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stone wall built as an impressive structure of military engineering. Its construction was initiated at the end of the sixteenth century following an attack by Francis Drake, and was not completed until nearly 200 years later in 1796 as a result of delays due to tropical storms and pirate attacks. Today, it stands simply as a historical monument which encapsulates the most touristy and attractive part of the city.

This is the area of Cartagena to which visitors from around the world flock annually by the hundreds of thousands. Within the confines of the Old City are the most colorful, colonial buildings with plazas, museums, statues, shops, restaurants and live music. The tropical climate and palm trees are positive contributions to the city's Caribbean ambiance. A visitor will undoubtedly enjoy the old, colonial atmosphere present in Cartagena.

Some of the not-so-positive elements are the intrusive vendors who are incessantly trying to push their goods on the people that they consider wealthy tourists. Get used to declining their offers, and be careful with your possessions as thieves run amuck throughout the city.

Not advertised in most travel guides is the social dilemma of poverty. While the Old City is a welcoming place for visitors, the remainder of Cartagena is predominantly impoverished yet well secluded from what visitors will see. Prostitution has also become an increasingly widespread issue.

From Cartagena, visitors can charter day-trips to some of the surrounding islands. One of the most popular excursions is to the islands of Rosario. Here a visitor will enter the natural realm of the Caribbean's notorious septi-colored sea which beckons one to take a plunge. The waters are warm and inviting with unimaginable visibility. Its refreshment is difficult to match.

A couple of the more well-known and extensively-visited islands further off the coast are San Andres and Providencia. These are reached by charter flights departing from any of Colombia's major urban centers. While both islands are situated in the middle of that famous seven-colored sea, the prior is mainly for resort bound travelers who are looking to relax with their family or friends. Most people remain in the confines of their resort, as the island itself and the city thereof is quite impoverished and lacking in appealing sights.

Providencia on the other hand, is a paradise for divers and anglers, alike. Smaller, more intimate lodging can be found on this island, as hotel chains have not intruded

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