Cartagena, a hidden retreat .

Lisa Zee says on Jun 5, 2008, 13:40:

Travel & Leisure magazine, on April`s issue. Very nice article.

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Monpirri says on Jun 5, 2008, 14:05:

Thank you Lisa.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Saltador says on Jun 5, 2008, 14:27:

What's with all the glowing articles about Cartagena? Don't they know it's really nothing to write home about, every other city in colombia is better. Guess they don't read PBH....

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ColombianoGringo says on Jun 5, 2008, 14:33:

I'd hate for tourists to come and see Cartagena and think that it's the best that Colombia has to offer. Aside from the Old City, I find it mediocre at best when compared to other destinations in and outside of Colombia.

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Simon says on Jun 5, 2008, 15:03:

Es cierto, la verdad es que en Cartagena no es hayan muchos paisajes bellos que digamos.

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 5, 2008, 15:13:

The thing about Cartagena is that the old city IS really wonderful. It's just not a realistic version of what Cartagena is like for most of the folks who live there.

I'm constantly telling people from the US that they should visit Cartagena.

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Saltador says on Jun 5, 2008, 17:18:

CG, with all due respect,
"apart from the old city"?
Isn't that a little like saying Hawaii is mediocre, apart from the beaches?
In your opinion, what cities are the best colombia has to offer, and why are they better than cartagena? And please include the old city when comparing what the cities have to offer. We like that part of Cartagena...

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Simon says on Jun 5, 2008, 17:22:

"I'm constantly telling people from the US that they should visit Cartagena."

Good man!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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adrimm says on Jun 5, 2008, 17:58:

I agree - I think that the Old City in Cartagena is spectacular.. it's the only reason why I'd suggest Cartagena over other equally historic but modern-looking cities. The level of restoration/preservation is superb (even if there has been some wild liberty taken with colour).

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morphus says on Jun 5, 2008, 18:49:

There was another article with the same title.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 5, 2008, 19:39:

Compared to San Juan, Casco Viejo Panama, or Santo Domingo, Cartagena is the most spectactular colonial city in the Americas. Havana is the only competition but it's the falling-down version. Both have their charms.

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Simon says on Jun 5, 2008, 20:08:

Morphus, what's with that sick avatar?

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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BillBigD says on Jun 5, 2008, 20:12:

I think the old city and seafood are quite good

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 5, 2008, 20:18:

Cartagena, is the most well preserve colonial city in America. The history is fascinating.
Going to "Castillo De San Felipe" is a must, get a tour with a English guide, and you would be amazed!.

You are welcome Monpirri, why? did you buy the city? LOL

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 5, 2008, 21:10:

Hah, I just looked and Morphus' avatar, too.

Do you think that little bitch walking three steps behind Marulanda in the picture is the "lover" in whose arms he died?

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 5, 2008, 22:22:

Hey, check out "Casa Baloco" WOW,WOW!.

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morphus says on Jun 6, 2008, 04:28:

"Morphus, what's with that sick avatar?"

Don't know. Maybe I was subconsciously trying to piss you off :)

Yours is pretty sick too. I'll change mine if you change yours.

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sloopskipper says on Jun 6, 2008, 06:05:

Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 5, 2008, 19:39: flag

"Compared to San Juan, Casco Viejo Panama, or Santo Domingo, Cartagena is the most spectactular colonial city in the Americas. Havana is the only competition but it's the falling-down version. Both have their charms."

I totally agree and I have visited all except Havana, and live 3 years in Viejo San Juan. I loved Cartagena.

If there is better in Colombia? OK, so what?

Next on my list, Santa Marta.

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Monpirri says on Jun 6, 2008, 06:13:

Lisa, "You are welcome Monpirri, why? did you buy the city? LOL"
Jijijiji, no Lisa I did not buy it. You occasionally show variety of cities in Colombia vs. the others who are from the same region do not posses that knowledge or interest.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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ColombianoGringo says on Jun 6, 2008, 07:51:

Saltador,

To each his own. Obviously it is a matter of taste, but I was horribly unimpressed with Cartagena. Most people go to Cartagena as a beach destination and it fails miserably in that sense. The beaches are ugly, crowded and the water looks nasty. I shouldn't have to take a two hour boat ride to get to a decent beach. I guess I have just grown accustomed to nice beaches and am not willing to give Cartagena a pass just because it is in Colombia. There are countless destinations that have substantially nicer beaches. Honestly, the whole place felt to me like a low rent version of Miami beach.

