COLOMBIA

Weekend in CARTAGENA
Nov 2008

Its known as a fairytale city of romance, legends and sheer beauty. Indeed Cartagena is an amazing place!

Cartagena was founded in 1533 and soon became main Spanish port on the Carraibean cost. .

In response to pirate attacks the Spaniards constructed walls encircling the town, which today marks Old Town.

PLAZA DE LA ADUANA - the oldest and largest square in town. Plenty of small metal sculptures make it fun place to take photos.

In Cartagena you actually do not even need a guide book - just strolling through maze of cobbled alleys is the best to explore the city and its people.

The town becomes especially romantic at night! Favorite couples activity is horse-powered taxis ride.

Palenque women peddle a rainbow of ripe fruit along the streets of El Centro, nearly all of it in nature’s protective wrappers:
bananas, mangos, papayas, guamas, ciruelas, coconuts and guayabas.

Plaza Santo Domingo and famous Botero sculpture.

Plaza Santo Domingo at night crowded with tourists, musicians, and locals trying to sell you all kind of things.

In Bodega del Medio, La Cocina de Socorro and a bar next to Plaza Santo Domingo.

PLAZA DE BOLIVAR - one of the nicest plazas with fountains, palm trees and typical colonial architecture.

Fernando BOTERO paintings reproductions - he is one of the most famous Colombian painters.

My favorite Palenque lady - Angelica - her fruit salad was delicious!!!

300-year-old Spanish colonial buildings huddled along brick streets. The palette is saturated with deep blue, dusty rose, burnt orange and ochre.

Again - wondering around beautiful and colorful streets of Cartagena.

LAS BOVEDAS - 23 dungeons built in defensive walls in 18th century - now became tourist shops.

For a sunset cocktail, stroll over to CAFE DEL MAR (Baluarte de Santo Domingo; www.cafedelmarcolombia.com), grab an outdoor stool near the rusty cannons that once guarded the city, and order a Colombian piña colada. I did not have luck with good sunset but the rainbow was a good replacement!

Afternoon light makes the city look even more colorful - best place to take photos is next to Cafe del Mar.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas that has impressive walk through complex system of tunnels.

BOGOTA
June 2009

View on Bogota from Cerro de Monserrate

On Cerro de Monserrate

Walking around the historical city center

Waling around LA CANDELARIA and taking photos of churches...

...and more churches...

Plaza de Bolivar - the heart of the historic town

Capitulo Nacional, Palacio de Justicia, Catedral Primada, Capilla de Sagrario

My favorite pieces of BOTERO

FULANITOS - great place to have LA LULADA on the balcony overlooking the center.

Walking around LA CANDELARIA

Modern part of Bogota

Day trip to VILLA DE LEJVA

Had AJIACO soup on the square enjoying the view.

3 typical Colombian things: X, Lama and Oblea

Underground Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira

For more check their website: www.catedraldesal.gov.co

World wide famous steak and party place totally blew me away! What a place...

Huge labyrint filled up with all kind of recycled things you can think of!

Great food like PATACON with different toppings - soooo good!

Great for all night "rumbiar" as the place has never-say-die party attitude.

For more details check their website: www.andrescarnederes.com