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Colombia offers countless places to visit.
So it is not easy for me to choose the right cities on my world tour.
But after the coffee region around Salento in the south of the country, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to go to the Caribbean Sea next.
A bus ride from Medellín to Cartagena takes about 14 hours and costs the equivalent of 40 euros.
For around 60 euros including luggage, you can even get a direct flight at short notice that only takes an hour.
I choose the faster and more convenient option.
My original plan was to avoid Cartagena during my stay in Colombia, because the place - one of the oldest cities in the country - is regularly overcrowded.
On top of that, there were just holidays in Colombia, which is why even in Corona times a rush of travelers was to be expected in the coastal metropolis.
But since I was flying to the city anyway in order to travel on from here, I will give it a chance.
The alleged Uber driver offers women
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Shortly after arriving at the airport, the stay in Cartagena becomes a test of nerves.
Although I want to take a bus downtown, an alleged Uber driver is so intrusive that neither I nor my travel companion can escape him.
Finally we agree that he drives us downtown.
As soon as our luggage is in the trunk and we are in the back seat, he pulls out his smartphone and tries to offer us island tours first and then women.
Well, that starts well.
Of course he's not an Uber driver, he can't even navigate the streets of the old town with a smartphone.
When he misses the right street three times and asks passers-by for directions, I take over the navigation and guide him to our destination.
Once there, however, the anger evaporated quickly, because we live in the middle of Getsemani, the most charming and liveliest district of the city.
The walk through the old town of Cartagena is cloudy
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Life is raging right at the Plaza de la Trinidad.
In the evening, street artists perform here in the warm lantern light, while restaurant guests enjoy their food and countless onlookers make themselves comfortable with ice cream and snacks in front of the church.
I claim that one of the world's best Michael Jackson imitators can be seen here, who, as a highlight, circles the entire square backwards in the moonwalk.
Afterwards, he thanks them for the tip in an authentically high-pitched voice.
Bustling in Cartagena: street artists perform in the Plaza de la Trinidad in the evenings
Source: Martin Lewicki (2)
The Plaza de la Trinidad is embedded in a network of alleys that is wonderful to explore in the evening.
The residents don't care that you can look directly through the wide-open street windows in their living rooms and kitchens.
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Unfortunately, you will seldom be able to stroll undisturbed through this colorful quarter, because sunglasses, hat and bracelet sellers lurk everywhere here.
In addition, there are slogans like "I'm the boss in town, I can get you everything".
I would rather not know what exactly.
The old town of Cartagena including the fortress ring has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984
Source: pa / dpa-tmn / Proexport Colombia
If you are in Cartagena, you have to visit the walled old city center including the fortress ring, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
But here, too, the beautiful architectural experience is clouded by constant sales offers: “Ah, Alemania!
All good?
Everything is on stock? “, The salespeople reel off one after the other as soon as the question about the country of origin is answered.
It takes strong nerves to enjoy the walk on the truly impressive city wall.
After all, wearing a mask is mandatory everywhere, despite the high temperatures.
Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean
And then there are the islands not far from Cartagena.
They are called Rosario and lure with a reef for snorkeling in the crystal clear water.
I don't think much of all-inclusive packages and group excursions, but in Cartagena it is difficult to avoid the offers on every corner.
So I embark on a full day island hopping tour.
It then happens as it had to: I spend most of the time sitting in the boat or waiting somewhere.
Snorkeling feels like it only takes half an hour - with people connected to one another by a leash.
The reef can be called dead.
No wonder, even the travel guides trample on it.
Snorkeling in the clear waters around the Rosario archipelago is tempting.
But you don't necessarily experience the area as deserted as here
Source: Getty Images / 500px / David Juan
When island hopping, guests are left to starve to death so that they can later access the expensive food and pay extra.
Finally, like school children, you are placed on plastic chairs on the beach at half past five in the evening to wait for the boat to the lagoon with bright plankton.
Next door, other tourists are dancing to the music and having fun - but we should stay seated, please.
Just before everyone is bored to death, the boat finally arrives, after almost an hour and a half of waiting.
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Interestingly, it was compulsory to wear life jackets on the boat during the day, but voluntary in the evenings in total darkness on the water.
You are actually more consistent with wearing a mask, you can only take it off when you are splashing around.
I admit, the glowing plankton on the skin as soon as you move is a great experience.
Perhaps, as an individual tourist in Corona times, I just forgot what mass tourism feels like.
Cartagena helped me get started.
Read more parts of the world tour series “One Way Ticket” here. The column appears every two weeks.
Escobar's forgotten hippos become a danger
Former drug lord Pablo Escobar smuggled hippos into the country in the 1980s.
These apparently also feel very comfortable outside of Africa and are proliferating.
In the meantime, the heavy animals are causing panic.
Source: WELT / Steffen Schwarzkopf