Volunteering in Cartagena

After a stay in Colombia for about two month I'm planning to work for a month (or longer) with street children in Cartagena (www.shinealight.org). On one hand I think the programs of Shine a Light sound very good and on the other hand I love the beach. Now I read about many people saying that Cartagena is not a good city to stay for a longer time. I'm not a picky person but what I need to feel comfortable are friendly people and a few places where you can quietly drink your coffee and read a book (and the beach of course...).

What do you think? Is Cartagena really that bad? I just don't want to believe it, it looks so nice...

And one other thing: I love to practice my Spanish with the kids. Is it true, that the Spanish spoken on the streets in Cartagena is very different with a strong accent? Then maybe it won't be the best for me...

Thanks for your help!

By Beerlao on Jul 2, 2008, 08:52 in Travel tips.

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El Polo says on Jul 2, 2008, 09:05: if your looking for a nice place to relax and enjoy a nice book go to Barranquilla :) 0 funny, 0 helpful.

sanandressi says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:09: No! Stop crucifying yourself and go to language school in Guanajuato and then go to Cartagena......... 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Beerlao says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:43: Hi sanandressi This is exactly what I just decided to do...! Thanks! 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Bellita says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:51: You will love Cartagena. I want to go back so bad. 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Beerlao says on Jul 2, 2008, 12:12: Really Bellita? How is it? Can you tell me? 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Bellita says on Jul 2, 2008, 13:40: well, I have only been in Cartagena as a tourist, and I had the best time ever. I am Colombian so things were easier for me, but I saw a lot of Europeans, and people from all over the world. http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/travel/tmagazine/07well-cartagena... 0 funny, 0 helpful.

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