Hi All,

I spent two weeks in Cartagena, upgrading my Spanish.

My Grindr lit up with circa 150 propositions (am 64 white), only about 50% for-pay.

 

What's going on in Bogota and Medellin?

Is everything back to normal?

Cruising, clubs, saunas free or for-pay operating post-covid-like?

recommendations?

rates?

 

thx

Continue to tell us about trip.

Sorry. It's been two months. Don't remember anything worthwhile reporting.   )-:

That is, beyond the main thing: scores of grindr messages.....   (-:

18 hours ago, 12is12 said:

Sorry. It's been two months. Don't remember anything worthwhile reporting.   )-:

That is, beyond the main thing: scores of grindr messages.....   (-:

😏😏😏

How did you spend your two weeks in Cartagena @12is12?
 

I ask because a trusted friend (who’s visited Colombia a few times) told me that Cartagena was only “worth a long weekend” unless I happened to visit for the literary festival.

And what about where you stayed? Is there a good hotel that you would recommend?

The main purpose was to study Spanish at a local school; that explains the two weeks.

For a normal tourist a weekend or a bit more would certainly be enough: the small old walled city plus the beach. However, the old city has a wonderful atmosphere especially at night. I wasnt bored at all; in fact, I was proud of myself for having choosen this place for a 2-weeks stay.

 

I certainly recommend my hotel (Casa la Fe), but there r MANY similar hotels in the old city; depends on ur price range. BTW, it's one of apparently very few hotels that allow visitors with IDs.

 

Sex-wise, as mentioned: scores of grindr msg, with or w/o pay. There's also a gay club which I didnt visit. Almost sure there's minimal action there.

Will gladly answer any follow-up questions.   (-:

Thanks for your reply @12is12  

Which language school did you choose, and would you recommend it? 
 

The last time my Spanish language ability was assessed, I was at an “advanced intermediate level” but I’d like to improve further. I think combining a vacation with language lessons is a very good idea. 

I was at Babel, and it's ok.

I opted for private rather than group lessons. I had 3 teachers there. With one of them I especially clicked, so since returning home - m continuing zoom lessons with him.

U can contract him directly, either via zoom or when u get there, and cut the cost of the middleman (school).

Cartagena is definitely worth a visit longer then 'just a weekend' depending of your plans of course. As far as I understand, most forum members like a place to wonder around and discover as well as finding potential prospects for their sexcapades. The colonial city, founded in 1533, is a time travel tour into history. It takes you back to the times when Spain, Portugal and The Netherlands were competing for navel and colonial dominance. As a dutchie I was surprised that he San Felipe fort actually is designed by the Spanish after the state of the art Dutch defense works in those days. The city is amazingly picturesque and inviting to stroll through, have a coffee, lunch or cocktails. Foto opportunities on every corner. And a lot of eye candy for the queer eyes.

The beaches of Playa blanca are one hour away by Uber. Nice for a day trip. They also offer tours there, but personnaly I don't like to be stuck on one of those. I rather follow my own agenda. You can take a guy here; he'll love it. The playa itself is quite packed, crowded and commercialized. But Colombians love it. 

One can also easily hop one a boat to Isla de Tierra Bomba, across from the Bocagrande peninsula. Boats leave from the beach behind the Nuevo Hospital de Bocagrande.

No sauna's in Cartagena! But there is a loooot of street cruising. Also the shopping malls adjacent to the old centre are playing ground for those activities. All AYOR, so prepare yourself for these adventures. There are quite a few short time hotels in the old city centre, that can be a safe(r) option for a quickie. Grindr is popular; the 50/50 rate on pay and regular as described above seems pretty accurate to me. There are a few bars and clubs that are gay or are openminded. But, Like Medellín (Poblado, Parque Lleras) the guys that are, out of the blue, very attentive to you are mostly commercial guys. The average Juan normally goes out in a group of friends.

The times I visited Cartagena there was always the change to arrange sex, anywhere, any hour of the day. So don't be afraid you'll miss out! Bedside that there is enough to do, see and enjoy!

Accurately and VERY nicely written!