Cartagena: Beautiful But Not Breathtaking 🇨🇴
Built as Spain’s 16th-century Caribbean stronghold against pirates ⚔️, Cartagena’s coral-stone walls still stand—now framing a tourist hub where vendors aggressively hawk souvenirs (just smile and walk on 🚶). Quick Takes 🌞 Vibe: Hot, humid, and very American-influenced (prices reflect it 💸). 🏰 Old Town: Tiny but photogenic—skip the "must-sees" and just wander. Colonial buildings house overpriced cafés (AC is the real MVP ❄️). 👍 Highs 🍽️ La Mulata: Giant seafood plates + coconut lemonade (soul-saving in the heat 🥥). Bonus: Met an American ranting about their "stupid president" while getting cheap dental work done 😂. 🏰 San Felipe Fort: Epic sunset views + cool tunnels (avoid midday roast 🔥). 👎 Lows 🍸 ALQUÍMICO (9 World’s 50 Best Bars): Overhyped—three floors of "meh" cocktails. 🛍️ Tourist Trap Alert: Constant sales pitches—even eye contact triggers them. Final Verdict: Lovely for 48 hours—unless you’re island-hopping. #CartagenaDiaries #ColombiaTravel