December 19: Nightlife in Cartagena

After another day at the pool, we headed to Old Cartagena for dinner and to see what the old city is like on a Friday night.

From the taxi on the way to the Old City, lots of Christmas lights.

This ornate display is at the traffic circle outside the entrance to the Old City.

Our destinationL Hotel Ananda and Restaurante Carmen--the Number 1 rated restaurant in Cartagena according to Trip Advisor.

Lobby of Hotel Ananda, a lovely upgraded small boutique hotel in an old colonial building.

Interior courtyard set for dinner.

Pool courtyard at the rear of the property.

Restaurante Carmen. We arrived early to a nearly empty dining room. By the time we left, every table was full.

A bottle of Thill pinot gris from Luxembourg. Who knew they made wine? Excellent pinot gris--we may have to plan a trip to Luxembourg!

First a complimentary taste from the chef: fried calamari ring on a bed of risotto with shrimp and mussels.

I ordered "Black Fish"--catch of the day sautéed in black olive oil with sweet chilis and ginger, on a bed of house ricotta with mango raviolis.

Tim ordered "Bahia Solano"--sea bass crusted with green plantain on a bed of coconut risotto, with rum raisin puree and green grape sauce.

Two happy diners!

After dinner, a carriage ride through Old Cartagena. The area is hopping with people, excitement, lights and music.

Gridlock ala horse carriage. The driver had time to take a photo.

We saw quite a varied display of lights in our carriage ride around the old town. Afterwards, the absolutely worst cab driver I have ever endured drove us back to the hotel. I threatened to take a photo of him and his tiny cab, but Tim wouldn't let me. That guy needs to lose his cab license!