January 2, 2025 - Getting Settled in Bocagrande

 I slept like a rock last night and didn't wake up until 6:30 which is very late for me.  It was fabulous.  The big event today was venturing to Carulla (pronounced Ka-ru-ja), the big market in Bocagrande.  Juan Carlos arrived at exactly 8 a.m. to drive the few minutes to the store.   After stocking up on basics, I went out for a short stroll to get lunch and am now chilling in the AC with a great view of the pool and the ocean.  Here are some photos of my first 24 hours.

Approaching Miami

My landlord sent me a photo of Juan Carlos' car.  He was waiting for me at Arrivals with my name on a sign, which was a luxury.  The ride from the airport to the condo took about 15 minutes and cost about $12, including tip.  I'm excited that Juan Carlos also likes to fish and we'll be going to some places where we can fish from shore. Also happy that he is willing to help me with my Spanish.

Cartagena as we made our final approach.  Note the cruise ship.  That's Bocagrande, where I'm staying, in the background.

I believe this is a resort on Baru.

January is the busiest month for tourists in Cartagena.  Many are from overseas but most are from other parts of Colombia.  Cartagena is commonly called "The Miami of Colombia".

This was my first view of Bocagrande.  It's been years since I've been here and has really grown.

First time in the elevator!  My floor is a flight above the pool.

View from the front door.  The pictures on the website were 100% accurate.

The guest bath, with a large shower with rainfall shower head.

My king-size bed in the primary bedroom.

The primary bath with a large shower.

Yes, for two months I'll wake up to this view.

Not a huge amount of storage but how many clothes do you need for two months at the beach?

A small laundry room with a sink and washer/dryer.

 

The kitchen is small but has everything I need to cook.

Buzzard?  Turkey?  I was sitting on the balcony yesterday evening and this giant bird landed nearby.

My shower.  I've never used this kind of shower head and liked it more than I thought I would.  Great water pressure.

View of the Old City from my balcony.

The view of the Old City from my balcony at night.

The pool had people swimming until it closed at 7 p.m.  Which seems early, but makes it even nicer on my  balcony at night.

Are lasers done every night?  I guess I'll find out.

The morning view of the historic area of Cartagena.

This morning I only had water to drink but will be enjoying this view with coffee manana.

View from the couch.  I do love a couch with a view.  

When you walk into Carulla, the produce is on the left and the bakery is on the right.  I'd compare it to Winn Dixie in the US.  Big, clean, with all the products I need.  Many products are priced similarly to the US but lots are less.  

And, Carulla delivers!  Which is a good thing since they have a parking lot smaller than most Trader Joe's.

It was about 8:15 a.m. when I took this photo.  An hour later it was much busier with a combination of people buying "beach stuff" and locals doing routine shopping.

They sell beer, wine and liquor in the store.  I didn't buy any but was curious about the price. This 700 ML bottle is about $35.  

Since Cartagena is on the northern part of the country, facing the Caribbean.  Not surprisingly, seafood is big here, including my favorite - octopus.  Or, pulpo as it's known here.  There's a restaurant next door to my condo that offers shrimp and octopus ceviche for about $11.  That might be dinner tomorrow.

Mojarra is a popular local fish, often served whole, fried with sides of coconut rice and plantains.

The "Panaderia" or bakery was great.  Lots of options with a LOT of fresh bread.

The deli has prepared foods and this fruit bar.

Not a great shot but I glanced over and noticed the big gun.  Not to worry, no armed guard at the grocery store - it was a team from Brinks, delivering cash.  I have lived in a place where some restaurants and grocery stores had guards/bullet proof glass but that was in Michigan.

Breakfast with a view.  A Green Drink from the deli - pineapple juice with carrots, spinach and mango.  And, a beef filled pastry.  About $2.50 for 400 ML.  It was very fresh, tasty and will be a regular grocery item.

The flaky, meat filled pastry was less than a dollar.  It was ok but I probably will pass next time.

Not a bad way to spend the afternoon

I bought a supply of TP.  When I pulled the first one out, I noticed there was no roll.  How do you hang it?  Aren't they clever - the hole is filled with...more toilet paper.  I pulled that little red roll out of the center of the top roll.  It is a small roll of TP.  Bargain!