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Here are my reflections and observations of Colombia, after our trip in July. With some notes for families, included.
http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/colombian-reflections-especially-with-kids/
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Colombian Reflections and Observations (for families too)
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Travellingdad! Thank you so much for your detailed trip report. There is so little information out there on traveling to Cartagena. I am planning to go there for the month of January to study Spanish and soak in the atmosphere. I was wondering if you had any feedback on the school and recommendations on where to look for apartment/hotel rental. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Well travellingdad, I can tell you, as Colombian, that I am very please that you could enjoy my Country as you did.
Is really sad that people still thinks we are just a violent an underdevelop country, as you saw is not like that.
We love tourism, an we do everything that we can to make people happy.
The violence is almost now just in a few jungles in Colombia, the rest is the same as in any latin american country.
I hope you can come back to our country because theres so much to visit, like the coffee region, Medellin with the museums, and many others cities, all with a special charm.
Thank you for helping us to put a good face as a wonderful travel destination. Any help that you need at the future I'll be happy to help you.
raceloughren,
I look around a little and I found a web site www.cartagenainfo.com. It has en english version in the left corner. If this web site doesn't work for you, just tell me and I will look, for more web sites in spanish but with an english version.
Another web site for the school www.nuevalengua.com. I don't know much about spanish schools (I am from Colombia, never need it obviously), but I can tell you that they work with the Universidad de la SAbana, and that is a very good university, so the program must be good, and they have a school in Cartagena. You can check it out.
Other web site:
http://www.cactuslanguage.com/sp/languages/spanish/colombia/cartagena.php
This web site is good:
http://www.turismocartagenadeindias.com/es/general.htm
It has a lot of information on tourism, hotels, what to do, etc.
www.poorbuthappy.com Colombia good expat/local budget site
Hi
1. School : We were at Neuva Lengua. There are very few choices. A year before, we studied in Antigua, Guatemala, where you have incredible choice. I far preferred that school (CLI) as this one is not that well organized. But they are very friendly and we learnt a lot. As a destination though, I felt Cartagena was about 1000% better than antigua. It's an incredibly memorable city.
2.We stayed at Tres banderas, relatively inexpensive for Cartagena, and in a great location. A lot young people stay at budget hostels; the most popular seem to be Casa Viena, Villa Colonial and Hostal Baluarte. If you ask the school, they can find an apartment for you to rent. However, my opinion is that you should not get an apartment by the beach, as it is too far removed from the incredible city atmosphere.
Let me know if you have any questions.
hi traveling dad. I am also. Cartagena looks quite interesting and considering for end february. CDC reommends Yellow Fever vacination which I am concerned about getting as of the many places I go, that's not needed. Thinking 2 1/2 days in Cartagena. Did you and yours bother getting? Am I foolish not spending a day or two in Bogata?
Thanks,
VykngYno
Hi Vykngyno,
No we didn't bother with vaccinations because we were only in the cities. I think the vaccinations are needed only for the jungle areas.
We really enjoyed Bogota - had a lot of fun there, and i think it is worthwhile.
Thank you everyone for the great information. I just booked my trip! Can't wait!