bogota then cartagena
This was my first OMG detour walking to our connecting flight in Bogota. If I had any knowledge of Spanish I would have bought out the entire case. Going to Bogota? Please buy me some of these- I'll pay you back. Right away I knew I was going to like it here.
And then this man was in front of me as we walked to the plane. I took about 10 pictures of his awesome hat (without him noticing). Turns out, it's a particular Columbian hat style that was for sale on the streets in Cartagena. Wish I had seen those chicks again.
And I am really sorry that I didn't spend some of my stay-at-home time learning Spanish. My kids all speak it, but my French was/is useless now. Feeling like such an ugly American, I wore everyone out saying Gracias...for every little thing. Thank heavens for Elena, our sweet, amazing, kind friend who hosted our visit at her brother's vacation home in Cartagena. She was born and raised in Bogota and her daughter was married in Cartagena so she knew everything, everyone and everywhere.
Really could not believe it when the taxi let us out here in front of the house. This carriage surprised me at that moment, but we got used to them trotting by day and night, about every 10 minutes. Those horses work so hard and are so thin. More on that another time.
We entered through that white door within a door. Inside- more astonishment.
Welcome, would you like to drink? to eat? to rest? to swim? The cook is here, the masseuse is arriving soon and then we will go out walking to the plaza to watch the moon rise over the church.
We were way beyond cute plastic chicks at the airport kiosk. Transported doesn't even begin to describe the experience.
And there is more.... will get to it tomorrow. xoC
Note to self: find way to get packed into Miss Charlotte's suitcase for next trip.
Posted by: **Crystal** | March 12, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Gorgeous photos, funny how a photo can transport you.
Posted by: Rachael | March 12, 2007 at 10:48 PM
I know we have hardly touched on the trip yet but your friend/hostess sounds like she put a lot of thought into this. Can't wait to hear more.
Posted by: Lisa | March 12, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Hi there,
We were in Bogeta and Cartagnea last year where our daughter and Australian son in law lived for 3 years. We toured the safer parts of the country and had a wonderful time. The food was fantastic, and the people geninue. We stayed at the 17th century convent, Hotel Charleston, and we have some of the same photos..Would love to heard more of your trip.
http://fromdagmarsdesk.blogspot.com
Posted by: Dagmar Leuenberger-Swift | March 12, 2007 at 11:49 PM
OmG...I have to put Cartegena on my to-do list; I love everything you described. Me gusto!
Posted by: suzi finer | March 13, 2007 at 10:32 AM
WOW...
That's all, just WOW :)
Posted by: Deanna (domestic chicky) | March 13, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Wow. Your photos are amazing. The house you stayed in reminds me of the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston. Simply breathtaking. And that church- wow. Can't wait to see more of your photos.
Posted by: Tracy | March 13, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Wow. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful color.
Posted by: Heidi | March 14, 2007 at 01:23 AM
Beautiful pictures!
Posted by: Karin | March 14, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Charlotte I am so loving hearing all about this fabulous trip! I love your pictures too ~ the colors are extroadinary!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | March 14, 2007 at 08:35 PM
MY GOODNESS. Look at that.
Posted by: Alicia P. | March 19, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Charlotte I'm so happy to hear about your trip in my Country. Cartagena is an extraordinary colonial city.
Thank you indeed,
My name is Cata i was born in Bogotà 40 years ago and I have been living in Tuscany for 14 years.
I love your art.
Un abrazo Colombiano!
Cata
Posted by: www.catascraft.splinder.com | March 23, 2007 at 11:29 AM