JSM has left 11 comments

JSM comments on up to date travelog

One afterthought: El Flaco, thanks for the link regardless and thank you for enjoying my perspective.

JSM comments on up to date travelog

As this is actually my blog, I can answer 'bickerss' directly on that one: I didn't so much as choose to go to Colombia myself--I would say 'coerced' might be a better term, as it was my boyfriend who wished to go, and since I live with my boyfriend, and had to give up a lease and a job with my boyfriend and I love my boyfriend that means I'd go WITH my boyfriend. This has been the first time in my life that I have really traveled like this, so I think given that understanding, it may make more sense as to why I might sound like I am "whining." I think the important thing is that I actually WENT and EXPERIENCED things in my own way instead of sitting on my couch wishing I could travel the world. Sorry I'm not such a savvy traveler as you. And furthermore: 1) I'm a New Yorker, and as a New Yorker, that's what we do, we tell stories in a whining fashion. It's what made Seinfeld a billionaire; and finally 2) it's my blog, and I'm allowed to say whatever I damn please, whether it be whining or no. After all, I'm not the one who posted that link, and I didn't ask for it.

JSM comments on Book Trade in Bogotá

Sorry, Barbara Cartland doesn't ring a bell, I won't be in Colombia during that time of year, and thanks but I'm not interested in buying, I just want something to read on the plane. Thanks for your interest though!

JSM comments on Surprise

Yes, after exiting the terminal i believe if you go to the end on the right (facing away from the building) there is a window that you tell your destination to and they give you a slip with an expected fare and a line of legit taxis are right there. I recommend NOT getting into a taxi that would take you without that slip. Note that in Bogota at night there might be a surcharge at night or festivals, usually only a thousand peso extra (US 50 cents).

JSM comments on To Islas Rosario from Cartagena.

Here is my opinion: The isles are beautiful but taking a large boat is a terrible idea. In total I spent hours on the boat and just two on Playa Blanca. I was hot, uncomfortable, and annyoed. If you want to see the Aquarium then yes, take a smaller boat tour which is faster. If you just want to get to the beach I recommend going to the pier and asking if anyone goes straight to the Playa Blanca. Read this blog post for a humorous lesson: http://bubbler.wordpress.com/2007/12/29/islas-del-rosario/

JSM comments on Museum of Laziness in Bogota

Yes, I believe the exhibit is closed right now. I just missed it.

JSM comments on Tayrona / Minca / Santa Marta

The hotel by arrecifes in tayrona seemed nice. we hammocked it but they had little cabins. yeah, you can't swim at arrecifes and have to hoof it to at least la piscina but we also went to cabo at the very end and paid as much as the hammocks in the hotel and the facilities were nowhere near as nice. my bf hiked to pueblito and said it was surprisingly difficult (we had just returned from ciudad perdida) so probably not a great idea for kids. i didn't think taganga was anything more special than just staying in santa marta.

JSM comments on Great Desserts other than Crepes & Waffles

If you have time to give a quick description of salpicon it would be appreciated. We've been eyeing it on menus but haven't tried it yet.

JSM comments on Things to do in Cartagena???

DON'T TAKE A TRIP TO THE ISLAS. If you want to visit Playa Blanca then just take a boat to the beach. Don't take a big boat that stops at the aquarium and then eventually the playa. Boring, slow, really annoying and exhausting. You can book a little day trip to the mud volcano. It was simple and fun and way easier to do it on a tour then going yourself. People in my van were staying at Decameron so I'm sure they know what to do.

JSM comments on Portena

Hey. I did the trek maybe a few weeks ago. You can book through Miramar with Turcol BUT: They lie about how many people are going. They have tons of experience b/c they have been doing it for years but the guy told us there were 7 people on the trek. We ultimately didn't go with him but while we were on the trek we did meet up with them and there were 28 people in the group. WAY TOO MANY! There is now another group that goes called Sierra Tours. You can book through Casa Familiar right down the street from Miramar. They are the same price as the other group so you're not losing there. They give you a packing list but you should know more: It rains, bring a poncho. The bugs are intense so bring a repellent you trust. It was insanely muddy so be prepared. The guides all wear wellington boots. Not totally necessary but it gives you an idea. Everyday your feet will get wet (lots of river-creek crossing), so maybe water sock type shoes would help? It gets chilly at night, bring warm pants and sweater to sleep in for cold and to protect you from bugs (oh and socks, I forgot those) Its a difficult hike. Even if you love adventure and hiking just know it is hard. I went with my BF who eats this stuff for breakfast and he thought it had its moments of really hard. If you know ahead of time (at least with Sierra Tours) that the guides say 'we leave at 8' and you won't leave till 8:45 or if they say 'it's four hours more' and it's really 5 or six, as long as you know that ahead of time you will feel better prepared. There are places to shower and freshen up so just a bar of soap and a small towel and sarong might work. feel free to post back in you have any questions. i posted on my blog about the trek. if you're interested in reading it let me know. i'll just warn you that I'm not an avid hiker so it has a sarcastic annoyed tone to it but if you ignore that it might give you an idea of what each day is like at least!

JSM comments on Information for where to stay in zona cafetera

I personally enjoyed my day at the Parque del Café. I didn't do any of the rides, that's not my thing, but my boyfriend and I enjoyed walking around the nature paths and they were totally empty b/c everyone else was at the rides. The Bamboo forest is gorgeous, I loved it and wish I could go back and walk through it again. Unfortunately I stayed with the BFs family on thier finca in Pueblo Tapao but I do know there are a ton of fincas all around that offer accomodations. Enjoy and good luck!