Why Cartagena?

Several years ago on a trip to Negril Jamaica, we met a native from Cartagena. There was a language barrier but we were able to communicate in small doses. But her words to me, were “Visit Cartagena”. So because of our interaction, Colombia was now added to my bucket list of places to visit.

Since that trip, I kept hearing more people talking about visiting Cartagena or other cities in Colombia. It reminds me of when you get a new car or researching a particular car, and then you start seeing your car more and more whereas before you didn’t see it as much on the road. That’s how it was for Cartagena.

So with that, I did some research about where to stay, booked our flights and it was set. We stayed for 5 nights which we found to be our sweet spot for how long to stay. I also contacted Deimer who has a private FB group regarding tour services. It was great to have someone from Cartagena to give us tips and answer questions about anything. Check out his FB for more info.

Getting There

We flew out of Dulles (IAD) around 7am thru Atlanta (ATL) to Cartagena (CTG). Around 1:30pm we arrived in Cartagena, which is on Central Time. It was an easy flight. Just a tip, Delta counters at Dulles open up 4:30am. So if you have an International Flight leaving at 7am and they say to be there 3 hours prior; you may be waiting to check in since you have to verify your passport.

After our two flights we landed in Cartagena. The heat smacked us right in the face. I don’t know if it’s because we haven’t felt that type of heat in a while, but it was hot. I know Central America is hot, but that just hit us as soon as we stepped off the plane.

We were not the only flight that had just arrived. The customs line was long. It took about an hour once we got in line before our turn to be checked. If you are meeting people or have a ride scheduled, note that this process may be lengthy for you.

Initial thoughts

We were warned that some of the natives could be aggressive as far as offering their services. So that was not a surprise when we exited the airport while waiting for our driver. Our guide, Diemer was on his way and said on the phone “Do Not Give Them Your Bags”.

Well, it’s hard to heed that warning when so many people are speaking quickly and in a different language at you. Our guide and driver arrived to pick us up and it was still chaotic.

Some of the people at the airport grabbed our bags to put in our car (even though we had 2 people to come pick us up to do that) and they were expecting some compensation for their troubles of moving the bags 2 feet.

Something that is familiar but somewhat uncommon when we do travel to another country, is that Colombians drive on the same side of the road as the US. So if you move to this country, you will not have that hurdle to overcome.

But there are lots of bikes and small cars and the way they move throughout the roads takes some getting used to. Since we have traveled to other countries, we’ve seen this “style” of driving. Meaning, cars cut in front of you, pull out, and the sounds of small horns alerting others is constant. But I didn’t see any accidents. They just make it work.

AirBNB

We decided to do an Airbnb for our trip. One of the factors was being able to see the ocean everyday and have a balcony. Many of the hotels that were on the ocean facing side did not have balconies so we found a great Airbnb that suited us just fine.

It was in an area with multiple shops and restaurants that you could walk to easily and also visit the beach. They do make you wear a bracelet for your entire stay. If you lose it, you have to pay for a new one.

This two bedroom/two bath condo was right up our alley. It was an end unit on the 40th floor with only 5 rooms per floor. Each room had a great view of the city and the ocean. In addition, there is a reception desk to help with check-in, a taxi available outside and a pool.

The view at night was just as beautiful as the views during the day.

Here is the link to the Airbnb.

Palenque

Lately we’ve been trying to add in a cultural experience during our trips and not just have a strictly lazy/beach vacation. Because I had heard a lot of wonderful things about the Palenque tour, I booked it. However, I will typically go for vacations in warmer climates. I don’t like being cold.

Our guide Deimer (Cartagena Cheap & Safe), booked it for us with a driver. The drive was about 1 – 1.5 hours away from Cartagena into more of the country side. But it was nice to see some of the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Palenque is the first free town for Africans in the Americas. We learned about the history, culture, medical and healing practices, dances, food and more. The tour was about 3-4 hours with the option to have lunch at the end.

The Dancing

There is a school where young adults perform native dances and give a brief history of the dance. They even invite the visitors to join in towards the end. I realized my dancing skills have decreased over the last several years.

The History

Our tour guide Sofy, was amazing. She provided the history while we walked through the town and answered any questions that were presented. If you ever visit Palenque, hopefully you get Sofy.

If you wanted to take pictures with the women in the colorful dresses you could, but there was no pressure. But there was plenty of opportunity if you missed it the first time. There was also several gift shops to buy souvenirs at. And they accepted both cash and card.

