Photos
Day 297 Sat 25/6
A 5 hour luxury trip to Cartagena. Instead of taking a bus, I signed up to take a minivan that picks you up at the hostel and drops you off at a main square in Cartagena. There was no difference in price and it was a much more relaxed way to travel.
After checking in at the hostel, I was off for a walk. Who shoudl I run into at a nearby hostel, but the Norwegian girls again. They were headed out to Panama in a couple of hours’ time. Time enough to catch up and exchange names – it only took about 4 encounters.
Dinner with Rosario and Cynthia who had made it to Cartagena the previous day and another traveller we knew from Villa de Leyva. Midway through dinner, rain hit the town. Quite the deluge! I dont recall seeing such a downpour in years! Within minutes, the streets looked like rivers and we were trapped at the restaurant. It took about an hour before the rain stopped. We said our goodbyes and it was quite an adventure heading back to the hostel!
Day 298 Sun 26/6
Walked around most of the day. Cartagena is extremely photogenic and the colonial old town has some pretty buildings. Sunset and outdoor (free) music helped mark a lovely end to the day.
Day 299 Mon 27/6
Walked around a bit in the morning. One of the reasons I stayed back was to visit some of the museums, all of which were closed! It was some sort of a public holiday. I had also forgotten to take into consideration that it was Monday – doh!
Watched Rafael Nadal play Del Potro in the fourth round and then headed out to catch the sunset again. This time, I was stopped by a policeman who wanted to see my id and wasnt satisfied with the copy of the passport I carry around with me all the time. Apparently, he wanted me to carry my passport with me all the time. More chances to exercise my Spanish muscles, but one I could have done without. Back to the hostel, planning to wake up early to head to Mompos.
Damu