Thursday, January 3, 2008

Cartagena de Indias


Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, part of the Unesco world heritage and an amazingly beautifull old colonial city. Rich by its history, one of the mainports in the old days. I´ve been here now for a week, first spending two nights on a big yacht, then turning back to reality in a hostal.

This is THE city for the rich and famous, the Colombians with money. I practically bumped into Juanes, the presidents sons are hanging around and a lot more rich people, not only from Colombia, but also other South American countries. Especially around this time of year it is the place to be. Everyday 35 degrees, sunshine allover and a pleasant temperature at night. A little paradise... For the rich... Though there is a contrast, walking from the hostal is it is first a five minute walk through the real world before making part of the rich and famous. Enjoying the luxury. Never before has the contrast been this strong, rich-poor, famous-dirtbags.

The city is lovely, the buildings, houses with lovely balconies, amazing doors, streets, the atmosphere. Butt, from the city wall you can sea a second Miami beach, skyscrapers, apartments for the fortunate ones. Not improving the views.

Here I spent New Years, being on the streets, not at the crowded resstaurants, but enjoying the life, the people. The last hour of 2007, when it was already past five in Holland. Sitting there, some drinks. The Aussie dropped the question, well question... Taking it out: "you guys won´t mind me taking some coke"? We ignored the question, watched him take it and looking around for police. 2008, in Cartagena! Amazing firework shows, crowded streets, having a great time.

Tomorrow it is scheduled to leave to Panama, though today boats couldn´t sail out. The wind is too hard, hopefully it will turn better towards tomorrow. Nevertheless, life is good here, good food, great weather and having a great time.

Cartagena and Colombia, also known for other things. In general most local people don´t like it at all, but here coke is normal, especial amongst tourists. I´m sharing my room with some others, two british girls go on for nights. Acting as if they are not using a thing, but sniffing, their bleedy noses, their attitude and eyes. Coke... Last night two American girls came into the room for the night. One was having a bad night, really in need of.... coke. Available, cheap (only 5 usd per gram) and people live on it. Hard to watch them, but life is full of choices, Enjoy Cocaine...

Well, probably I will be in Panama City the 9th or 10th, see you soon!!!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Echt nog nooit de behoefte gehad om dat spul uit te proberen. En als ik dit lees nog minder. Gelukkig nieuw jaar!

Anonymous said...

wat een verhaal! prachtige foto's en ach die meiden... zielig! geniet jij maar lekker puur, dat doe je goed! xx Juul

Anonymous said...

happy newyear nog daaaaaaaarooowww !!!

Margreet said...

Ook namens mij nog een happy 2008!!!

Anonymous said...

Hoi Marcel,

Jeetje,wat zie en beleef je toch veel daar!
Ik probeer me een beeld te vormen van hoe die dames waren die dat goedje gebruiken, hoe dat was op die kamer, best bizar. En hoe je daarmee contact krijgt. Dat maak je hier denk ik niet gauw mee zoiets van zo dichtbij meemaken.

Lima, Nazca, Colca Canyon, Chile, Potosi, Salar de Uyuni, Death Road enzovoorts, wat een verschillende beelden krijg ik er nu van jou van, zóveel echt van elkaar verschillende plaatsten! Een boeiende mooie reis, en je hebt nog een paar weken. tZal wel even wennen zijn strakjes terug.

Nou, fijne reis verder!
Groeten,
Dorine