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, hat, water (which they provided) to have a comfortable time. The day was a bit cloudy so the heat was not as intense.

One stop was to see how traditional sweets were made and got a taste of it.

The Music

We got to see a native musician and his studio. He was also on the Tiny Desk series representing Colombia. The best part was having the visitors participate. My husband played the xylophone.

Featuring Mr. Banks.

Winding Down

As we were ending the tour, a traditional lunch was served. You could have the option of fish or chicken. Of course we went for fish. Having it served on a bamboo leaf reminded me of when were in India.

Before leaving Palenque, we captured one last picture with the women of Palenque.

Bora Bora Beach Club

Getting There

Although there was an ocean that you could go to right outside of the condo, we were told there were better beaches, but you just had to travel more of a distance to get to them. And if you did use the closer beach, only bring what you need.

From seeing the pictures, I booked the Bora Bora Beach Club for us to have some time to relax. We did the VIP section which also came with lunch and a front row cabana.

Getting there was a journey. We were dropped off at gate 3 and had to show ID. We prepaid for Bora Bora but you had to pay a port fee in cash at La Bodeguita port. Once we did that, we checked in, got our bracelets and waited for the staff to call “azul” Bora Bora since we had blue bracelets.

We all loaded into the speedboat. Let’s just say I’m glad I had my water shoes on for this. It was overcast and rainy off and on. How funny that the other days were like 90+ degrees and the day we have a beach day it’s probably low 80s, rainy and cloudy.

But our trip on the speedboat was about 45 minutes. My husband saw lightning and the rain started to come down even harder slapping us in the face. Let’s just say we were drenched by the time we got to the beach club.

The Vibe

Once we arrived we checked in and went to the dining area. They were also serving breakfast so we decided to eat because our cabana wasn’t ready yet and it was still raining. After about an hour it let up and we were able to relax in front of the ocean.

One thing to note is that there is a DJ that plays a mix of techno/Caribbean music so if you are looking for serenity and quietness, this isn’t the place for you. From the cabana you could just walk down the steps to the beach. Our VIP side was sectioned off so there was only a few people in the water on our side. The water was warm, however it was still chilly due to the sun not being out and the previous rain.

Around 12:30pm our lunch was ready and we were served the typical Colombian dish. Similar to what we had in Palenque but it was still good.

Restaurants

Overall, I was happy with all the food choices in Cartagena except for one, but that was my fault. I was tired of seafood and wanted some pizza and it was a little too cheesy for me. But everything else I enjoyed.

Morena

Morena is literally a 1-2 minute walk from the condo. That’s probably why we ate there 3 times. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun and the staff was amazing. The majority of the people basically spoke to us in Spanish. So between us pointing to the menu and speaking our broken Spanish, we made it work. I believe they appreciated the effort.

The nights we went, there was music from local musicians which was nice. I highly recommend checking it out if you visit.

Here is a little taste of the music from one of the nights.

La Brioche Bocagrande

La Brioche Bocagrande was a quaint breakfast spot about 5 minutes away from our condo. Despite our language barrier, we were able to get our order across without any issues. No complaints with the breakfast food. It seems to be very popular so try not to be in a rush if you eat there. Also, you can get their pastries to go.

Carulla Express

Right across the street from La Brioche, was the Carulla Express. This has everything you need from food and alcohol to toiletries for your Airbnb. We came here 3 times during our stay when we needed a few items.

Cande

Cande was more of an upscale restaurant with an Italian feel. It was on a recommendation list and we needed a last minute place to eat. The food was good here too, but we enjoyed a similar meal at Palenque and Bora Bora just a little more.

Things to Note

Transportation

There are plenty of options for transportation. We used a private driver for most of our stay and hopped a taxi from one of the malls within the city when we had finished dinner one night.

Communicating

Practice up on your Spanish and use your phone to translate. With the exception of a few people, the majority of the people we encountered spoke limited English or none. Both Rudy and I took Spanish in high school several years ago and that helped with simple stuff, but you just needed to know how to use other tools to communicate. It’s not like Costa Rica where when you go to restaurants in the tourists areas, there will be someone who can flip back and forth. It’s just something to consider.

