A&R's Adventure Through South America: July 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Scuba Diving and Dolphin Kissing ~ Isla Del Rosario (Colombia)

So we decided to conclude our time in Cartagena with a water adventure to some hoity toity islands--las Islas del Rosario. Ramin is offically a certified scuba diver!

The adventure began at a gorgeous resort, Hotel San Pedro de Majaguas. From there, we zipped to various diving sites with rolling corral reefs. To be expected, I spent most of my time inverted, playing with the weightlessness that only diving and moon-walks can offer! Once Ramin completed his confined water drills, he joined me on our excusions in open water.

During the dive we explored a 50 year old ship wreck, over-taken by underwater life. Our drive instructor signaled me to enter the dark cabin below the deck. With my feet above me, I dipped my head into the dark cavern, then chickened out and insisted that the instructor come in with me. I mean, come on, there could be sharks in there and heck if I am going first! :) Once inside, our eyes acclimated to find no dangerous fish, but air pockets bubbling above us. Totally wild considering the ship sank five decades ago.

After a restless night at our very second class accommodations in which semi-domesticated dogs barked for 3 straight hours outside our shack, my very generous love splurged and upgraded us to the fancy hotel on the coast for our 8 month anniversary. It was soooo gorgeous and incredibly romantic!

We wrapped up our time on the islands with a boat tour of celebrity waterfront homes, then on to an island acquarium! You guessed it, persistent Amanda found a way to half-fulfill one of her life dreams--to play with dolphins (swimming with them is next on the list)! I got lots of kisses from dolphin Rosie (how appropriate) who had skin like the top of an infants head. Such a thrill!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Volcanic Mud Baths of El Totumo

Amanda and I decided to embark on a fun and messy adventure...A trip to a mud volcano!

After riding for about 40 minutes through swampy lowlands, our bus driver turned down a gravel road and a mile or so in sat a tall, gray mound. A few run-down wooden huts were located off to the side, along a slight, rocky and muddy incline that lead to a large lake.

This is the volcano?

As we piled out of the van, we were told to leave our bags behind, strip down to our swimsuits and hand our shoes to the young local woman standing at the foot of a rickety, wooden staircase that leads to the mouth of the volcano.

Up we gingerly climbed.

Sure enough, at the top was a crater full of dark, gray goo that indeed did resemble a mud mask that you can buy to cleanse your face. The view from the top was a beautiful expanse of lakes, lagoons and greenery.

We handed our cameras to a local villager, who took our pictures with them as we lowered ourselves into the muck.

The mud in the volcano was SO THICK that we could not stop ourselves from floating in it! We actually had to push eachother down so that we could stand in the mud (which did not have a bottom, apparently the mud is 15 meters deep!).

We got massages in the mud, floated around for awhile, and then walked down to the lake looking like creatures, where local women carrying large plastic tubs pounced upon us. Before realizing what was happening, our swimsuits were removed underwater and scrubbed clean while they purged the mud from our hair, ears, under our nails, everywhere.

We stopped by a small, seaside fishing village for lunch, which was included in the $15 price for the tour, and returned to Cartagena mid-afternoon, relaxed and refreshed.

We've had our fair share of wonderful luxury spa treatments for much more money—but the unique and authentic mud bath at El Totumo, which in total cost a mere $25 (with tips), remains one of the most memorable experiences.