Spent yesterday on a trip to Playa Blanca- it was indeed a lovely beach and a great place to spend a few hours. I grabbed some breakfast from a street seller on my way, like a mobile bread stall, after I’d got mine he picked the little table up and carried it off in the direction of the old town. I tried coconut bread and yucca bread- both very nice. It turns out there was no rush to get to the port area- was told to get there for 8.30….my boat didn’t set off til 9.55! Various boats go out to the islands- you have two choices, slow (big) boat and fast (speedboat)- I went for the fast one as it was supposed to get me there quicker! Ha ha! It was very busy as lots of different companies make the trip. I was a bit worried I somehow missed my boat and it wasn’t clear where you should wait, no-one seemed to know where I could find my boat….eventually found someone and was told it’d leave at 9.30….the Colombians didn’t seem too bothered by the fact it was so late leaving, no one complained! Thought it was rather annoying but never mind, an hour later we arrived at the beach. It was possible to go to another island and visit the aquarium but I decided just to go to the beach.

It’s possible to stay at playa blanca and as I walked along the beach I kind of wondered why I wasn’t doing that! Such a beautiful setting with its white sand and clear water. Basic accommodation options include hammocks and tents, both on the beach! I think maybe if I was travelling with someone I might have stayed there but on my own I didn’t really want to. The beach was busy where the speedboats drop off but a lot quieter as you walk away from there. I was offered a massage on arrival, and despite me saying no, the girl accompanied me on my walk along the beach. I decided to treat myself to a massage and was also seeking some shade without having to pay for it- the restaurant where lunch was provided had sort of shelters (which were all along the beach) which they wanted 7 quid for it for the day! No thanks! If you share the cost between a group it’d be ok but not just for me so I found what appeared to be the only tree giving shade which was right on the beach. Had my massage with a nice view of the sea (See the photo!!) :-) Very relaxing apart from being aware of keeping an eye on my things as it would be quite easy for someone to come and nick it…..I needn’t have worried the girl offered to watch my stuff while I went in the sea after- again, kept an eye on it, but she covered it over with my sarong. So after that I sat and read in the shade and enjoyed the view til lunchtime. Lunch was fish, rice, plantain and salad. A whole fish! I’ve never had a fish with its head on lying on my plate, not the nicest thing to have in front of you, but I just tried to ignore it and forget it was there. The fish was really good. After lunch I went for a walk in the opposite direction then returned to a shaded tree spot near to where the boat would leave from, was a little concerned it may leave without me! The beach was still quiet at this point, but not long after the 2 bigger boats arrived from visiting the aquarium and it got very busy. Once they’d had their lunch the bit of beach I was at became full of people. Everyone was enjoying the water , which was like a warm bath really. Leaving was quite funny, getting on the boat from a chair with the boat going up and down in the waves! I made it on after several attempts!

On the return to Cartagena I went to the supermarket. I looked for an international adapter for my future travel plans (as the adapters I brought with me won’t work in all countries) but no luck with that- was quite amusing trying to explain and got a few blank looks to start with but then they understood (but was not the right adapter), though actually I’m not sure they did as I tried to find out what Colombians do when they go to other countries....Realised I was a bit pink but not too burnt. After shower I went out for dinner at a place where I had breakfast, then went in search of ice to put on my knee, which was a little swollen and painful after I twisted it awkwardly as I’d stood up at the beach. I didn’t want to go too far in the dark, but tried a few local corner type shops, was funny as I eventually managed to explain I wanted ‘hielo’ but was pronouncing it wrong! In the end I said icecream but made from water! At least I can make myself understood! After all that they didn’t have any so I went back to where I’d had dinner and asked them if I could buy some, they gave me some for free, very kind. I’d have gone back there for breakfast today as was a nice little café but didn’t have enough time. Packed up this morning, crammed it all back in! Then had to go to the bank so got something for both breakfast and lunch at the place I’d bought and ate a croissant on my first morning. The lady kindly explained the various breads they had and it was all a bargain- just over £2 for a bread thing filled with jam, cheesey bread and biscuit (lunch!) and 3 drinks. I need to start buying one of my meals of the day from places like that!

The mini bus to my next stop, Taganga, took just over 4 hours. Was in theory supposed to be picked up at 11 but I think it was at least 11.30 by the time it came and collected me and at least 12 before we left the city. Air conditioned transport was very welcome and we got to watched 2 films, one of which I’d seen ‘Taken’ (very good) and another with Russell Crowe that I missed at the cinema called ‘the last 3 days’ I think, was a good film. Managed to write most of this blog post on the mini bus too- the joys of having the netbook with me! On arrival at Taganga, described in the LP as a backpackers magnet I went to one of the places in the LP. I decided that instead of spending the 40,000 pesos on a private room I should start saving a bit of money and stay in the dorm at 20,000. It’ll also be a way of meeting people though there are only 2 other people in this dorm. I got a lower bunk bed (yay no climbing up to the top bunk!) but soon realised that it was going to be really hot- the air from the fan barely reaches the bed! On my mind too was the issue of security, especially with no lockers in the room but I locked my valuables at reception. Also slight concern about the fact that in theory anyone could come in the room so I was hoping that didn’t affect my sleep, though it was probably going to be the heat that kept me awake if anything…..I went for some food and saw a French lady who’d been in my hotel in Cartagena and on the bus but I’d not spoken to so went and asked if I could join her. I had a pizza, was rather amusing when I asked what size I should get he said small, then looked at me and said ‘are you hungry?’ then recommended the medium! It was huge! It was tasty but despite being hungry I couldn’t quite finish it! I was feeling a bit tired so I showered then read my book and fell asleep by 10- was very hot!