I'm enjoying wandering around this magical fairytale like old colonial city.There is so much history here and each building and street is a feast for the eyes that I can,t keep up.Photos just can't capture the charm.I have been wandering on the walls of the city...through tunnels in the fortifications ...ducking into numerous 400 to 500 year old churches/convents...walking along the beaches..cruising the twisting streets with gorgeous old flowered balcony mansions ..etc etc....Cartegena is very touristy though and it can be frustrating being hit upon constantly to buy souvenirs drugs or sex. After awhile you become reluctant to strike up a conversation with someone because you become leery of their motivations.Yesterday...as I was exploring Cartegena`s beach this woman came up to me and asked if i wanted a massage...I had noticed that many women were doing such ..giving massages right on the beach...well...she was persisting and I was trying to use my Spanish so I finally consented after she said just five minutes free demonstration.She soon signaled another woman to come over with a chair and before long my T shirt was off and I was being lathered down and in addition to getting a back and neck rub was receiving a manicure on my disgusting toes.I lost track of the time as I was utilizing my Spanish...after a while I figured well I,ll just pay for a massage...Well after 45 mas or menus minutes ...when they started on my finger nails...I figured this was enough and put a halt to things saying I had to meet a friend.Much to my surprise they then wanted 120,000 COPS..Colombian Pesos....about $60..I was a bit ticked off at them and myself for being sucked in but also I only had 80,000 on me as I don,t like to be about with much money.After a bit of hassling about...which included other people getting involved...I just walked away minus $80,000 COPS...A well...Today I wanted to go on a Garcia Marquez audio/map tour of Cartegena...he is my favorite Colombian writer and Ive read most of his books many of which take place in Cartegena.I opted out when the cost was $70,000 COPS...Anyway....the weather hear is sunny and in the mid 30,s...I think I,ll try to look up this 60 something sail bat capt that I met in Portobel.
Last night the Aussie back packers in the Marlin Hotel were whooping it up until 6 am in the common room which is three door from my paper thin cell. I've asked to move further to the back of the building.I was ticked off with them singing and carousing all night but realized I was just as bad when I was their age.
Tomorrow I am going to go to Mompos for a few days..I,ll leave my back back at the hotel and travel light.Mompos is an old town on the Magdelena river made famous in Marquez,s books.
I have been chatting to Aldous on EMAIL and he and some friends will be in Cartegena within a few days.I am going to try to convince him to go on the ""Lost City "trek...a six day trek through the jungle south of Santa Marta to one of the oldest and largest pre Colombian indigenous cities...
