December 14, 2019

Postcards from Cartagena— A Visual Story













Cartagena, Noviembre 2019.

The weekend from Nov 8th to 11th. (already a month ago, wow, time is flying by so quick) family and I booked a trip to Cartagena, we took advantage that my dad had started his vacations, and since it was a "long weekend" in here, we didn't think twice, not only did he need it, but all four of us needed it as well. I don't know where to begin, but I secretely longed for a trip just like this, a trip to forget about everything and anything and just enjoy it and have some sort of a family time, just the four of us. I have mentioned in some other previous posts that this year has been all about family and spending my time with them, again, I have had the most beautiful memories with them and 2019 has been the most special so far and I've been loving and enjoying every minute of it, even more now, that is getting closer to an end. Back to what I was saying, I longed for a trip like this, I have had the best time already and wanted to "close" 2019 with what could be a family trip, and it happened and I thank God for that he provided money and everything for us to go on this trip, there was zero last minute problems and everything turned out better than expected.

Whilst on the road, I was very emotional, I was probably shedding a tear or two as I couldn't believe it was all finally happening and it was my time to enjoy with them and have the most beautiful memories to remember. We left on Friday at around 1:30pm or 2pm or so and we arrived around 3pm, we did the check in around 3:30 almost 4pm, we then went to our room which was a Junior Suite, now that I write this, I still can't believe we all four stayed in the same room, like I would joke about it and tell my parents "hey, we're already 26 and 25, why sleep with us or why sleep with you two", haha but I guess that's what makes the bond stronger and also the pocket and wallet so friendly, lol.

Anyway, we left our things, and started strolling around the city, by 5:30pm I was having dinner, I had a sandwinch and my family wanted to have some Arepas rellenas with chicharron. After that, we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Downtown, especially the Walled City and went to this amazing place and had some drinks, I didn't as I was taking medicine. Forgot to mention I caught the flu the day after my bday and I was in that stage where it was just starting. So, medicine and water for me it was. By almost 9pm we were back in the hotel and I went straight to bed.

Day 2, more like Day 1 (Sat) Woke up super early, I really had a rough night, I couldn't even sleep that well, my throat was sore and since there was aircon that got me even worse, but I still was very positive about it, I took a quick bath and then put on my one piece swimsuit and we headed to have some breakfast. After that, we spent the morning at the beach. I gotta say that helped a lot with my flu, we have this saying that salty water, aka beach water I don't know how you call it, helps whenever you have the flu. So, I really had a good time, "so far" and got a little better.

By around 11am we left, and went to take a bath which oh, surprise, my period came (sorry if that's TMI) and I was feeling 79689 times worse than I already was, anyway we went to have our lunch. The plan for this day was to go on a Catamaran to watch the sun set and do something differet, since the budget didn't allow us to go to one of the many islands, we still wanted to try something  new. This was the high light of this trip, and it really deserves to be on a separate post, so stay tuned for that one. After trip was over, we headed to Downtown since we were literally close, just by crossing the street and had another stroll around the city by night. Truly magical!

Day 3 (Sun) Woke up, period cramps were stronger than ever, and couldn't plus didn't want to go swim again, and didn't feel like doing nothing, my mood this day was unbearable. We had breakfast and then headed to the beach. Mom and I stayed on the shade, whilst dad and brother went swimming until almost 11am, headed to our room, and they took a bath and for lunch, we met with one of my mom's friends and then after she invited us to have some coffee, we spent hours talking until she had to leave and once she's gone, we also grabbed another taxi and headed (again) to the downtown city, went to this new mall they have which is really beautiful architectonically, and then went to the supermarket to buy food for our dinner, and we were in the beggining of starting to wander around when it started raining, we immediately grabbed a taxi and headed to our hotel and din't went out again since it was pouring.

Day 4 (Mon) Check out was at 11am, we woke early, packed our things, had breakfast and by 9:30am we were on the road on the way back home. It felt very short, not gonna lie, specially since I couldn't enjoy this trip as much as I wanted to since I was sick and on top of that, got my period, so I really regret that, but I am sure there will be a next time, so I look forward to another trip there, hopefully it will be at least more than 5 days, so we can do and enjoy it more plus there are so many things left to do and see. 

But despite of me being sick, besides that I really had a beautiful time with my family and that's what mattered the most. It was truly perfect and magical, as it always feels like whenever I come back to this place. 

No matter what time of the year it is, Cartagena is always that very inviting place that will always welcome you with arms wide open, but every return is going to be always a different story, a different memory, one I could never forget but I will always remember. Until my next return. 

