Cartagena

After our six day voyage Meredith and I set foot on solid ground in Cartagena, our first encounter with Colombia.  When we arrived customs was absolutely nonexistent.  Half an hour after docking a small boat arrived to collect our passports.  We would get them back later that evening from our captain at a bar across the street from our hostel.  Meredith and I crossed in Colombia without ever seeing a customs agent and no one questioning what we had brought with us. 

Despite its reputation the streets of Colombia are not paved with cocaine nor are there dangers hiding around every corner.  My first impression of Cartagena was actually very similar to Casco Viejo in Panama City; cobble stone streets, well maintained neighborhoods with buildings exuding that colonial charm.  Police are abundant, but that doesn’t set Colombia apart from other South American countries. 

Meredith and I spent the first day walking around the city, looking for the local market, and taking pictures.  Overall I very mellow introduction to Colombia.  We stayed at Media Luna, the unofficial meeting point of those traveling from Portobelo, so it was nice to see some familiar faces.  

Besides wandering the city and catching up on everyone’s sailing experiences all of our activities in Cartagena were consolidated into one day.  In the morning we visited El Tumo, a mud volcano an hour outside of town.  I’m still not sure how it qualifies as a volcano being filled with mud instead of lava, but it was an interesting experience.  The mud is incredibly buoyant, but difficult to maneuver in.  Tourists are pushed through the mud by men who work there offering massages. 

After El Tumo we arrived back at the hostel and immediately got on a bus to the Under 20 World Cup, which is taking place in Colombia.  Our Miller Lite sponsored party bus was fully stocked with MGD for the ride.  Classy, I know. 

When we arrived to the stadium the energy was high.  I had been to a couple of games in Argentina and was excited for Meredith to experience soccer in South America.  This however was not the case.  By the end of the game even the Brits agreed that England vs. Mexico was the most boring soccer match of all time.  Instead of staying for the second game the party bus regrouped and we headed back to the hostel.  After a few days in Cartagena we were ready to move to a less expensive city.  A friend had recommended diving in Taganga so we rallied the troops and headed east.