Toilet Paper

I noticed this in our Airbnb, but thought it was referencing feminine products and not flushing anything down the toilet. However, we believe it meant all paper products. When I went to other restaurants i noticed similar signage. So I googled. To my surprise, they meant all paper products. Cartagena’s infrastructure is not as advanced as far as the plumbing in some areas, so the guidance is not to throw paper in the toilet.

Day/Night

With the amount of windows and views we had from the condo, you could definitely tell when morning came. Which seemed to be about 5:30-6:00am. My body was still on east coast time but it felt like sleeping in was not happening. The rooms had automatic blinds but I enjoyed being able to see the sun in the morning and set in the evening. On the flip side, around 7pm, it was night. Back home it is still daylight till after 8:30pm. Just something to consider if you like to be in before it gets dark when visiting a new place.

Unemployment

Due to high unemployment, you will find people that will ask for money. We were sitting at a restaurant outside and someone approached us asking for money to help feed her baby. She even had the Similac container and everything. Even with the language barrier she got her point across. The native people are friendly, but you may be approached when you least expect it while you are dining outside.

So much to do, so little time

We didn’t do everything that was offered. On vacation our plan is to relax but take in 1 or 2 excursion type events and play the rest by ear. There is so much to see or do such Salsa classes, Mud Volcano tour, Exploring the Walled City and more. We were walking out of a restaurant in Getsemani and someone walked up to us asked if we wanted a tour with a Horse and Carriage. We declined because we were tired from the day, but that could have been a spur of the moment type of event.

Night Life for Introverts

Cartagena is also known for the night life, but I am not. We did see the imfamous Party Bus from the condo. It’s bright, flashy, and drives around in a circle it seems. There is a DJ turning up the music for all those to have a great time and dance the night away. If this is your vibe, check it out.

Money Exchange/ATM

Before the trip I exchanged money from my local bank. It took about 3 business days so I had some cash before we landed without having to go to the Exchange booth at the airport. The issue I ran into is that the bank doesn’t give you enough smaller bills. So I ended up with a lot of 20.000 and 50.000 Colombian Pesos which is equivalent to $5-$13 USD. However, that can go quickly if you don’t have any 1 mil or 5 mil Colombian Pesos on hand. I only received some back as change when we went to the La Bodeguita Port for the beach tour. And when I could, I would use my card for other purchases.

It’s a great exchange rate but if you go to fancier restaurants in the touristy area, then the prices seem comparable to the US in my opinion.

Once we started to get around I saw several Money Exchange shops, although I didn’t enter inside. Most of the time I saw them in passing while we were heading some place else.

Not all ATMs will take your card if you need to withdrawal additional money. I found two ATMs that were close by the condo and it kept erroring about “Not able to Service”, but in Spanish of course. So my driver took me to a bigger bank in town and it worked better for me. If I had smaller bills, my cash would have lasted longer.

Farewell Cartagena

Our flight out of Cartagena was around 2:15pm and we had to leave our condo by 11am. Our driver picked us up and we were on our way. Checkout was simple enough. I told them the room number and they cut the bracelet off our wrist. I know that was for safety but I was glad to have that cut off.

Arriving at the airport to leave the country was a lot less hectic than the arrival. We thanked our driver and headed to check-in. We talked with a Delta rep about the trip, checked our bags, and then headed upstairs thru security.

The Cartagena airport is pretty organized compared to other airports I’ve been to in the Caribbean. It’s also relatively small. There is a few stores and a restaurant and then a lot of seats in front of all the gates.

We did have a good time and will probably re-visit again in the future, but there are still other places to visit. If you’d like to check out our adventures with another warm destination, read about out trip to Puerto Vallarta. It’s wedding season so this may give additional ideas.

~Angela

The post Lost in the Charm: A Cartagena Escape in the Heart of Summer first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

(Originally posted on HarmonyBanx.com)

Why travel outside of your country

Why would you need to travel internationally, if you have everything in the United States? That’s the question that gets asked by those that have never left the comfort of their home country. Well, keep reading to find out at least 5 reasons why you should travel internationally.

As Americans, we tend to view our way of life as the standard because that’s all we’ve been around. If you are able to travel, get a passport. Why read about it in books or on the internet, just experience it yourself at least once in your life.

Travel Internationally 

What does it mean to Travel Internationally?  It is traveling to a different country from where you reside. It is one thing to leave your city or state (which is a start), but it takes on a different dynamic when you have to get on a plane for 8 hours. Not to mention flying internationally has better perks than flying domestically.

