Cartagena Chronicles

In 2019 My family took an unforgettable trip to Cartagena–what a blast! The charm of Old Cartagena, especially on a carriage ride through the historic streets at night, was like stepping into a fairy tale. The city lights, the cobblestone streets – absolute magic! The streets were packed with locals, and tourists. We brought my mother in law and husband's aunt along, they were thrilled. It had been years since they had gone to Cartagena. You can imagine their joy!

We stumbled upon an array of unique boutiques, each with its own story to tell. From hand woven textiles to intricately crafted jewelry, every shop was a treasure trove of local artistry. My husband bought me a beautiful emerald ring! It is so unique, and I wear it everyday. 

My husband went all adventurous and tried chocolate-covered ants! 

Yep, you heard it right – ants. Brave move, right? 😄 He actually said they were good! Now, talking about food, we hit up this fantastic steak place that was an absolute delight. The ambiance was on point, and the steaks? Oh, they were like culinary masterpieces. Perfectly cooked, juicy, and downright delicious. It was one of those meals you just can't forget.

We stayed at an all inclusive once again, as we feel with a child, it's the best option. It was called Hotel Estelar Playa Manzanillo.  Our family room was huge, with a living room, couch, T.V, and very large bedroom with 2 queen beds with full bathroom. It also had a kitchen area and table to eat. Just beautiful! Like an apartment. We had balcony views of lush palm trees and the large swimming pool. The hotel had daily poolside activities, and fun night shows with performers after dinner. During the day we would hang out by the pool and beach all day. The guys went on a horseback ride on the beach, it was so fun for them. We also bought a few bracelets on the beach from a local, and delicious mangoes cut up for you, and ready to eat! 

Planning a trip to Colombia has been a unique adventure for us. We have been there multiple times visiting my husband's side of the family. It is especially meaningful for my husband to show our son where he grew up. Taking him to special places and having a story to go along with it is something that a father and son can cherish forever. Every time we go back it has educated our son on how his father grew up, very different from me. He is learning a lot about the Colombian culture, and really enjoys his time there! 

We head down in Winter for a couple of weeks to warm up in the hot Colombian sun and catch up with his relatives. When we travel to Colombia, we usually fly with Avianca. It is our go-to airline, and we have found some good deals online especially if we book early. The flights can vary in price depending on the time of year. Christmas time is especially busy. From New York, we usually fly to Bogota, the capital of Colombia. When flying to Colombia you'll see some breathtaking views of the Andes, it's really cool.  From Bogota we take a short flight to Pereira, a great city with beautiful restaurants, nightlife and scenic routes. Pereira's hot, but family time with my husband's relatives makes it totally worth it. The warmth here isn't just in the weather – the people are incredibly welcoming. 

Living in New York, there are some pretty good Colombian restaurants, and very authentic. However, not as good as when in Colombia! Colombian cuisine is a feast for the taste buds, offering a rich tapestry of dishes. 

From the iconic Arepas, my mother in law's favorite and a staple cornbread, to the hearty Bandeja Paisa, a carnivore's dream with beans, rice, plantains, and meat galore – every bite tells a delicious story. My husband devours his bandeja paisa! I can't blame him.

I happen to love Empanadas, perfect pockets of joy filled with various delights. So delicious! Many of my husband's family members make a traditional soup called Sancocho. It's a hearty chicken soup with potatoes, corn, and a burst of flavors. Let's not forget the vibrant cilantro and lime added to the soup, it just makes it better.

For a sweet finish, indulge in some Buñuelos or Arequipe, a caramel-like spread that's downright heavenly.

Colombian cuisine is a journey in itself, and each dish reflects the country's diverse culture. Get ready to treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure.