Life’s a Beach: Chillin’ in Cartagena
One of the first things we noticed about the swimming beaches that run along the Caribbean coast of Cartagena was their unique configuration. Where the natural shoreline and urban development allow, jetties have been built with spacing that permit the tides to wash in creating half-moon shaped beaches perfectly suited to water frolicking. The only thing that upsets the tranquility of the water is a strong onshore wind which raises the swell of the ocean but does not seriously deflect from the enjoyment of the folks on the beach.
At our favorite crescent shaped beach – our favorite because we had only to take the elevator to the lobby and walk across Avenida Santander – it was usually easy to rent a “tarpa”, a plasticized rectangle of blue or red fabric stretched over a movable metal frame to give shade. As we preferred to be there mid to late morning during the quieter weekdays there were usually about twenty to thirty of the canopied structures nicely spaced around our little swimming hole. It set us back a couple of bucks but the fee was good for the day and they were rented by all because the sun would scorch you in short order. So if you weren’t in the water you were probably hunkered down in the shelter of your tarpa watching the fun going on about you. 
The kids, naturally, loved the beach. Tiny toddlers, at first apprehensive, saw even tinier tots playing in the shallows, splashing and allowing the waves to chase them. It didn’t take long for them to warm up either to the water or the fun; the water was not bath water warm but just a few degrees south, delightfully cool during the heat of the day. So the kids, either with or without their folks at their sides, became the stars of the show. In their neon colored swim suits with their unbridled exuberance they flapped and flopped about in the gentle surf, masters of their domain.
The older folks joined in the fun, as did we, venturing out farther into the waves and, of course, we couldn’t compete with the gleeful enthusiasm of a kid. But really, we all became kids inside whether we dove headfirst into six inches of water, buried a brother in the sand, built castles and dug holes or jumped through the waves. It was all done with shouts of triumph and laughter.
And then there were the unexpected players; those not decked out in beach togs. These were the worker bees, the
drones, the vendors and the hucksters, those who offered beach toys or souvenirs and outrageously priced massages as well as food and cold treats and provided for us as we frolicked in the sun or drowsed in the shade. For them, this was not a day at beach, this was their version of a day at the office. And while we knew that they had to make a living and checked out their goods we did little to abet their financial success on any given day.
By Richard and Anita
Everywhere in Latin America seems so lively – people know how to enjoy themselves!
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We’ve also noticed how quick people are to nod and smile as well as relax and enjoy the swirl of life around them. We love how easy it is to meet people and start up a conversation, even with our basic Spanish!
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We stayed with a gentleman in NYC who was originally from Colombia and it was his life’s ambition to get everyone that he met to go and visit Colombia, so we are not about to let him down. We are hoping to get to Colombia this following winter and of course one of our places we want to visit will be Cartagena. It looks like a beautiful place to visit and you make the beach sound delightful. It sounds very similar to some of the rural beach towns that we have visited in Mexico with all the locals enjoying the sand and the water.
Glad that you have been enjoying it so much!
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We hope to return to Colombia soon to visit more of this amazing country and our time in Cartagena was one of the high points of our time in South America. Your Colombian friend’s advice is well heeded when he recommends a visit to Colombia. There are so many beautiful and interesting places to go and the people are friendly, welcoming and always ready for some conversation!
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What a nice escape this is to see a Cartagena beach. I notice people are more covered than what I see here. I saw that in Fiji, too, where many people went in the water with street clothes. No need to be self conscious. 🙂
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This was a local versus tourist beach and therefore had a totally different vibe. The emphasis was on having a great day enjoying the water and the beach rather that on what one was wearing or how one looked. At our age especially, that’s the right priority for us, too!
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Looks relaxing Dick & Anita. We (not) enjoying the cold and (are) enjoying the grandson for a few days before flying out to Thailand and Malaysia for 6 weeks – watch for our blogs once we’re on the road again. We’re still planning on hitting Barcelona in Mid-March and home to see you there.
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Cartagena was a great combination of seeing the sights and relaxing at the beach. However, a grandson is always fine entertainment and you’ll soon be on your way to your next adventure. Can’t wait to hear about both Thailand and Malaysia and we’ll see you soon enough in Spain!
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Some of the beaches further away from Cartagena have more of tropical feel to them and are quieter. But of course you would have to hop on a local bus or take a boat; one popular boat trip is to Rosario, now an official nature reserve on a peninsular south of the city.
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You’re right about Cartagena having more beautiful beaches but, during the holiday season, they didn’t look too much quieter – And forget about the week of Christmas! However, all the crowds gave us a chance to interact with the locals and we had a fine time watching the kids!
