Cartagena Vines

The walls in Old Town of Cartagena, Colombia often support vines that provide attractive traceries over colorful backdrops.

Needs Upkeep

A lot of Cartagena's Old Town is picturesquely decayed - or at least in need of a new coat of paint. But I guess that would make it less picturesque.

A baby pigeon that had fallen from its nest in the eaves about a doorway

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Cartagena Gates

In decreasing order of splendor...

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Cartagena Street Photography

People often say that street photography should be in black & white - but Cartagena deserves color.

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Elegant Cartagena Hotel

Our base in Cartagena was the Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara, a former convent. It was full of beautiful vistas and details.

A conference of leading Latin American authors had been held here recently,

so the walls were full of large, elegant portrait photos

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First Views of Cartagena

From the mountains of Medellin we descended several thousand feet to Cartagena at sea level. We took an orienting walk to the sea walls that once defended the city from invading pirates. Things are rather more peaceful now.

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On the Way to Cartagena

A few casual snaps - I liked the colors, and the interaction in the top photo.

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Last Morning in Medellin

Before catching our flight to Cartagena, we went to a popular park on the hillside overlooking Medellin.  Here are some images from the morning.

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The Rock of Guatapé

El Peñon de Guatapé is a gigantic volcanic plug on the edge of an artificial lake formed by a hydroelectric dam to provide power for the area. It can be climbed to the top on about 700 steps carved into cracks in the rock. There are separate up and down steps.

A small portion of the downward staircase

View of the lake from the top

Ruins of an estate of the drug lord Pablo Escobar, bombed by his enemies, 

on an island in the lake

Guatapé Tiles

The town of Guatapé, a day trip from Medellin in Colombia, has elaborate tiles called "zocalos" along the bases of many shops and houses. Some show remarkable artistry and craftsmanship. Here are a couple of examples, each several feet in linear dimension.

Medellin Public Transport

Medellin has an excellent public transportation system, integrating light rail and funicular. The latter serves the poor communities that live on the steep hillsides, making it possible for the residents to get to and from work in the center. Looking down from a gondola, one sees the color and vivid graphics that characterize many Latin American neighborhoods.

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Botero Plaza in Medellin, Colombia

Two sculptures by Fernando Botero in the Botero Plaza of Medellin

Architectural details in Botero Plaza

Morning Haze over Medellin

From the hills overlooking the city.

Statue of a "sewer rat", commemorating a part of Medillin's past that hasn't fully disappeared.

Evening in Medellin

Arriving in Medellin from Manizales, we walked from our hotel to dinner in the lively restaurant and entertainment district. Very modern, in keeping with the overall transformation of Medellin.

The Corrugated Country

Three fingers of the Andes run through Colombia, so most of it is deeply wrinkled. Makes for remarkable scenery, but sometimes hair-raising bus rides.

Refreshments for Travelers

Stops along the way from Manizales to Medellin.

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Last Morning in Manizales

Photos taken in the morning before we began our bus trip from Manizales to Medellin.

View from our hotel window

Details of a couple of murals along the street in front of our hotel

Section of a mural inside the entrance to the bull ring