Paradise found

Sailover · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 09:38 AM

Thought I might break away from the current digressions, uh, discussions and tell about a fun time we had last week on the Coast. The first couple of nights which was supposed to be 3 nights but the hotel called us at freaking SIX PM on the second night and asked when we were checking out, were at the beachfront Costa del Sol. Since it was really too late to pack up and find another place we just sucked it up and paid for the 3rd night. (190,000 pesos for two including the meals and right on the beach, so not all THAT bad, and thank YOU Avianca for that boning)
The next day we left our bags at Casa Vienna, GREAT people they are, and headed out to Isla de Rosarios, which they arranged. Got to see the dolphins and sharks perform and enjoy the crystal clear water of the true Caribbean. Once we got to Playa Blanca which is on the way back to Cartagena we decided to spend a couple of nights there. Best thing ever. The last tourist boat out is at 5PM and then it is just you. No power, no water, no nothing except the sound of the surf and a Carl Sagen starry sky. (billions and billions). We ate fish for dinner and slept in hammocks with no mosquitos with the sea breeze. The morning brought sunrise skinny dipping in the clear sea, scrambled eggs and bread with coffee. Perfect. They have cold drinks with the ice that is carried in, and they give you half a bucket of water to bathe. Surprisingly you don't need that much! It is really a fantastic place to reboot. The normal way to return to the real world is by boat the following afternoon, but we had to get back early so we took an overland moto taxi. 30 of the dustiest minutes I have ever had, then in a canoe to cross the channel, then an hour on the bus into Cartagena. Good to know how to do it, great to avoid the next time. If your girl is a bit adventurous it is a really fantastic time. But if she will be wondering where to plug in her hair dryer and charge her twitter, then you might want to skip it.
We then headed to Monteria, but that is a story for another day.

Micky10 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 11:19 AM

SO -

What has happened with the wedding? Are you still chaseing papers? And go on with the report on Monteria.

Love - Micky

Sailover · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:28 PM

We did stop at the Embassy hoping I could present the papers and get things started. Dr. House said it best. Are you crazy? You need an appointment to get the appointment! I will FedEx them to the States.
As far as Monteria, we were both bothered by the heat much more than we remembered from when we lived up there. That and every taxi that passes honks as does every motorbike. Part of the Costena culture. The river walk is lovely, but that was about it from my standpoint. It is the gateway to Arboletes but I can't think of any other reason to spend more than a night there. (and pay extra for the air conditioning.) I lived on my boat in Key West for years without AC and wasn't bothered as much as I was that one night in Monteria.

GrizGator · #4 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 02:59 PM

I've been to Cartagena twice and enjoyed it both times. I rented an apartment right on the water in Laguito. Great view, nice pool, and a kitchen. Enjoyed touring the Old City and also took day trip to Rosario, Playa Blanca and some other island whose name I can't remember (not a well-known place - have to book trip through the hotel on the island and leave from the real marina). There's nightlife is you want it. Good seafood at reasonable prices. Only requisite is that you have to be able to stand the heat and humidity. I'm from Florida, so it's not a problem. Make sure that wherever you stay has air conditioning!

Griz

Clark Rubensburg · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 03:19 AM

My trip to Cartagena was so fascinating I could write code to describe it.

Jester · #6 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark Rubensburg

My trip to Cartagena was so fascinating I could write code to describe it.

Not sure if I should laugh or cry for you?

John Wayne · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark Rubensburg

My trip to Cartagena was so fascinating I could write code to describe it.

Clark R, welcome, and if you would like, tell us a bit about yourself, seems you already passed muster by even getting ang useing a Passport.....

On the Home Page at the top is a section specifically for that......

Lookin forward to your posts.....

Benjio · #8 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark Rubensburg

My trip to Cartagena was so fascinating I could write code to describe it.

Clark,

Judging from the picture you posted, you should have saved your money and visited me in Houston. I can hook you up with so many women that look and dress like that your head would pop off.

The Famous Wingman, a good friend of mine and a fellow board member (that doesn't post anymore and I have to speak with him about that), use to live in both Cartegena and Barranquilla. He always told me the beaches were the best looking thing in Cartegena, and as I'm sure you've already seen the beaches there ain't that great. Don't know if you've ever been to Barranquilla but make a stop there on your next trip to Colombia. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised with the difference between the women in your picture and the average (emphasis on average) Barranquillera. You'd be more impressed with Cali, and I don't even think you're ready for Medellin.

With all that being said, I like your style and welcome to the board. PM me for more info if you'd like (after you get your post count up and make a donation of course....just kidding about the donation...kind of).

Clark Rubensburg · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 09:50 PM

Ya it was a blast !!! My ladies luv me in C-Town !

John Wayne · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 03:12 AM

Glad you enjoyed yourself....Many Latinas will "Knock ya Socks off"

Hell of a lot different than AW's