European Flashback...The Colombian Edition

Okay, okay. I know this series is supposed to be called European Flashback, but I wanted to pay a small tribute to my mother's hometown of Cartagena, Colombia. I justify reflecting on my trip to Colombia seeing as how it was a crucial port for the Spanish way back when.

For those who don't know, Colombia is in South America. And for those who don't know, Colombia is spelled with two O's, not a U. Columbia is a university. Colombia is a country. (Don't feel bad if you've made that mistake; I've seen The New York Times get it wrong. Professional journalists screw up, too.)

So, in the fond memory of what it was like to celebrate Christmas with my 3 uncles, 2 aunts and 21 cousins (no joke), I'd like to take you on a journey to one of Colombia's prettiest cities.

The proper name of the city is actually Cartagena de Indias, and it is identified by the surrounding walls called murallas. That which is within the city walls is colorful!

This is the Reloj Publico (the Public Clock), which is essentially the main entrance to Cartagena de Indias.




This is la India Catalina. She is said to have saved the city at some point.




The Public Clock, as seen from the outside with the murallas and Christmas decorations.

This is Pedro de Heredia. He founded Cartagena on June 1st, 1533. You will respect him.

You will also respect his colorful buddies that hang out with him.

This is the Portal of Sweets!

The Portal of Sweets is essentially a part in which you can buy sweets and various items, such as magazines.

This was the house of Saint Pedro Claver. It also served as a sanctuary for runaway slaves.

And this is what it looks like inside!

That which I love the most of Cartagena are the bougainvillea that cascade from the wooden balconies!

This is Simon Bolivar. You will respect him.

As any Colombian will tell you, that which makes Cartagena so popular are its beaches!

The beach in Boca Grande (literally, Big Mouth)

This is Juan Valdez Café. It pretty much blows Starbucks out of the water (and this is coming from a Starbucks fan).

And this was the tree on Christmas morning 2006!

Joyeux Noël! Feliz Navidad!

Barb the French Bean