The Old City is nice, but it isn't the living end either. The historical significance is compelling, but in essence it is just another collection of old houses and churches. This type of attraction can be seen in many locations from Mexico to Colombia. Outside of that, it's just nothing but an average congested city.

If you like Cartagena, then great. It just isn't for me and I don't see going back anytime soon. Heck, I'd much rather go to San Andres.

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 08:52:

I like San Andres, because of the water, but there is no culture there. Cartagena is a must see, a place to take your children and show them history and culture. Cartagena is alive, with night life, with color, history and charm. I have not been there in many years, but if I had a lot of $$$ I would love to stay in "Casa Baloco" WOW.
I would rather go to San Andres, because I like nature, (I am not into partying ) I love swimming, snorkeling, bike riding, and I have a Cabin there.

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 08:59:

Monpirri: I like every place, every city in Colombia. When I move to Medellin, I would like to travel to every place I can. When you look at this website, it is an amazing Country, I want to see it all!
Medellin would be my home, because my whole family lives there.

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Monpirri says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:07:

That's why I said thank you because you happen to be universal or kind off when you post comments about other cities besides your home.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:09:

Ok, eso si, porque asi soy yo, el que diga algo malo de Colombia "lo casco" ( I bet you don`t know that one) jajaja

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Monpirri says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:26:

lol you are silly with your Colombian sayings. Anybody knows that one.
How about trying a real hard one next time, ñanguita la veo.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:36:

You got me there! lol

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ColombianoGringo says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:38:

Uy no Lisa . Por favor no me casques. Suenas como mi abuela. Ja Ja.

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:43:

Si mijo deje de hablar "juevo....as". Abuela?... no sabia que ese dicho era tan viejo, jajaja.

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ColombianoGringo says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:47:

Mi abuela siempre decía cosas como "Si estos guipas no dejan do fregar, los voy a cascar a todos a punto de chancleta".

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:56:

Oh no...... I am hijacking my own post!.... LOL.

Good woman, I gave my son many chancletasos. It works! jajaja!.

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Monpirri says on Jun 6, 2008, 09:58:

Abusadores, I' m going to call the child protection services!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 6, 2008, 10:06:

The thing about the old city is that it IS living, unlike so many "historical" attractions. It's constantly buzzing with locals going to church, hanging out on their porches, etc. Especially as you move away from the

Now, that's not how most people in Cartagena live, but it's one version, and certainly real.

I can totally understand why someone who had been sold on Cartagena as a beach destination would be appalled. DO NOT GO TO CARTAGENA for the BEACH. In fact, do not go to any large Colombian city for the beach. IMHO, the place to go for the beach is Tayrona.

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Monpirri says on Jun 6, 2008, 10:09:

There are dozens of places to go to Colombia for the beautiful water and sandy beaches in Colombia. I can think of one of the many islands off the Pacific coast.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Simon says on Jun 6, 2008, 15:53:

"Ok, eso si, porque asi soy yo, el que diga algo malo de Colombia "lo casco""

Así se habla mija!



"Yours is pretty sick too. I'll change mine if you change yours."

Mines is a fictional evil character, yours wasn't.

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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Simon says on Jun 6, 2008, 16:48:

"Honestly, the whole place felt to me like a low rent version of Miami beach."

CG,

Eh hombre, tampoco es que insulte de esa manera a Cartagena! You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, lol.

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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morphus says on Jun 6, 2008, 17:02:

Fictional? That character (Jack Torrance) glorifies every guy that chopped up his wife and kids. A lot of people laugh when they watch The Shining but it really is'nt funny.

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 6, 2008, 20:02:

...

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 22:41:

Ok, let`s stop the hijacking please, a pelear a otro lado! LOL

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billyb says on Jun 6, 2008, 22:52:

Lisa, waaasssuupp with Tahoe:)

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 22:58:

I was waiting for you to answer my pm. I am going, but not Sunday. What`s up with you, Kitty is not going. Send me an e-mail. ( me estas esquivando como a novia fea!) jajaja.

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billyb says on Jun 6, 2008, 23:03:

jajaja, Lisa, tu como novia fea? never!!!

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 6, 2008, 23:24:

Hey you have never seen me, that is me in the avater, but mas morenita!

I have a long day tomorrow, got to go.

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billyb says on Jun 6, 2008, 23:50:

Lisa, tu tan gordita? No lo puedro creer, naked yes.....

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