In total, 11km of stone walls, built during the colonial area, encompass the vibrant area at the center of the city. It was incredible to see the colonial history of the area alongside the modern twist. Within the walls were countless restaurants, bars, clubs, food stands, shops, you name it. On top of the walls stood the actual cannons used to protect the city boundaries. The hotels in this area were vastly more expensive than the Airbnb I rented in Manga, but I can see why. The area is extremely safe, filled with a diversity of people, and has many things to do and see. Next time, I am going to try to get a place here for sure.
Also, I thought it was funny to see a Texas-themed bar. Texas is everywhere and everyone in the world knows about Texas.
After the city center, I proceeded around to the some of the other sites including one of the castles of the wall (Castillo Can Felipe) and a large statue of a pair of old shoes. After googling the significance of “Zapatos Viejos,” I found that they are supposed to signify the path you have come, the pride you should feel coming this far, and the mentality of pushing onwards. Pretty neat overall. And, in the tropics, it is a necessity to drink out of at least 1 coconut.
Next, I found a neat restaurant in the hip neighborhood of Getesmani. The restaurant was a Colombian-Italian fusion place, which definitely caught my attention. The main course of the entrée I ordered was sea bass and calamari covered in italian vodka sauce. The rest of the neighborhood had an upbeat vibe with yet even more bars and restaurants.
So far, it is clear this city is built more for tourists. I would love to come back with family and friends to experience it again as it would be impossible to try even a small fraction of the many bars, restaurants, and shops in just one trip. Tomorrow the dives start bright and early, and I can’t wait. Here is one final pic of the Cartagena skyline walking back to Manga just after sunset.
