Side Trip to Santa Marta

Santa Marta lies 240 kilometers northeast of Cartagena, another beautiful spot on the Caribbean. We decided to take a trip there for a few days and after much research we decided on a mini-bus from the Berlinas line. I was not looking forward to this 4 hour ride, picturing a hot and crowded van going over rough roads, and my last memory of such a ride was in northern Thailand. To this day I don't know where I found the will to not throw up on that particular trip. However, my fears were unfounded as it was a comfortable and air-conditioned unit and the ride both ways went smoothly. The cost per person round trip was 80,000 Colombian pesos (COP) approximately $34 CAD.

Our accommodations were at a place called Casa Bugambilia and after receiving the news that there was an extra charge for a 2nd person in our room (who charges for a second person?) we settled in and then walked up to the roof to see the pool, bar, and view of the city. The pool was the size of a large bathtub but certainly was refreshing. Pretty sure I swam about 40 lengths in 30 seconds. Our bartenders were about 14 years old and we had some trouble ordering but eventually we received our drinks. Apparently our young helpers were not aware that beer was meant to be served cold.

We had probably the worst short view possible over the nearby rooftops but if you concentrated on just looking into the distance the mountains made for a nice vista.

Some of the sights from Santa Marta

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 (Note from Sarah: Our rooftop was lovely and quiet at night. Wish we could have said the same for the building next door. They were in the middle of construction and started working with a loud crash promptly at 7am each day. It made sure we didn't miss breakfast though. It started at 7:30 am on the roof. I love a country where you can eat breakfast everyday on the roof.)

Parque de Los Novios

The next day we spent a few hours at the beach where you could purchase a canopy and two chairs for COP 20,000 ($8). Well worth it to have some shade as Santa Marta is just as hot as Caragena, although the people there don't think so. 

On our second night we took a 15 minute cab ride over the mountain to a sister-town called Rodadero. The cabs here are incredibly cheap and this particular ride cost COP 12,000 ($5). We tend to think that in some of these countries that everyone is out to rip us off but I actually asked the cab driver before we got in if it would be 14 and he said no, only 12. How's that for honesty?

An old friend from Belleville, Lou Meloche (also first cousin of Anne Bunton) lives in Rodadero and we had arranged to meet up. His beautiful, fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment that looks out on the Caribbean costs $1200 Canadian per month, everything included. Right now it's just Lou and another Canadian named Gill staying there so there's an open room folks!

Lou wanted us to meet friends of his in a neighbouring building, a 91 year old American doctor named Harry and his wife Jolene. They actually purchased both apartments on their floor, one a three bedroom and one a two bedroom. They've been coming to Colombia for 60 years! They were incredible hosts and even took us all out to dinner later. Harry drove. He told some great stories and was interested in our time in Egypt as he had been there twice himself. An amazing couple!

On our third day we went to a small fishing village called Taganga, another wonderful spot. In the last 50 years it has become a bit of a backpacker/hippie haven with numerous bars and restaurants right on the beach. Lots of local fishermen (fisherpeople?) as well as tourists. Taganga is known for it's diving, snorkelling, and sunsets. We ended up at a nice bar on the beach called LOVE. Not really sure how the older locals feel about what their town has become but I wonder if they would think that they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Ho hum, another Caribbean sunset.