Cartagena's Whisper

What do you get when you combine an earthy, exotic Caribbean vibe with the architecture and dreamy streets of the remains of the colonial Spanish empire? Gorgeous ancient buildings in terra cotta and earth tones are accented with moorish arches. Along side are houses in a rage of happy Caribbean colors, cascades of bougainvilla tumbling over the walls. Somehow its rich history of pirates, freed slaves, the burning of witches and the expulsion of the oppressors seems to have instilled in the people of Cartagena the freedom and creativity to welcome a vast variety of styles, cultures and people, making it today one of the most fascinating - and exciting - cities in the Americas. Whether you feast on the sweet fruits from a street vendor's cart or at one of the upscale haunts of the beautiful people, Cartagena provides flavors to remember. And just as you think, wandering the charming streets and plazas of the walled city, that you must be somewhere in Spain, an exotic woman, dressed in the bright colors of the Caribbean and carrying a basket of fruit on her head, crosses your path. The music may be cumbia, champeta, raggae, tango or something unrecognizable. But it's music to make you smile, to take a deep breath and relax. What do you get? You get a city that welcomes you with warm open arms, and then smiles as she says farewell, whispering "you'll be back."