CARTAGENA, "THE WALLED CITY"

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel in May and October to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. As an added bonus, the weather in May and October is usually perfect for traveling -- not too hot and not too cold.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Cartagena is a fantastic city that guards the secrets of history in its walls, balconies, buildings and narrow cobbled streets.

The magic of Cartagena lies in its massive fortifications, the warmth of the people, the richness of the architecture and the infinite range of cultural expression of a doughty and valiant people.

The city is full of romance, and there is the setting for many a tale of times past in every street and square, and along the walls that bound it, waiting for the sunset to evoke past struggles.

On a sunny day vibrates with color along the facades of the buildings and the sea breeze refreshes the visitor on his way along the narrow streets of the old city.

The monuments are there: sober, ancient monasteries, churches, battlements and the remains of bloody battles: a testimony to the invincible men and women who brought freedom to the “heroic city”.

Night falls, and is bathed in a light of its own, coming to life and transforming itself. It is a unique atmosphere that captivates the visitor and takes him back to times past and forgotten, in a horse and carriage.

From the walls there is a beautiful view of the sea. Then, euphoria grows and the tireless fiesta dances on until the first rays of the sun sweep away the mysteries of the night.

Yes, this is Cartagena. A city that tells its own past, its fascinating history and its rebirth in every age.

Things to do

SAN FELIPE CASTLE

The 17th century governor of Cartagena, Don Francisco de Murga ordered the construction of the city's principal fortification, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle in 1656. Spanish

PALACIO DE LA INQUISICION

The Spanish tickler, the guillotine, the rack and the witches' scale are just four of the friendly artifacts on display on this glorious palace built for the

THE ZENÚ GOLD MUSEUM

Housed in a charming colonial house on the Plaza Bolivar rescued by Colombia's central bank, the Zenú gold museum boasts a priceless insight into the pre-Colombian culture

THE CLOCK TOWER

Cartagena's most famous landmark, The Torre del Reloj, or Clock Tower, was once the main gateway to the walled city. It was originally called Boca del Puente

LAS BÓVEDAS

Las Bóvedas is a great place to go if you're looking to pick up some Colombian souvenirs, located along the city walls

CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE

Cartagena's most ambitious arts initiative, the city's first Contemporary Art Biennale, kicks of on February 7 with more than 100 artists from more than 50 countries  

ALEJANDRO FRIERI WORKSHOP

It can be disenchanting to walk past endless stands of mass-produced maracas, Panama hats and mochilas in Cartagena's Old City

NH GALERIA

The opening of Nohra Haime's gallery space in 2011 at a time when curators in London, New York and Paris were tuning in to Colombia's vibrant art

 

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/vacations-holidays-where-to-go/cartagena-travel-guide

http://www.ticartagena.com/

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

CARACAS,” THE CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING”

BY CLAY LARROY

Many people pass through Caracas, Venezuela on their way to other destinations, such as Angel Falls, Margarita Island or Los Roques. However, the sprawling city, a mix of modern highrises and development as well as a colonial and historic center around the Plaza Bolivar is well worth adding a day or two to your itinerary.

Take the usual safety precautions for any large city, using the city's efficient subway system during the day, but taxis at night.

1. El Teleferico - El Ávila National Park

Take the cable car up to the top of Mt Avila for spectacular views of Caracas and the mountains. On clear days, you can see the Caribbean. While there, enjoy the Avila Magica Park, a meal at one of the restaurant, ice skate at the rink or shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Take a sweater or a jacket, for it can be cool at 6000' plus.

2. Panteón Nacional

The Panteón Nacional, formerly a church, became the resting place for prominent Venezuelans in the 1870's. The central nave is dedicated to Simon Boliver, with paintings depicting his life and accomplishments. The ceremonial changing of the guard is worth seeing. 

3. Plaza Bolivar

The plaza marks the spot where Diego de Losada founded the city in 1567. Public buildings like Capitolio Nacional, the Catedral Metropolitana, the Foreign Office and the Palacio Municipal surround the square. But, the real meaning of Plaza Bolivar is found in its energy, which keeps Caracas alive. 

4. Cathedral Metropolitana and Museo Sacro de Caracas

With its original facade dating from the end of the 17th century, the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral grounds the Plaza Bolívar. The main altar is a magnificent Baroque creation gilded with more than 300 pounds of gold leaf.

