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Colombia

One my my goals for 2019 is to travel at least 4 times. One trip with family, another with friends, one romantic getaway and a solo trip. My first trip of 2019 to Colombia checked off the family trip goal.

Why I went: I was invited to a destination wedding in Colombia and decided to make a vacation out of it. Columbia wasn't high on my travel list since I have been to Panama several times and figured Colombia would be similar - boy was I wrong. Colombia has a unique vibe and a rich African history I didn't know about.

How we got there: 
  • We scored a cheap flight to and from NY on JetBlue. 
  • We flew on Viva Air from Cartagena to Bogota. When you buy tickets on Viva Air they will ask if you are Colombian, which will allow you to buy a cheaper ticket than an International traveler. I risked it and bought the Colombian ticket - they didn't check at the airport and there were no issues. The only downside to Viva Air is that they charge for carry-ons ($30) and snacks on the flight. Overall it was the cheapest ticket I found for inter-county travel.

Where we went
  • Cartagena - There has been so much buzz about Cartagena, that I had to check it out. The good thing about traveling with my family is that they really don't want the hassle of planning and are easy going, so I was able to pick, choose and refuse what we did. You must visit Cartagena if you go to Colombia! It is rich in history, beautiful and the weather is great.
    • How long to stay:3 to 5 days in enough time to see the sites and relax
    • Where to stay: I highly recommend Casa De Alba Boutique Hotel. This hotel has great service, beautiful, clean and is the home of Pirate Francis Drake. A full breakfast is included every morning, there is a great roof top, indoor pool and the staff is super welcoming. The hotel is in the heart of the walled city, which makes it easy to get around by foot. 
    • What to do: We went on 3 tours planned by Experience Real Cartagena. Alex Rocha plans great tours and is very knowledgeable. We went on the "The Real Cartagena Tour","Visit to Palenque" and relaxed on Playa Blanca Beach.
      • Places to add to your Cartagena "to do list"

        • Street art in Getsemani
        • Eat fruit and street food
        • Visit to Palenque -  Learn about the history of the first free slave town in the Americas. Everyone should go, but you have to do this if you are black.
        • Eat at Interno - This is a restaurant inside of the San Diego Prison, where women learn to cook and serve so they have a skill after serving their time. The food and service are 5 star. 
          • We met a woman serving from Florida, who was an awesome server and sang  Happy Birthday beautifully to a woman dining. I am praying for her "segunda oportunida" daily. Add her to your prayers as well.


our server from Florida - so beautiful 

  • Bogota - We went to Bogota to attend the wedding. Overall Bogota was OK and if you are Colombia it is worth visiting.
    • How long to stay: 2 days is enough to see the sites
    • Where we stayed: Hotel Rosales Plaza is a nice hotel and the rates are good. The breakfast was just OK but the service was good.
    • What to do:  
      • Gold Musuem
      • Monserrate
      • Catedral de Sal

We had a great family vacation in Colombia. I thank God  for fun family  who I enjoy spending time with. I am now recovering in sub-zero temperatures in NY. If you would like to see more pictures from the trip, add me on Instagram @nutellaeuphoria.

Cheers!
Shevonne
My Uncle and I on the way to the wedding



Comments

  1. Dziko G.January 21, 2019 at 8:22 PM

    I love how you were able to pick, choose and refuse your activities! :)

    ReplyDelete

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