Back in Santa Marta

Hola again,

Now back in Santa Marta after 5 days in the lovely Cartagna, a couple of 100ks west of here.

Cartagna fascinating. It used to be the main port for shipping all the stolen indian gold back to Spain. For this reason it was also a repeatedly attacked by pirates and other nations jealous of all Spains stolen Indian bounty. The Spaniards responded by building some pretty impressive forts and circling the city with almost imprenitable inner and outer stone walls. Today a lot of these walls are still left and the forts are still standing. The old city has also been well preserved with many colonial buildings, paths and squares. It deservedly gets described as one of the most impressive and beautiful cities in south america. It is also a bit of a gringo capital and i haven't meet so many aussies since back home! Funny how aussies are always in the dodgy places.. There is a lot of cocaine here and the expected shady characters lurking around waiting to pounce on gringos..The hassle factor was pretty big here.. Meet some great people and did some big partying (i'm def one of the more 'mature' backpackers around) as well as visiting some of the stunning surrounding beaches and islands.

Have backtracked to Santa Marta as have decided to go on the lost city trek to 'Ciduad Peridia' with a a fellow traveller i meet in Cartagna. Its a 6 day hike and i was a bit apprehensive about having everything carried for me and someone cooking for me! However, this is the only way one can do it and it provides jobs for the locals and there is a rumour that part of the fees go to the local guerrillas in the area! Besides the 'city' is supposed to be spectacular and was actually the capital of the Tayrona Indians.

Until next time...hasta luego!
D.