Friday 22 August 2008

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

If you loved 80's Friday night TV then you may remember Tubbs & Crockett cruising to Cartagena to kick some smack-smuggler's butt while in the background a soulful Phil Colins belted out 'I Don't Care Anymore'. The ugly days of cocaine cartels are long gone and, today, Cartagena is one of South America's nicest cities.

Founded in 1533 to warehouse Spanish loot from the interior, it was a favorite target of French and British pirates. Now tourists flock to its beaches and pristine colonial streets. At night, plazas and terraces fill with visitors while tree-lined parks host impromptu chess matches. It is a glorious place.