30 comments:

  1. Such a lovely post, Melissa! That sounds like it was the most beautiful yet perfect trip! So good that you got to still enjoy it even if it wasn’t 100% but surely you will be back there and experience it all over again! Happy you’re back to blogging too! Have a lovely day and hope you’re doing good! xoxo

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    1. Thank you SO much Mikayla! I'm very happy to know you loved this post, was putting it off for a while but it was until now I got to share it. Yes, despite of being sick, I still wanted to enjoy it and have a good time, and glad I did! Aww, thank you, you too have a beautiful day/week! xo

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  2. What a beautiful post! Your writing is what I look the most forward to! It’s such a shame you didn’t get to enjoy it at all due to being sick, but because of memories like these is what makes it an experience, one to remember like you just said! You also have the photos too and from what I can see you are almost close to that city so, sure you’re going to be back there again and do all you couldn’t! Honestly sounds like the perfect trip, and I am beyond happy you and your family took some time off, seems as it was worth it! Look forward to your next post on the catamaran experience! ♥️

    Have a lovely day! xo

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    1. Thank you SO much Tuğba! That really makes so happy, and I truly appreciate it, thanks for your support always! Yes, I mean I was planning on taking a lot of photos but because I was sick wasn't in the mood, these were just some spontaneous shots that I took using my phone. You're right, it's an almost 1 hour and a half away from where I live, so yes, we may be back at some point. That's so kind of you thank you, we just needed some more extra days, hopefully next time! :) Oh, stay tuned for that one, I'll be sharing it probably this Friday or Saturday! xo

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  3. Sounds like a lovely place for a getaway and time with your family! Sorry that not feeling well too of some enjoyment, but you still seem to have a wonderful adventure. And those bw photos are really beautiful!

    LackaDaisy

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    1. Thank you SO much dear! Yes, I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to but still tried my best to have a good time! That's definitely one of my favorite places to go on a quick getaway experience, a break, you name it. It gives my soul some sort of peace, calmness and hapiness! xo

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  4. These are beautiful pictures! I'm so sorry you were sick, that's always the worst when that happens! Happy you were still able to enjoy the trip with your family though. :)

    https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/

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    1. Thank you SO much dear! Yes, whenever we travel, I always end up being sick but I always try my best to enjoy it until the very last day of our stay in there! xo

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  5. I love your visual story of Cartagena! I've never been to Colombia, but this is certainly on my list. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

    https://mariannyc.com/top-5-holiday-activities-in-nyc/

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    1. Thank you so much Mariann! You're more than welcome here plus you will love it as well, every city is so different one from the other and so much to do and see as well! :) xo

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  6. These are beautiful and all taken with your iphone?! That's crazy! I hate you were sick, but I'm happy you still had a great time surrounded by family.

    - Avalon from www.simplyavalon.com

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    1. Thank you SO much dear! I appreciate it! Yes, all of them were taken with my phone. I really just poured my heart and soul into the editing part and I'm happy with the outcome! xo

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  7. What a beautiful place to visit! Love your black and white photos!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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    1. Thank you SO much Jill! One of my favorite places to go when I need a quick getaway! xo

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  8. Todo se ve estupendo! Muchas gracias por tus visitas , es un placer verte por mi blog ! Que tengas Feliz Navidad ! 🎄🎄🎄 ( No se si me pasaré por aquí hasta entonces ) ☃️🦌🎅

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    1. Muchísimas gracias Carolina! Es un placer tenerte por acá también! Besos! ♥️

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  9. These are some beautiful photos, love them! Can’t believe they were taken using just your phone, I’m impressed how your photography has gotten better but also your editing! So much progress, girl! Also, it was a shame you ended up being sick but still tried your best to enjoy your stay in there. Hopefully you will be back very soon! Have a lovely day and hope you’re doing good! x

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    1. Thank you SO much Camille! I really appreciate your kind words, and also your support for following me all these years, means a lot to me! Yes, hopefully I will be back at some point again! You too have a beautiful day/week! Sending lots of love to your way! xo

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  10. I love the classic vintage black and white photos from your trip. Sounds like an amazing getaway and it's great that you got to spend amazing quality time with family. It's unfortunate that you got sick, but at least you created some beautiful memories along the way.

    BLOG | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM

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    1. Thank you SO much Atsuna! Yes, it was unfortunate but still wanted to have the memories and stories to tell afterwards. Tried my best to enjoy it until the very last day of our stay/trip and I think I did it! xo

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  11. It looks beautiful and so interesting in black and white! Thanks for sharing! :)

    Hope that you're having a great week :) I had a fun day out shopping and a family birthday celebration dinner in the evening yesterday! :)

    Away From Blue | Handbag Gift Guide

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    1. Thank you SO much dear! That sounds amazing, seems like you really had a nice day and week as well! I've had a great week so far too! Have a lovely and happy weekend! XO

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  12. This looks like a beautiful place! Love the black and white!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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    1. Thank you SO much Danielle! It really is indeed, I love going there! xo

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  13. What a gorgeous place indeed, and your photos are fantastic dear.
    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    1. Thank you SO much Jessica! It really is, one of my favorite cities and places to go to! xo

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  14. This is a beautiful place.
    Thank you for sharing.
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2019/12/its-5-days-to-christmas-are-your.html

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  15. Wait, how come these are iPhone photos? Love them! Melissa, your photography skills are next level, so proud to see you’ve gotten better at it! Now onto the post, sad to hear you got sick but happy you still tried to enjoy it until the very end! This post and photos make me miss Colombia so much! I need to book a flight there asap! ❤️🙇🏻‍♀️

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    1. Thank you SO much Maria Paula, for your kind words and support all these years! Yes, they were actually taken with my phone, I just poured my heart and soul into the editing part! I know you'll hopefully be here, there's so much to see and explore now! Sending lots of love to your way! xo

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