Cartagena - Colombia

, originally uploaded by m_hagen.

We sadly left Lobitos and hopped on a bus north to Quito where we explored the Colonial sections of the city, checked in with the Equator and finally met up with Christine and Mike. It was great to see those two again. Although Hedda has bumped into them in Barcelona and Brazil, I haven't seen them since we crashed their honeymoon in Thailand almost 1 1/2 years ago. After the best sushi I've had in ages we flew, finally no bus ride, to Cartagena.

I've always wanted to see this legendary city of pirate lore and wasn't dissapointed at all. The walls that surround the Ciudad Viejo have withstood assaults for nearly 500 years. The city is filled with gorgeous original colonial buildings, some lovingly restored while others have slowly deteriorated while awaiting some love. There is a massive effort going on to restore many of the buildings and I have no doubt that in years to come the place will stun many more visitors as it did myself. Great food here. Pizza and beer in the park, mango's from the street vendors, drinks at the Whiskeria, ceviche, our favorite breakfast place, Mila and more.