Cartagena /Colombia

I have only heard the best things about Cartagena and I can now also wholeheartedly recommend it after my visit.

It is truly an interesting and beautiful city, which is why it is Colombia's number one tourist attraction. It presents itself from many different angles: as a modern metropolis with a skyline like in the USA and a population of one million, with a large, very modern port for cruise and container ships, and with a historic city center that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

This historic city center impressed me a lot, as the Spanish influence is very evident. The white and colorful houses with their entrances and inner courtyards and balconies look like they belong in Andalusia. Founded in the 16th century by the conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia, it was shaped by Spain and served as the main port and trading center for gold, silver, and slaves from South America. Today, Colombian coffee is exported from here to the world, which I of course also tried and found to be strong but excellent in taste.

However, our historical tour was not easy in the scorching heat of 33 degrees Celsius and high humidity. But the view from the fortress, which successfully repelled the British under Sir Francis Drake in the 17th century, made the effort worthwhile, as did the walk through the historic city center with its beautiful squares and small shady parks. Statues, such as the one of Cartagena's founder Heredia or of Simon Bolivar, who brought independence to Colombia, harmoniously blend into the architecture of the houses and larger buildings.

In the squares and narrow streets, there was lively activity with vendors trying to sell chains, tablecloths, towels, or drinks. I found that annoying, but after a clear "no," they immediately stopped and did not persist. I did not feel unsafe due to pickpockets and I also did not hear of any incidents. The sellers always kept a respectful distance and I also saw some surveillance cameras in the squares and street corners. Together with our Colombian tour guide, a young man who spoke very good English and was funny, we visited the most important buildings such as the Palace of the Inquisition, the church, and the Gold and Emerald Museum. By the way, emeralds from Colombia are the best in terms of quality on the gemstone market. They should not be too dark in color, but rather grass green and as free from inclusions as possible. That's for all you jewelry lovers out there. But see for yourself and form your own opinion about this city.

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