Paradise found

[Sailover]

It does take some getting used to. Just like being happy all the time. But you find you quite enjoy it.

[azaslan]

Great answer Sailover!

[John Wayne]

From what I have found it is something one must acclimatize to, in my opinion ya need more salt in the diet, perhaps and air conditioner in the night to dry out the air a bit and stay in the shade and drink plenty of liquids....

Jumping back and forth will be a basturd but if you young and strong yet your body will adapt.....

I had one of the worst colds in my life in Costa Rica.....

A fan helped at night under a mosquito net.....

But it is like walking cows north, they acclimatize on the drive, put 'em in a truck and the basturds will nearly freeze to death at the destination.....

[Jook]

Change of plans. Instead of visiting my novia at her home in Medellin, we're gonna meet in Cartagena for 7 days in the latter part of February. I've never been (nor her) and just started doing some research. [i need a travel agent!] Recommendations for everything would be most appreciated, i.e., hotel (under $100), restaurants and things to do, day trips to islands, best time to book, flights from Medellin to Cartagena (Aires?) for her (is a bus torture?). Some hotels CM came up with are el hotel el almirante
& hotel el dorado decameron. Anyone know of them? I'll be flying to Cartagena from Fort Lauderdale (or Miami) and flying back to Newark. I see Spirit has cheap flights from FLL but don't see any non stop flights going home to NJ. Thanks for any suggestions!

[Whitey]

Jook, have a look at my trip report for some ideas on Cartagena:

Whitey's Barranquilla Trip Report: July2009

I really like staying in the old walled city rather than near the beach. I like the history, the beautiful buildings, and all the restaurants and bars. The beach is only a $6.000 cab ride away.

Hotel Los Balcones de Badillo is right in the heart of the old city and everything is within a 10 minute walk or less. It's a cozy boutique style hotel with a reasonable price for Cartagena (about $US83 per night including taxes and breakfast).

Many people get tired of Cartagena after 2-3 days. You may want to consider a trip to Santa Marta/El Rodadero for a few days. It's a 4 hour bus or mini-van ride from Cartagena. Nicer beaches, and a visit to Parque Tayrona is a must!

Have a great time!

Whitey

[Sailover]

There is also a fantastic hotel on the way to Isla De Rosario on it's own island. Away from it all in the crystal waters that you will not see in Cartagena where the beaches aren't very pretty. I believe it is a Decameron which means a bit pricey, but also means everything is included.
We stayed in a shack on Playa Blanca with no water, no power, no phones. It was Allie Fox perfect with just the stars and the sea breeze. (fresh fish cooked over the fire too). Might be a bit basic for some, but if you can rough it for a night or two, it will reset your system.

[HonkyTonk]

How did the bottle find your mouth when the sun went down

[KPunch2]

Originally Posted by Clark Rubensburg

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

There is no frickin' way these [ugly ass] hookers in this picture are from Cartagena... No Way! They look like your typical South Beach variety.

[John Wayne]

Originally Posted by KPunch2

There is no frickin' way these [ugly ass] hookers in this picture are from Cartagena... No Way! They look like your typical South Beach variety.

I wasn't gone say anything, and I have no idea what a South Beach Variety is......

And I have no reason to comment on what of the female species turns another man on......

I have in a drunkin' state layed down with dogs and pigs in my life, woke up, and had to knaw my arm off to not wake up a coyote......

So I am not going to throw stones.....

Hey if it blows your dress up, go for it....

[Jook]

Hey Whitey, that was a nice report! After reading your report and doing some more research, the more I'm thinking you're right, a couple of days in Cartagena is enough. The last thing I want is to to feel like I'm in friggin' Miami Beach.

Sailover, the shack in Playa Blanca is right up my alley. Any more info on it?

Can I wait until I get to Cartagena to book a side trip to Santa Marta or is this something that needs to be done in advance?