2-25 to 3-17 Visited the wonderful country of Colombia for the second time. After one of NYC's coldest winters, it's always an easy one flight from JFK on JetBlue to Cartagena. Stayed in Cartagena for a few days to visit the walled UNESCO site, the city beach area and the artsy community of Getsmani, which has colored painted walls, umbrellas hanging between buildings to provide shade. It was sunny, 90's temperature and hot. Always like going to the many restaurants, especially the Colombian one that has two Colombian woman in the open kitchen, cooking fresh ingredients, as orders come in. A bus from the transportation center, was a 4 hour ride to Santa Marta, where Masaya Santa Marta, was welcoming. Has two pools and a center open area, three stories to the rooftop, where a choice of breakfast is included with your room. A delicious and filling way to start one's day. Off to the beach to sit under a coconut tree or in one of cabanas that line the shore, to avoid the bright hot sun. Sunscreen is definitely needed and applied opten. Once the sun goes down at 6 pm, the cool breeze sets in. At La Plaza Santa Marta, Calle 19, begins many diverse restaurants, at all price points. The area is crowded with lanterns and umbrellas hanging from each side of the paved, car-free streets. In the Plaza, live music is played and salsa dancing begins. An hour bus ride from the market, takes you to Minca, which is a tiny town near Santa Marta with stunning views, waterfalls, coffee, and hiking in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains, population 800. A three hour bus ride to Palomino, which is a small, sunny town located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, population 3,000. Stayed at Casa Colibri, which is a favorite place to visit with wonderful English speaking hosts. Their breakfast is delious, very fulling and fresh with endless cups of coffee. Walking thru a nearly nature path, about a mile to the ocean is lined with lush trees and a few Indigious Kogui people who live with their communities near the river, are interesting to see and many want to sell their handmade wares. Sitting under a coconut tree with the cool breeze is meditative, while looking at the incoming waves of the Carribean ocean. A few hammocks are nearby with people snoozing or reading. Returning to Casa Colibri, is usually thru Carrera 6, a street lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. After five days in Palomino, returned to Santa Marta, since it is a long bus trip to go to Cartagena and the ocean is calling again. After a few more days in Santa Marta, returned to Cartagena for the end of visiting a part of the Caribbean coastline of Colombia! Loved it all!