We flew to Cartagena three days ago. the difference in temperature, culture and people couldn’t be more different. It’s much hotter, much slower paced, theAfro-Caribean influence is very visible and it;s a completely different country. We stayed overnight and saw that the city had at least two or three days of exploring to do. However each accommodation we visited were warning that they were about to increase their prices dramatically for Easter. We decided to try and beat the crowds and head up coast to the ‘small fishing village’ of Taganga. Four and a half hours on a bus later we arrived.

Normally, the locals tell us, there are about 50 people on the beach. This weekend there are around three thousand. It is busy.

We have found a great dive centre (www.aquantisdivecenter) which offers Scuba dives at around sixteen pounds ago. We were also very fortunate to find the last available room at a great bed and breakfast (www.micasaholanda.com).

The place is heaving with locals on their Easter break. Gringos are fewer in number which gives the place an authentic feel. It’s nice to escape the crowds though for the quiet on the Caribean and go diving. I’ve done four dives now. It’s good to get back into it. Patrice plans to conquer her fears and do a night dive on Sunday. I’ll let you know how we get on.