The former sacristy and ecclesiastical prison adjoining the cathedral, is a museum displaying religious statues and colonial costumes. The silver canopy made to cover the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary is particularly ornate. 

5. Parque Los Chorros

"Located at the foot of Caracas' Avila Mountain, Parque Los Chorros consists of 4.5 hectares of exuberant nature including the only natural waterfall in a capital city park. The landscape spans several levels with a descent of more than 100 steps, tunnels, bridges and benches from which to contemplate large trees, mountain springs and lush vegetation."

6. Casa Natal and Museo Bolívar

"A memorial to Simon Bolivar, it’s no surprise that great care is taken over the maintenance of his birthplace. The visitor can feel the past in the walls, rooms, interior yards, plants and decor. Bolivar's great-grandfather built the house and it still holds family portraits and antique furniture. As an additional attraction, there are several magnificent epic paintings by Venezuelan artist Tito Salas."

7. Iglesia de San Francisco

A national monument and the site of Simón Bolívar's proclamation as El Libertador and of funeral 12 years after his 1830 death, the church is a marvelous example of colonial architecture with its richly gilded altars, this church is one of the oldest in the city.

8. La Casa Amarilla

"To enrich your visit to the historical center of Caracas, you may include the Casa Amarilla, a building that stands on the same grounds where the Caracas Royal Prison was located during colonial times, at the beginning of the 17th century. You will enjoy the traditional style in the construction and furniture, plus you will also have a first-hand encounter with the tireless activity of the Venezuelan Foreign Office. Guided tours are provided by the Protocol Department." 

9. Galeria de Arte Nacional

"Known around town as the "GAN," the interesting National Art Gallery, across the circular Plaza Morelos from the Museum of Natural Science, displays more than 4,000 works of art from Venezuela's proud past. It shares a building with the Museo de Bellas Artes, which exhibits a random selection of art from all around the globe. The top floor is a terrace offering views over Parque Los Caobos and much of Caracas." 

10. Jardin Botanico

"Created in 1944, Caracas Botanical Garden is a display of exuberant nature. It contains more than 2,000 native and non-indigenous species as well as more than 100 types of palms and four greenhouses for bromeliads, ferns, orchids and shade plants. In addition, 100,000 trees belonging to 80 species grow in the Arboretum and more than 100,000 types of plants are found in the herbarium."   

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.southamerica.cl/Venezuela/Caracas.htm

http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/venregcaracas/tp/whattodoandsee.htm

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

CARACAS,” THE CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING”

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you.

Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling to the Caribbean is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Caracas, officially "Santiago de León de Caracas", is the Capital of Venezuela, as well as its administrative, financial, commercial and cultural center. Caracas officially has a total population estimated of more than three million people (2005), though unofficial sources indicate that the population is well over 5 million in the Metropolitan area.

The city is located in the center-north of the country about 15km from the Caribbean sea, separated from this by the El Ávila National Park. The Caracas Highway allows the connection of the capital with the Caribbean coast and the principal airports and maritime ports of the country in 20 minutes. The Guaire River runs across most of the city.

Caracas has impressive modern structures that intermingle with world heritage sites. It is a concrete jungle intertwined with beautiful parks and natural reserves with the cultural and commercial activity on a par with any capital city.

While the city itself is not high on most people's list of tourist destinations, it could be for this reason that you would want to visit. The city itself is a strange mixture of poor and rich living alongside one another. On one block you may find a 4-star restaurant but if you turn the corner you could end up in a dangerous neighborhood where a tourist with a lot of money will stick out like a sore thumb.

One of the greatest parts to the city though, it must be said, is the friendliness of the people; a rather helpful attribute considering that you will undoubtedly get lost at some point in your journey and will need to ask for directions. You can't generally expect to go by the numbers on the streets, as buildings are often out of order if they are even numbered at all. The city has grown quickly and haphazardly. There are some neighborhoods that still lack running water and basic sanitary needs. The population, like its buildings is a mixture of people coming from several different ethnic backgrounds. Caracas is a place that all every traveler should visit.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.southamerica.cl/Venezuela/Caracas.htm

http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/venregcaracas/tp/whattodoandsee.htm

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!