Data Points

How many people have ever traveled outside of the US? Over 24 million US citizens have traveled internationally for 2022 (as of Nov 2022) with the top 3 regions being Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia (trade.gov).

There are approximately 302 Million citizens living in the US as of 2021 data (kff.org). So there is still a vast amount of people who have never left the US. Don’t let that be you.

See different scenery (1)

Take some time and learn and discover new terrain and climate. In the US there are different terrains and climates depending on where you live. In Arizona, it will be dry and hot but in Upstate NY, it will have its fair share of snow. The same can be said for different regions with a new country.

Seasonal differences

Consider leaving the US East Coast in December and flying over to the Eastern Hemisphere. It’s easy to get into the thought process that December means winter, however over there it is their Summer.

Different Beaches

Of course, there are beautiful beaches within the US but go and experience a different beach in a different country. The Caribbean has beautiful crystal clear waters and soft sand, however other locations such as Seychelles, and Maldives have water you can see through too, and present a different vibe.  

Driving

Ever wanted to drive on the opposite of the road? Well in the US it’s illegal to even try, but you can experience that somewhere else. 68 countries drive on the left side (worlddata.info). To experience that change can be nerve-racking but exciting at the same time.

Vehicles

Looking to see different types of vehicles? Toyota and Hyundai may be seen in different countries but there are different car manufacturers that are popular too. Ever heard of a DACIA or a PEUGEOT? No, well travel internationally to see them in action for yourself. 

Change of pace, chance to slow down (2)

Escaping the day-to-day usually only happens with a vacation planned out. You are forced to stop repeating the same norms that you are used to. Being on a plane for several hours (especially if traveling further than the Caribbean islands or Mexico), gives you time to decompress, at least once you’ve been thru all the airport shenanigans. 

Adventure

Breaking out of the daily routine also provides a path for an adventure. The planning can be just as exciting as the adventure itself. Excursions, tours, and sightseeing can open your eyes like you are a kid at Christmas. Seeing a lion at a US Zoo is not the same as seeing a lion on a Safari ride. 

Fast and Furious

In a lot of areas in the US, the norm is everything is fast. Fast food, fast service, fast answers. Leaving that may be a bit of an adjustment but it provides an opportunity to step back and slow down without the added pressure of needing to make something happen quickly.

Island Time

The words Island time have a real sentiment to them. The laid-back vibe can be a wonderful change for someone who is part of the Fast Lane vibe. This is apparent in Caribbean countries. Enjoy the scenery, and slow down, because everyone is.

Experience a different culture that is not Americanized (3)

When traveling internationally, look for authentic areas and those that are not commercialized and marketed for Americans only.

Touristy areas

Certain locations seem to be a beautified resemblance of the US. Cancun, MX especially near the resort areas has the US feel but in a tropical place. All the guests are just like you. It’s a comfortable place if you want to dip your feet in the travel waters, but you may look around and find you could have easily gone to a local beach in the states.

Food

Experiencing the food in a new country is one of the best ways to see major differences from the US. France for example has wine as their standard beverage and brings out different glasses depending on which part of the dining experience you are in (appetizer, meal, dessert).  The portion sizes are generally smaller, so don’t be surprised if your entire plate is not packed full of food. 

Native rituals 

Due to the internet and social media, there are certain dances and music that have become popular overseas due to the US popularity. However, the native dance rituals that have been around for centuries continue to live on and as a visitor, you can see that first hand. 

Ceremonies

Marriage ceremonies are not your typical bride dressed in white. In India, the more brightly colored the garment the better. In contrast, wearing black when someone has died in the US is normal, but wearing white is a tradition in countries like Ethiopia and India. What is considered normal by US standards is not for other countries in the world.

Tipping

In the US the majority of restaurants, tipping is the norm, but in Europe, it’s frowned upon. It takes some time for a US citizen to understand that it’s really not okay to tip their server in a European country. But you would never know the feeling unless you went yourself.

Sports

If the World Cup has taught you anything, it’s that futbol can bring multiple countries together. American football is well just for the US. But what about those other sports that are not popular in the States? Wouldn’t you like to see a game in person to experience how fans of different countries and sports come together? 

Languages

If you have ever wanted to learn a new language, the fastest way is to immerse yourself in that native country. And it also helps with enhanced memory and critical thinking. What is fascinating is that within certain countries, multiple languages are spoken. For example, India has about 22 official languages (https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org). In Aruba, they speak a minimum of 4. So travel if you want to learn a new language quickly.

