cartagena, colombia

We landed on the shores of Cartagena, Colombia after a testing 32-hour open-water ocean crossing from the San Blas Islands. With our arrival date being the 29th of December, even before getting on that boat in Panama, we knew that Cartagena was our destination for partying. New Years Eve was going to be big.

In preparation, we sussed out the city's party scene. We had heard that there would be pop-up bars set up around the city and we were excited. However after strolling the happening party scene, things were looking a bit too serious for us. And by too serious I mean too expensive. Big speakers, lights, dancers, and the tell-tale sign of it all being too expensive - waiters skilfully teetering a platter on their fingertips while delivering drinks to overdressed patrons. We immediately knew that these pop-up joints were out of our price range. All of the clubs had a cover charge and we weren't willing to risk spending our precious dollars on Latin-pop music and hip-thrusting locals who look like they have combed their hair with a buttered piece of toast. So we decided that we would make the most of Colombia's non-existent street-drinking laws and party it up like any tight-walleted backpacker would. We opted to buy our beers for $1.50 off the dudes with the foam eskies on the side of the street. Effectively we had a great day/night/day while spending just a few dollars. Good choice.



Knowing the day/night/day was going to be big, Shawn decided to document it with a photo diary. So he took a photo for every obscure moment. Below is the evidence. We have added a notation under each slice of the evidence pie.



1. While picking up a few supplies at the local shopping centre, we happened to find a simulator ride. "Yessssss..." we thought, "This is the perfect way to start our epic day/night/day." We knew there was only one person to ask to join us. Our Aussie mate Francesca, who is as much of a dickhead as us. She immediately agreed that it was the best idea ever and we headed to the shopping centre. It was the best $3 and 5 minutes we ever spent.



2. Re-enactment only.
 

3. Sending a photo message to our dear American friends.



4. The lame soup that Kassandra ordered for dinner didn't do the job. Here she is prematurely tucking into the semi-healthy (or rather not terribly unhealthy) hangover food (bought in anticipation of what was to come the next day) of Vegemite and multigrain crackers.



5. Band album cover.
 

6. "Gervaising"



7. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
    

8. We thought it an awesome idea to get in the wonderful knee-deep water of the pool among the sparkling lights! However we guessed that 1000 other drunk people head the same idea because there was a security guard who's only job was to tell people off for engaging in the activity. Kassandra is a rule breaker, dipping her foot in the water!
 

9. Family photo.
 

10. Caught red-handed with another premature serving of the "hangover vegemite crackers"!

Cartagena wasn't just a party town for us. We enjoyed wondering around the beautiful colonial streets, sampling the fresh fruit on offer, indulging in the best popsicles we have ever eaten, and appreciating the traditional dress of the ladies. Muy bien!