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Sunday, January 23

Romancing the Stone






When you mention Cartagena, the first thing that seems to come to people’s minds is Kathleen Turner (as romance novelist Joan Wilder) alongside Michael Douglas and their ridiculous adventure trying to cross Colombia to Cartagena. I have to admit that I watched the 1980’s film to prepare myself for the trip. To be really honest, after watching the movie, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

I can’t believe that it was just a week ago that I was enjoying relaxing days of the warm Caribbean air while strolling the cobbled streets. Old men push creaky carts laden with fresh fruit and halved coconuts. Charming hole-in-the-wall restaurants serve fresh fish and ceviches caught just hours before.






The vibrant seaside 16th century walled city (which the Spanish founded in 1533) is filled with some of the most beautiful and untouched colorful architecture. Perhaps this is why Gabriel Garcia Marquez maintains his ocean front property just off the Plaza San Diego (one of the most charming, residential squares in Cartagena).







I absolutely fell in love with the Palenque woman who wear multicolored outfits and walk around selling fruit (which they put in a large bowl and carry on their heads!)








Perhaps this untouched gem is going to be the next HOT place? Especially since Martha Stewart and Vice President Biden were also in town during my visit for Cartagena’s annual classical music festival. Additionally, The New York Times named Colombia as one of THE places to visit in 2011. Colombia’s reputation is deservedly changing.

If you are looking for a great vacation spot, I can’t suggest Cartagena enough. It is worth noting that it is just a two-hour flight from Miami, but there is hardly an American to be found strolling through this enchanting city.




Coming soon, more on the rest of my adventures in Colombia.

25 comments:

Ashleigh Weatherill said...

Great photographs Grant! I hope you show us those textiles you found.
Thanks for sharing!
-Ashleigh

Ashleigh Weatherill said...

Great photographs Grant! I hope you show us those textiles you found.
Thanks for sharing!
-Ashleigh

Michael Hampton said...

Gorgeous! My personal fave is lady tropicana with the fruit bowl on her head. Would make a great painting!

Michael

Laura Casey Interiors said...

I love the photographs Grant! It looks like you had a wonderful trip.

Unknown said...

Grant,

This was a delightful post. Lots of architecture, colors and items to feast the eyes on.

The Devoted Classicist said...

Beautiful to be sure.

All The Trappings said...

Oh, Grant! I enjoyed your updates on Facebook, but to see these compiled altogether really makes the journey so much more fascinating. You have my itchingintchingitching to visit. I'll bet it's just a 3 hour jaunt from New Orleans. I'm going to have to check on it!

P.S. Your photos and eye, are just incredible. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Warm climates always have such rich, saturated colors. Your photos are fantastic.

Anonymous said...

I love this posting... the colors are sublime.
xo
Scott

Anonymous said...

GORGEOUS photos and colors!!

Holly

Anonymous said...

Love it the colors are fabulous!!!!

Suzanna

Kathy said...

The time worn surfaces of the buildings are a visual treat..and the women are fantastic...great shots...looking forward to more...k

naomi said...

OMG - that fruit seller was so perfect and beautiful. Such an amazing photo! Thank you for sharing!

Brillante Interiors said...

I have been to Cartagena many years ago, enchanting place.
Are these your pictures? I am very impressed Grant.

Emily Amy Gallery said...

What a fantastic post! I love all of the perfectly cropped architectural photos. Sounds like I need a trip down south!

Grant K. Gibson said...

Thank you.
I take all of my own photos. Thousands to sort.
Love having the memories for years.

shiree segerstrom said...

A visual treat. Thank you for the vicarious holiday. Shiree'

katiedid said...

Grant....it seems I must live vicariously through you until my kids are through college. Beautiful!!!

The Antiques Diva said...

Adding Cartagena to my MUST SEE list!

ashikurmunna said...

hello its awesome

designchic said...

What wonderful images...such a treat!!

Francine Gardner said...

You brought back so many memories!! I love Cartagena.Did you have a chance to visit the Rosarios Islands...tiny glorious islands. As you, I am an avid traveler and am always planning my next adventure.On my way to become a follower...love to learn from a fellow designer and traveler

thelovelist said...

My Mother was an exchange student in Cartagena for two years and fell in love for the first time when she was there. She still talks about the city, the guy -- and hangs on to her fluent Spanish 30 years later!

Brie said...

Absolutely beautiful!!!

CREED said...

Grant I've lost touch with your blog (and many others) over the past year but have to say I'm just thrilled to visit once again and am catching up on older posts. In addition to my design business I share a love for travel, photography and cooking and relate to so much of what you write about. I wish I could spend all my days travelling with my camera,,,but client work bekons! Simply gorgeous photos.
-Carol

 

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