So, what better place to embrace the slow lane than Cartagena, Colombia? I am fortunate to have just returned a bit more golden-bronzed from Cartagena, with a group of dear friends celebrating the birthday milestones of a truly amazing and generous couple, Stacy and Ingy Goodman, that are both dear to my heart! And while we did have some formalized itineraries planned, we also balanced these and embraced the slow travel mantra. This vibrant city, with its kaleidoscope of colors spilling out from every balcony, is a siren song for the soul. But experiencing its magic takes time, a deliberate savoring of the sights, sounds, and, yes, the salsa steps (and yes there were salsa lessons involved!).
Forget the museum dash and the itinerary overload, Cartagena sojourn was a masterclass in slow travel. I wandered cobblestone streets, marveling at the graffiti murals pulsating with life. Each one, a story whispered by the city, a vibrant tapestry woven by the hands of local artists. I lingered in plazas, where the air thrummed with the rhythm of spontaneous salsa breakouts – a contagious joy that pulled me into the swirling embrace of the dance.
Speaking of joy, let's talk about food. Cartagena's street vendors are culinary alchemists, transforming simple ingredients into explosions of flavor. I indulged in nibbling on arepas larger than my hand (and twice as delicious), and savoring plates of ceviche so fresh, it practically danced on my tongue. We feasted on buñuelos, their coconut-laced sweetness bursting in the mouth, each bite a testament to generations of artisanal tradition and a connection with the city's soul.
And the people? Oh, the Cartagenos. Their smiles are as warm as the Caribbean sun, their laughter as infectious as the salsa beat. I spent hours walking through the streets, admiring the locals, learning about their history, and their current way of life. Even sitting in the small cafe's when the sun arose and chatting it up with the local baristas. This wasn't sightseeing or small talk; it was storytelling, shared over cups of strong, delicious coffee.
Cartagena isn't just a destination; it's an experience. And slow travel is about shedding the tourist skin and becoming a temporary resident, embracing the imperfections, the unexpected encounters, the serendipitous moments that become the true souvenirs of your journey.
So, dear travelers, I urge you to compliment your custom itineraries with some free time to embrace the slow lane. Find a city that speaks to your soul, and let it whisper its stories to you. Sip your mojitos slowly, dance under the stars, and taste the world with all your senses. Because in the end, it's not about the number of countries you tick off, but the depth of the connections you make.
Fellow Wanderer, Bruce
