Caratagena Part 20

 Cocaine Princess here.

Grateful.

Back in 2005, me, sissy-poo,  & our mom took a trip to Cartagena to celebrate my birthday. Unfortunately, the trip was cut short because our mom fell ill. A few weeks later, she was diagnosed with cancer, and nine short months later, she lost the battle. Seeing how 2024 is an extra special birthday year for me, there was no doubt in my mind Cartagena was the place I wanted to celebrate, not just for me but for my mom, to redo the trip. Being here in Cartagena feels like I'm walking into the inside of my heart- there's no other way i can describe it. Sadly, Colombia is a country that gets a bad reputation and is seen as dangerous, especially said by those who have never been or experienced the culture, life, and the people. There are dangerous parts, but that's the case of every single city in the world. Common sense and self-awareness go a long way. I was here solo, out and about everyday and night, and there wasn't a moment where I felt unsafe. It's a city filled with loving people and is rich in culture.

Thank you, Cartagena, for being so wonderful and loving to me.

XOXO,

Cocaine Princess

Cocaine Princess 19

 Cocaine Princess here.

About last night: 02/15/24

Out & about last night after dinner, enjoying the warm evening heat while doing some shopping.

Still can't crack the mystery of why we have military presence in & outside the hotel, but everything has been calm, and everyone is going about their day...

XOXO,Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 18

Cocaine Princess here.

Palm trees 😍......alcohol & a bikini.

XOXO,

Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 17

 Cocaine Princess here.

About last night: 02/14/24

I030pm cravings: Pizza & ice cream under the Colombian sky 🇨🇴

XOXO,Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 16

Cocaine Princess here.

I was out for my daily afternoon stroll in the blazing heat and upon my return the hotel, I found the military surrounding the place, one asking to see your hotel id to allow you to step foot on the property and another two by the lobby entrance. There's a few more of them inside. I inquired what was going on and was told by the front staff "its all good mi amor, no worries. Enjoy your vacation" Hmm, I wasn't exactly satisfied with that response. I need to investigate this more... 🤔

XOXO,Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 15

Cocaine Princess here.

 Happy St Valentine's Day ❤️

From Cartagena with love 😘

May you always be loved, today, tomorrow & forever.

Pic 8: During my morning stroll, the policia went over to two individuals and began searching their fanny packs. According to the beach vendor selling beer, "they are suspicious they have illegal substance on them" I asked how do they (policia) know that? He replied by shrugging his shoulders and then proceeded to try to sell me a bottle of beer 🍺

XOXO

Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 14

 Cocaine Princess here.

 02/13/24

About yesterday--

I celebrated birthday celebration #2 at the Jardin Restaurant at the stunning Hotel Santa Clara in the colonial part of Cartagena. The hotel is a former convant that was built in 1621. In 1861, it turned into a hospital, then a prison, and after that, a medical school. The Sofitel Group bought the property in the 90s and turned it into a hotel/restaurant. Truly, it's one of the most spectacular properties I've ever been to. I was in complete awe. The walls of the property once acted as a defensive shield, and the colonial balconies and architecture are still very much preserved, including the confessional walls. The colonial part of the city is surrounded by an 11 km stone wall, aka "Walled City" that was built to defend the city from the endless pirate attacks. In 1994, the Walled City became a world heritage site by UNESCO.

You can't tell by by the pictures, but I was dripping in sweat despite the ceiling fans, which didn't really help.

In pic 9- I was shooting an advert for the hotel, that's me with the cameraman.

Afterward, I explored the city, (see my stories) The streets are so narrow, and I don't know how anyone is able to drive here, but those who can, I applaud you. Unfortunately, there are no rules of the road as cars and people are zig zagging in front of each other, so a quick prayer might be helpful.

XOXO,

Cocaine Princess

Cartagena Diaries Part 13

 Cocaine Princess here.

Welcome to Mardi Gras 🥳🥳

Feeling Cute 🥰

Going to the beach has its challenges-- the challenge is getting past the vendors who wait outside for the guests, and are pretty much selling everything under the sun, from city tours, to jet ski rentals, hair braiding, beach cover ups to seafood out of a cooler. They know that if they pass the hotel barrier, they run the risk of a fine. Most of the time a simple and polite "no gracias" will do, but there are a handful of those who don't take no for an answer and that's when security steps in to shoo them away.

XOXO,

Cocaine Princess