1. Undoubtedly the highlight of our trip to Colombia, mostly because of the tastefully restored, clean, car-free old town.
2. The pleasant Caribbean climate
3. Taking a 40-minute boat ride to reach Playa Blanca (on weekdays!)
4. The view from the Convento de la Popa, a monastery perched on a hill overlooking the city
5. Walking around the city walls at sunset, close to the Café del Mar
6. The Andalusian-style villas, colorful houses, picturesque little streets and wooden balconies with flower baskets
r.g. photo
7. Bocagrande
8. Getsamani, a remarkable neighborhood
r.g. photo
9. Plaza Santo Domingo - unorthodox proximity: historic church and Botero's reclining nude statue
r.g. photo
1. The beaches adjoining the city aren’t attractive or appealing, though it’s true that they do at least keep the beach at Bocagrande clean.
2. The bumpiness of the motorboat tour around Baru island, and the distressing poverty to be seen on the otherwise gorgeous beach
3. The old city walls mean that sea breezes do not reach the old town, and instead you have to endure the sultry heat
4. Pushy street vendors can sometimes be an annoyance (selling, among other things, cigars, belts, soft drinks, souvenirs and cocaine) and even sitting on a restaurant terrace you can’t escape them
5. There’s no real night life to speak of, aside from the restaurants
6. Everything is overpriced in the old town (beer is US$4.00)