I would like to start by telling you why this city is a destination option as well as an interesting and fun place to visit. Folks from back home always inquire about my safety when traveling to Colombia. I agree there are many areas in this large country that you need to be careful, but Cartagena is a port city and teeming with tourists. I have been there three times now and I have felt safe in my travels. Cartagena is a city of almost three million people, filled with a lot of history. If you are interested in seeing structures from the sixteenth century then this is your place. It has old fortresses from the Colonial era to exhibits from the Spanish Inquisition.
If you are looking for fun in the sun, then this can be your idyllic spot as well. There are many nice hotels with tremendous beaches and swimming pools. I find the temperature to always be in the mid 80’s sometimes to the low 90’s. However, it can be humid, so be prepared to take many showers and changes of clothing. I don’t want to be someone who gives shameless plugs but I thoroughly enjoy staying at the Cartagena Hilton. The Hilton is a very luxurious hotel that features three swimming pools and large private beach for hotel patrons. I went there with my girlfriend and her two kids, and they just adore this place. While you sit poolside sipping on pina colodas, the kids can entertain themselves jumping from one pool to the other.
For your dining pleasure there is an ample selection of very nice restaurants. All types of seafood are available to you at a fraction of the price you would be used to paying. There is an open area located in the old city where you can enjoy your meal while being entertained by musicians and other showmen.
However, a trip would not be complete without a little land based casino action. Now when you go to a casino in Colombia or Costa Rica there are a few things you need to be aware of. The sizes of the casinos are small; do not have expectations of anything close to Vegas Style Hotels. If you see 30 or 40 slot machines and about a dozen card tables, consider yourself blessed. In Latin American countries, security is usually tight so don’t be alarmed when you see security officers with guns walking around.
Once you get used to the surroundings let me fill you in on the nuances about casinos abroad. It is common practice for hostesses to serve food to players, which is unheard of in Las Vegas. When you are playing Blackjack and you are at the table by yourself you must play two hands. This is common practice in Colombia. I was a little dumbfounded about the reasoning, but as they say,” When in Rome….” I was able to garner a little bit of luck and consume copious amounts of alcohol, so for me the experience was pleasurable. My girlfriend on the other hand took a beating at Caribbean Stud Poker, which soured her for awhile; especially since I was winning.
In summation Cartagena is the type of locale that can give you many different styles of enjoyment, from site seeing to beach vacations and all at a reasonable price.
Happy Gaming
Feroz Khan
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