Another flight, another Columbian city and another heat upgrade. Our final week in the run up to Christmas was in Cartagena and we felt the tropical Caribbean heat as soon as we stepped off the plane. The most touristy destination so far, Cartagena really had a relaxed holiday vibe.
We were staying at, yes you guessed it, another Selina. In addition to the standard co-working area, this one boasted a rooftop terrace with a classic sea view, a taco bar (and beverage bar) and a pool. The perfect place for a leisurely breakfast, a sundowner cocktail, or a video call for the work Christmas party.
Selina was situated in the Getsemani neighborhood, which boasted a lively street art scene.
We were but a stone’s throw from the walled Old Town, we just had to negotiate the Christmas decorations along the way – all quiet in the heat and humidity of the midday sun but oh so mobbed at night.
The Old Town, founded in the sixteenth century, was a maze of cobbled alleyways amongst colorful colonial buildings. Walking the historic city walls, both here and around the San Felipe de Barajas fort, gave us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the history and culture of the place, while taking in the impressive architecture.
With both the Old Town and Getsemani on our doorstep, there was no shortage of bars and restaurants to check out.
And just like that, it was Friday 23rd December and our last night in Cartagena. We had that fabulous ‘Happy Friday, Happy Christmas, no more work til next year’ wind-down feeling. What better way to indulge that feeling than by watching the sun go down over a margarita.
To mix things up a bit, I ordered a grand sounding cocktail with mezcal, ginger, gin and tonic. It was served in a golden goblet nearly as big as my head.
After that, it was pretty much game over. We politely thanked the locals on the way out. Who quite frankly looked like they’d seen better days, a little on the pale and skinny side.
Christmas in Columbia…? Bring it on!