-Sunscreen-SPF-45-Oil-Free-and-Very-Water-Resistant__3014O.aspx" target="_blank">Jack Black Performance Remedy SPF 45</a>.  Beautiful eyelashes can get you far in life, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-mascara-P289307" target="_blank">They're real</a> by Benefit are the best I've found.  One application can give you a natural look, apply some more and you have thick and separated lashes.  Perfection!  Then only and because eyebrows don't sweat and there's little that needs to be done when you have a pair of respectable eyebrows, I opt for <a href="http://www.sephora.com/beauty-express-for-brows-eyes-P277913?skuId=1306984" target="_blank"> Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for brows and eyes</a>.  I only use the powder and forget about the rest in the package.   I can't live without blush and to cover that department no one does it better for me than Nars.  It’s shade <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=nars%20torrid&skuId=652354&productId=P2855&_requestid=9462" target="_blank">Torrid</a> goes a long way.  <a href="http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002" target="_blank">Sugar lip treatment SPF 15</a> in color passion is my only option lately.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.zara.com/?go=http%3A//www.zara.com/share/woman/accessories/jewellery/necklace-with-stones-and-combination-chains-c499007p1544005.html#utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polyvore.com%2Fcgi%2Fapp" target="_blank"></a> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0_OG90VmyLzPJ1zKbfiHSSzCgsIDXMyOWTCKcZGc1Ui-t2aPmYItYpJASh-pI-isWvdMDowjiZg3AWkUEh4K4mdDdzNL_KTFi1hhicnLN55FT9BCrWXW42sYFnoDIlqnW3M0LDQ9bm6t/s1600/0b1b1fe032c5c3cb65f53d65905c3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0_OG90VmyLzPJ1zKbfiHSSzCgsIDXMyOWTCKcZGc1Ui-t2aPmYItYpJASh-pI-isWvdMDowjiZg3AWkUEh4K4mdDdzNL_KTFi1hhicnLN55FT9BCrWXW42sYFnoDIlqnW3M0LDQ9bm6t/s400/0b1b1fe032c5c3cb65f53d65905c3672.jpg" width="492" /></a><br /><br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Qg07MHHIPyg7ZX4rS59GiCIduvTzE0rfyrXZKgKrNux58Bg2_2pNr3qIANSrRXpYnjOvhgAAFD11IbjyfaVEdPn4ubibxOwFubpSIqLmrFooP4NfCbjn2WW-BriQ-2fCdaoyWJSuu50/s1600/c44244fa2a07f5752399d599f9cb6787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Qg07MHHIPyg7ZX4rS59GiCIduvTzE0rfyrXZKgKrNux58Bg2_2pNr3qIANSrRXpYnjOvhgAAFD11IbjyfaVEdPn4ubibxOwFubpSIqLmrFooP4NfCbjn2WW-BriQ-2fCdaoyWJSuu50/s640/c44244fa2a07f5752399d599f9cb6787.jpg" width="494" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI8_WcqqavaxQioE_I-N4fWCUof5FJ_wTcMtsWeOeNxa2hPjrzEYdiPQb3WZMx96P_l9cxdGQxlFh7J24oLnFosXYzwjJqF-wrJAVXlKOHApn2useKmBSxoDro_dA0ut0AmPZKHJVwoww/s1600/FOTO-Vogue+Paris+February+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI8_WcqqavaxQioE_I-N4fWCUof5FJ_wTcMtsWeOeNxa2hPjrzEYdiPQb3WZMx96P_l9cxdGQxlFh7J24oLnFosXYzwjJqF-wrJAVXlKOHApn2useKmBSxoDro_dA0ut0AmPZKHJVwoww/s400/FOTO-Vogue+Paris+February+2011.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Stella McCartney<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0OVUCVwQxsCqqC14KPKN9M-PfFwBZRuWchimhWqj-hNbLW2vucguODA5-5KumZgpD0sPyW0-8pA2TC_iSi-9d0ezlqimD9tFJss-inhlpxJiCCqY5HHv-K-CAGBgvbfLmWo4B12DSnml/s1600/driesvannoten2-775246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="710" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0OVUCVwQxsCqqC14KPKN9M-PfFwBZRuWchimhWqj-hNbLW2vucguODA5-5KumZgpD0sPyW0-8pA2TC_iSi-9d0ezlqimD9tFJss-inhlpxJiCCqY5HHv-K-CAGBgvbfLmWo4B12DSnml/s640/driesvannoten2-775246.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dries Van Noten</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;">top three images via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/weesiev/cartagena-looks/" target="_blank">Cartagena Looks pinterest</a>. </div></div>

When traveling; dress accordingly: What to pack to Cartagena

My first choice of clothing when traveling to a city like Cartagena de Indias, Colombia's largest tropical port, would be to embellish ...

Read more »