Clara Duran Reed, Realtor, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

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Cartagena

Cartagena

Where is that?  It’s on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. Colombia’s Caribbean.  By the sea, is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with meeting squares, fountains, tropical plants,  cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. There are restaurants galore.  The city has a tropical climate, I’m  bringing it up because I saw an article in Elle Decor.

The last time I visited I had a serious urge to buy a little place where I could visit. I looked into a few homes in town but then the logical part of me took over and I came home just with my suitcase.  What struck me in the article was that a designer had purchased a home there and over time (30 years)  continued to alter it and it her own. A little like Gucci in Florida.  Her homes comes with an outdoor shower, towering ceilings, bringing the outside in, and interesting and eclectic pieces of art from all over the world.  The colors,  textures and art she used are stunning to see.  Sorry, it’s not for sale.

I was born in Colombia and have returned there many times. Most recently (still a long time ago), I visited Bogotá and Cartagena with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club. Our purpose was to help in restoring the eyesight of those less fortunate.  It was wonderful to be able to help.  We saw children and very senior patients whose eyesight was restored. It was amazing to see their lives so changed from what we could consider a simple operation here in the United States. During that trip, I arranged a side trip to Cartagena. I fell in love with Cartagena’s beautiful 16th Century architecture, it’s massive protective wall, it’s sparkling ocean and wonderful food. I even had the opportunity to visit The Rosary Islands by boat.  The photo is of artwork representing the beautiful area.

If you get a chance, look into this beautiful location that takes you back in time.

Where is a favorite place you have visited? Leave a comment below.