savannah. Bocagrande (Big Mouth) is a sought after locale where contestants of the Miss Colombia Pageant go to be seen during festival. This vicinity also boasts many shops, nightclubs, art galleries, spectacular sea walks, hotels, and restaurants. It is positioned between Cartagena Bay and the Caribbean Sea and its particular allure that has made this a popular destination for tourists, other than the beaches, is the nightlife in and around Avenida San Martin. One of the most evocative neighborhoods in all of Cartagena would have to be Getsemani. Parque Centenario (Centenary Park) used to house African slaves and is now a place commemoration. Within the park there is a local police station, the Third Order Church, Gila monsters, a sloth, and a few monkeys. Everybody Chivas! If it isn’t in your nature to party, Cartagena may change your mind. The party scene here is well developed and has a little something for just about everyone. Much of the nightlife is located on Calle de Arsenal, in the Getsemaní neighborhood, but there are also numerous other options throughout this inner walled city. Chivas (party) buses will charge you $20, tour you around the city and feed you rum-and-cokes all night to aid in getting the party started. Before being dropped off at a nightclub in Boca Grande, you’ll stop
18
•
SKINNIEMAGAZINE.COM
for a fried Colombian snack. Other popular bars include La Carbonera and Babar, both with plenty of cocktails and salsa, electronic and reggae music to keep you diverted. The section near the beach known as La Escollera includes more than just a few pubs and bars that remain open far after 3 a.m. There’s no waiting in these rooms. Instead you spin yourself around on bar stools. The dim light permits you to perceive what it is like to be awake or alive when dawn arrives. As you stagger through the quarters of the city, an assortment of people are determined to earn a little cash by doing fire tricks and suggesting you buy their souvenirs and flowers. Many establishments in Old Town charge relatively high cover fees and if that’s outside of your budget you can always opt for open-air cafes. Whether you decide to just post up on the beach and enjoy a cocktail or throw yourself into movement on the dance floor, the pleasant atmosphere of the night allows you to admire the majesty of this seaside location - no matter your fancy. The Clock’s Door You may only be familiar with this city from the Family Guy episode “Barely Legal” or because it is the hometown of the professional baseball player Orlando Cabrera. The fact of the matter is, you should be acquainted with it. Many travel to this port city
and rave about it upon their return. Will you be one of these people? Regardless of all its woes – social, political, and economic, it still remains an enthralling country to visit. Whether you come to gorge on the many fine restaurants, hotels, or to discover its 500 years of history, you’re bound to notice how appealing and unforgettable this place is. A city full of romance, contradictions, and popular beaches. Don’t forget to avoid any unwanted solicitations and by all means, please take part in any that suit your needs. But if you positively don’t want to be influenced into buying anything then steer clear of making any eye contact or else you’ll end up with a souvenir or two. Shadows will graze alongside the city walls, creeping further down as the day gradually calls it a rest. One cannot look hard enough out into the blue. The ocean wind will dictate which direction your whispers will travel but unless you veer off the beaten path, you shouldn’t face any problems. Metaphors ranging from what’s to come or what came before. It is apparent that all your procrastination has led you astray.
<