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Great looking beaches. I love those tarpas. Here in Thailand you can rent a lounger and an umbrella for the day…very cheap.
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The tarpas came equipped with plastic chairs that you could drape with your towel and watch the action from your shaded shelter for as long as you wanted. Can’t wait to experience the Thailand version!
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Cartagena is an underrated destination. We were there a couple of years ago. Unfortunately we never took the time to join the locals on the beach. Our mistake.
There’s nothing like seeing a beach and sunshine to make us endure the cold. Thank you for that.
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You’re right about Cartagena being underrated as a tourist area and, even though the cruise ships make regular stops, many people only visit the Unesco WHS of the old town with it’s beautiful buildings or the Castillo San Felipe. One advantage to traveling slow is the chance to visit, explore and experience locations that aren’t usually seen in only a few days. And keep in mind, there are both beaches and sunshine in many places to escape the cold weather!
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Did you have an opportunity to see the shoe sculpture? I climbed in it for a photo op. Fun stuff!
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Yes, we saw the shoe sculpture when we took the city bus tour but we couldn’t quite figure out why it was included with all the other sights that Cartagena is known for. However, it was fun to see all the people trying to get their picture taken with it and, if it hadn’t been so crowded, I’m betting we would have gone for the photo op too!
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With the weather on the est coast, great time for some beach pictures.
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This will remind you, when you’re digging out from the great snowstorm heading your way, that the sun really is shining somewhere else in the world and a coat and gloves aren’t necessities! Keep warm…
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Great photos – the smiles of children at the beach are universal. It is the simple pleasures in life!
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There’s something about waves, water, sun and sand that bring out the kid in all of us. And you’re right- some things are universal.
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Well who doesn’t love a day at the beach, what fun…love the coves – it’s perfect for children
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The T shaped jetties do a great job of softening the force of the waves and adding more beach for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great time to spend a few hours watching the kids throw themselves into the business of having fun!
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Great photos. It looks like so much fun. I’ve never been to Cartagena but you certainly made the beach come alive for me.
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The winter weather probably has you yearning for some beach time right about now. So glad you could enjoy a virtual visit!
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I love that first photo of the woman looking blissed out in the surf. That’s a day at the beach at its best!
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That’s one of our favorite photos of our time in Cartagena, too. The sheer joy on her face is enough to make you smile, isn’t it?
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Great photos that really convey the liveliness of the beach and its visitors~
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Thanks, Irene. It was easy to share in the joy and laughter of the beach goers and catching smiles with the camera was a guarantee to several mornings of fun!
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Great pix! They remind that “Life’s a beach”… the world over! 😉
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You’re right Dyanne. A beach is a great reminder that fun is fun no matter what part of the world you’re in.
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Great entry. The beaches look like fun. Glad to see you still enjoying your travels. Have fun and be safe.
Suzi and Bob
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Thanks Suzi & Bob. Beaches are always great fun and watching people (young and old) enjoy them only adds to the merriment!
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I am vicariously enjoying your travels.
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So glad that you enjoying some virtual traveling whoever you are!
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Looks like so much fun. I wonder if the jetties help to keep the high tides from eroding the beaches? Thanks for taking us to the beach for the day. 🙂
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It would be our guess that the jetties protect the beach since they decrease the force of the waves. Plus, they more than double the beach so there’s more room for fun!
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Love the pics 🙂
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Thanks Ann! These are usually our only souvenirs of our travels but wow, do we have a digital pile! It’s great to dig through them whenever we need to revisit a memory.
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Yes, pictures to help bring back the memories are the best bring backs 🙂
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Corky and I are chilling in Los Barriles BCS Mexico presently. This is a sleepy little village about 60 miles North of Cabo San Lucas in Baja. The population here is maybe 4000 people about 50/50 gringo’s and Mexican. We have been here many times in the past and are charmed by the laid back lifestyle here. Of course there is windsurfing, and mountain biking and kayaking, etc., Corky prefers to take walks in the small town center, that is where we are headed this morning, Saturday market…….fun to look at.
We are doing without a car, which is not necessary here although we did rent one for a day to travel up the peninsula to La Ventana a couple of days ago. We have some friends camped there and went up to say hi.
Anyway, be good. You are a continuing inspiration to Corky and I to stay active and travel. We meet all kinds of adventurous souls here also. Every meal is an opportunity to meet some new folks.
Keith and Corky
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Thanks for the update Keith & Corky. Sounds like you’re having a great time enjoying some traveling, adventuring and beaches of your own! P.S. A lengthy email is coming your way…
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