Schedule of Events
Feel free to email Leidy at ldgirald@gmail.com. Please provide your flight information so transportation can be arranged and also mention the events you plan to attend.
Thursday January 28, 2016
Come enjoy the day on a boat, where we will travel to Las Isla del Rosario. We will make two stops at Playa Blanca and Cholon. The boat will leave at 9:30 am, and we will all meet at Hotel Charleston at 9:15 am, and take a 10 min walk to the boat.
Our first stop is Playa Blanca, part of the peninsula of Barú, and less than an hour south of Cartagena, with bleached white sand and perfect azure water, so clear that you can see your toes right through the calm limpid seawater. This is a blissful 3-kilometer stretch of Caribbean sand that makes up Playa Blanca “White Beach”. It is by far one of Cartagena’s best beaches and has it all, no matter your taste. You can grab a coco loco cocktail and soak up the party atmosphere. Playa Blanca delivers with it myriad wooden bar-huts and restaurants. But if you’re hankering to relax in tranquil solitude with soft waves lapping at your feet, you can find it by the sand-bucket full.
Farther down from Playa Blanca we will stop for Lunch in the bay of Cholon. Here we can enjoy some seafood delivered to you as you eat in the water and enjoy the scenery. There are water sports you can enjoy such as Jet skiing, Kayaking, or Paddle Boarding.
Friday January 29
Free Day: Walk, Shop, and Relax, around the Old City of Cartagena. The historic old town surrounded by the city walls is Cartagena’s main attraction. There are many little shops to buy gifts or indulge yourself in the food located around the city walls. Also this is a great opportunity to tour the Castle that overlooks the Old City Walls. Here are the recommended options from the Bride and Groom.
- El Castillo de San Felipe is a fortress built in 1657 by the Spanish for protection against pirates while shipping gold out of Europe. Open hours 8am-6pm, entrance fee COP $17.000. 15 min walk from the Old City.
- Museums - The Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of Inquisition) is where the Spanish Inquisition tortured, judged and convicted men accused of crimes against religion. It is situated in 'Plaza de Bolivar' in the historic center. A tourist guide, in English, can be purchased for COP$15.000. Note that this actual tribunal of the Inquisition did not condemn many accused to death and the museum focuses more on practices of the Inquisition outside of Cartagena. The Gold Museum is free and worthwhile. It's also air-conditioned which provides a nice break from the heat.
- Churches - Almost all churches in the historic center are worth visiting, especially Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, in honor of the priest St. Pedro Claver, who was the first saint of the new world for his work with slaves. But more importantly is the location of Leidy and Michael’s wedding. La Catedral, near Plaza de Bolivar and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo are all walking distances within the walled colonial city.
- Bocagrande are where you can find the closest beaches to where we will be staying within the old colonial walls. The beaches are not known for the beauty this is where you can hang with the locals and enjoy drinks, food, and massages delivered to you. Negotiate everything!
Evening
We will have a dinner planned at the house that everyone is welcome to come to join. At Casa La Pompa which is the house the Bridal Party will be staying at.
Saturday January 30
Wedding Day
4:30 PM - Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
Reception to Follow – It is a 10 minute walk to reception, there will be transportation as well.
6pm - Centro de Convenciones
Sunday January 31
11:30 AM - Brunch at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Wedding Ceremony is Formal Attire
Please come dressed in formal wear for the wedding. Women, please wear formal evening gown or cocktail dress. Men, formal suit and tie.
