Wednesday, January 7, 2015

My Winter Getaway



My first visit to my birthplace in 10 years was full of different emotions, beautiful memories and, of course, lots of colors!




Although it was a short trip, ( only 5 days!) I enjoyed every moment with my family and dear friends. I visited my parents' house which is today a beautifully restored colonial Colombian home in the heart of Cartagena's historic walled center, featuring six (6) spacious, well-kept guest rooms, within walking distance of old town landmarks, attractions and nightlife. And it is named after my mother, Carmen.


Casa Carmen

I was amazed to see the beautiful and striking color combinations of the colonial houses!




"It’s hard to remember, on those cold days when you pile on your heavy coat and scarf, that there are places on the planet where the sun rarely stops shining. The Colombian city of Cartagena has skies so blue and cloudless that they look permanently polarised.  It’s a fine spot for a winter-dodging getaway..." ~ Lonely Planet




Cartagena, a city full of romance and colonial legends, captivates visitors  with its cobbled alleys, enormous balconies draped in bougainvillea and horse-drawn carriages.




Located on the northern coast of Colombia on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena was once a haven for the freed African slaves of Central and South America, making the city an ethnic melting pot of Latino, African and Caribbean cultures. Just as dramatic is the city’s history as a Spanish colony defending itself against pirate attacks, earning it the nickname “Cartagena, la Heroica.” ~ The Savvy Explorer





My trip was a great source of inspiration, these earrings are the proof!! They will be available very soon on our site.





Hot weather calls for cold coconut water!





Cartagena is a well preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stonewalls.






You can find beautiful, warm colors everywhere.





Las Palenqueras,” or street fruit vendors, are extremely friendly and often happy to pose for photos!





 
No visit to Cartagena is complete without sampling its famous shrimp cocktail.




I love this city. I am drawn to the romance Cartagena inspires. And I can't get enough of these beautiful colors that we are seeing here. So, what do you think? Is Cartagena on your bucket list?

Have a blessed day!

                                 Irma