Real Cartagena is Better than Joan Wilder's Cartagana
Written by Kyle on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in Colombia
Feelin' happy
You remember the movie "Romancing the Stone" where Kathleen Turner goes to Colombia to save her sister by bringing a secret map that shows where a large gem is buried? No? Well, here's a refresher:Feelin' happy
Anyway, when Kathleen Turner's character, the romance novelist Joan Wilder, arrives in Cartagena, it looks like a seedy town full of unscrupulous people. I distinctly remember the bad guys hanging out near the shore feeding crocodiles through grates in the floor.
Well, after spending a couple days in Cargagena, I can positively say that (gasp!), the movie is wrong! Cartagena is a beautiful town.
First, it has what I have been lacking throughout central america: good street food. On the street, we could buy various seafood cocktails, fresh oysters (the guy said they are good for my "capacidad sexual", whatever that means), lemonade, coffee, hamburgers, popsicles, meat on a stick, fresh fruit juices, arepas (a corn based bread that is often filled with cheese or egg), and various sweets. In fact, we were able to fill ourselves up without even stepping into a restaurant!
Bessie buying a popsicle; limeade vendor
Various kiosks selling seafood cocktails
All the street food came in handy when exploring the city because we were able to keep experiencing the city while being out and about. The historic district of Cargagena is a photographers dream. If you want to know what a 1600's colonial town looked like, this is it. Since the whole town was well protected within the surrounding walls, it was spared the pillaging that happened in a lot of places, hence most of the original buildings remained. True, 400 years ago the buildings weren't high-end shopping establishments, but it's still a sight to behold.
Comments on "Real Cartagena is Better than Joan Wilder's Cartagana"
There are plenty of jewelry shops in Cartagena. I didn't ask for El Corazon...maybe they have it???
Cartagena! Thanks for being our advanced scouting party for the area. We will eagerly await your suggestions for must "things to see" in the historic district. We'd like to skip sliding down a ravine or being pursued by banditos...and we are not much for large jewelry!
How delightfully Romantic! Delicious food everywhere, a fun flick, a collosal bass cle, an adorable wife........THIS is the Good Life. ENJOY!
Great photos and wonderful video memories of young Michael Douglas behaving like Harrison Ford and his father Kirk. Thanks for sharing it all!
I'm in my 60's and was in Cartagena 3 years ago but looking at your pics and videos makes me wish I was young again and could take a trip like you have. Getting old is a bummer.
We actually met a guy in his 60's who is doing the same trip as us, except by motorcycle. It's never too late!
I posted your adventure on my site for other to see. Hope this was cool.
Feel free to join and post your other experiences.
http://medoblado.ning.com
thanks!
Ya, but did you find El Corazon yet??? I mean, if Joan Wilder can find it... it would make a great wedding present for someone (wink, wink) :)
by Kristine at October 15, 2008 09:01 AM