We are settling in to our apartment in Cartagena. The bell towers of the Cathedral Basilica of the city are our view every day and every night as we sit in a cooling breeze off the Carribean Sea.
At night the air cools and softens and the steeples are filled with light.
We are living on the third floor of an old hotel that faces Plaza de Bolivar, in the heart of Centro (Old Town.) The Plaza has been the centerpoint of social life in Cartagena since the 16th century. Bands of dancers and musicians perform in the tree filled park throughout the day and night. And we are in the back of the hotel so the music and drums are the flavor of living here.
We feel particularly lucky to have found this place. The owners live in Bogota and stay here on and off during the year. We are surrounded by their history books on Cartagena and eclectic Columbian art fills the comfortable space.
Last night we went up to the hotel’s rooftop and discovered an incredible 360 degree view of Cartagena and the coast. We watched the sunset and counted ourselves lucky to be here.
MedFlies 
Looks splendid!
Wish you could hear it too. This town is filled with the sounds of drumming and music.
Living vicariously through your travels! Would love to see where you swim.
Hi Emily, Glad you are here! Our apartment building has a small lap pool room with a ceiling open to the air and the sky six floors above. The pool and the rooftop view over the whole city couldn’t be better. We go swimming (paddling, really, the lap isn’t very long) every day. It is delicious after being out walking in the afternoon heat.
Living vicariously through your adventures! Take as many photos as you can! I’d love to see the entire plaza. Also where do you swim?
So happy to see you on this new adventure. I love the pictures, especially the one of Dana‘s hat. at least I assume that is his.😘
Sending love!
You’re here. Yay! As you may imagine Dana’s best photos are like this one of his hat. Something simple, beautiful, others might miss. I am so glad you are here.
Hey dear neighbors, It looks wonderful there. Love the bell towers, are they ringing all the time? We see Fantan walking often, all is well here on the lane. xo Leah
We have heard any tolling from the towers. Visited the inside today. We will have photos later. Fantan is doing really well. She and Lindsay have really hit it off. Yay! So nice of Jeff to stop and say “Hi” to them both.
We haven’t heard any tolling…
Thank you for the first of the messages. I am always relieved
when I get that first message, meaning that you have made it are settling in. No AC? Ceiling fans! I like that better. We have some sunshine today. The rest of the week look iffy.
New neighbors have move in to #10 (we are #11). Brad almost hit their car while going to work. I hope they have no children (see what old age does to a person)! Assume you can see the sea? Have fun! Terry
We have both, ceiling fans and AC in the bedrrooms. We only use the fans. The apartment (except for the bedrooms) is completely open to the outdoors. It is lovely. We are settling in and have our sea legs. We go out early mornings, when it is cooler, to photograph. We eat an early lunch, return home to swim, then siesta. Out to dinner after sunset, when it is cool again. Life has slowed way down. We can see the sea from our rooftop. Sunsets are grand.
Beautiful Jill and Dana, enjoy your colonial site back in time!
We are looking forward to the wall art here in the Getsemani neighborhood. I know it will remind us of walking the streets of Valparaiso.
Thanks for sharing your abode and the sights and sounds and feel of your surroundings. Look forward to seeing the sites as you begin to explore the area!!
We are pleased with our choice and very happy to be where it is warm…High 80s to 90 degree days, low to mid-80s nights and 60% humidity. Quite a contrast to high altitude, no humidity Santa Fe.
Enjoy the warmth as we in Michigan see the end of the latest storm
freezing temperatures and snow.
Sounds like a great time ahead – cousin Jeannette
We are glad to be in the warmth and humidity. Shorts, tank tops and bare feet feel good.