Meet new people you would never have met before (4)

If you want something different you have to do something different (Jack Canfield). Are you tired of seeing the same people, and having the same type of friends, do you want to level up? Well time to get out of your comfort zone. Visit a new country and meet a new friend. Sometimes we are more alike than we are different. This new friend can share their perspective on how it is living in their country versus what you can read on the internet.

Get a different view than what is on the news (5)

Ever hear gossip about someone and already form your own opinion but then meet them in person and discover they act nothing like what you were told? That’s exactly why you need to visit a country for yourself instead of getting second-hand information. Form your own opinion. 

The media tells us what the media wants us to know. When you visit a new country, turn on their local news and then compare it to what we hear and see in the States. 

Go For It

No country is perfect and there are pros and cons to every country. But experience it for yourself. Don’t look for others to tell you, get your own perspective. The internet is vast, but it can’t give you the “feeling”.

Look for good flight deals to a new place you’ve never been to. If you don’t have a specific timeframe, then your options open up. If you’re afraid to go alone, look at some group travel options.

Get out of your comfort zone, book that international trip, and experience new things!

 Happy Traveling!!

Click to read about our trip to South Africa.

 ~Angela Banks

References

https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/US-Outbound-to-World-Regions.xlsx

https://www.worlddata.info/left-hand-traffic.php#:~:text=Out%20of%20241%20countries%20around,dependent%20on%20the%20British%20Crown.

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Languages_of_India

KFF,org

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel Internationally first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Lion & Safari Park

From the Johannesburg/Sandton area, this particular Lion & Safari Park was about an hour away. By the time we arrived, it was around 11 am. The idea of this park is to be around indigenous animals while they are able to move around in their natural environment. It allows visitors to get as close as possible but still be safe from harm. 

The vehicle we were in was an enclosed truck that had bars around the windows. We could take pictures and video but you had to angle your camera just right in order to bypass the bars. In certain areas we drove through, there was staff around to open up different entrances to another section of the park.

I am not a city girl, but I was not raised on a farm either. However, being out in this environment was so serene and beautiful. It brought a sense of peace around you. We weren’t the only ones on this path as there were other viewing vehicles with other groups, so you never felt like you were on your own. 

The tour guide we had gave us specific instructions regarding how to interact with the animals. This is not the first time the animals have seen people, so usually they are just lying down resting and looking unbothered. Our tour guide asked us not to yell at the animals or make those kissing noises like you do for your house pets because it’s not going to work. Yelling just makes them go further into hiding. 

The tour guide stopped and let us out of the vehicle to another area of the park. This had more of a zoo vibe because the animals were behind the fence and we were on the outside. Here we had the opportunity to see wild dogs and hyenas.

During that walk, I captured a beautiful moment where the mountain met the sky. That was such a peaceful moment for me and I could have just stayed in that moment for the rest of the day.

As the day went on, we stopped at another scenic area within the park that had a river where you could relax and take some pictures. The temperature was perfect at around 75-80 degrees with a nice breeze. This was a nice mid-way stop throughout our day. 

Of course, with any major park, there is a gift shop on the way out so we were able to pick up a few things. It was different as there were 5 pods that were connected by a walkway. Each pod had different items for sale and then once you exited you could pay at the last pod. 

Pilanesberg Private Game Reserve

The next day we went on a full-day safari with a guide at the Pilanesberg National Park. It is home to the Big 5. What is the Big 5 you ask? The Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. This game reserve was bigger and further away than the Lion Park. It took almost 2 hours to drive from the Johannesburg/Sandton area.

Because it takes a few hours to drive, we made a quick stop at a quick shop that also had a KFC. There are many of the same restaurants here that are back in the States. So if you are ever in South Africa and are craving an American-type restaurant, they have these in South Africa as well. It may not be the same exact ingredients, but you’ll at least feel a sense of familiarity.

The vehicle we were in this time was slightly different. It was still a truck but the sides were open and I had a better view without the confines of bars on the windows and the weather was perfect. All sunshine and no rain in sight. 

The animals were doing what they do best. Ignoring us and going on with their day-to-day. But that’s what you want when you are out in their environment. We were able to capture animals roaming and even being chased. One of my favorite pictures I captured was of a zebra just stopping in the middle of our path. I’d never been this close to one without it being in some zoo in the States. 

After our time was up with our first guide, we got back into our regular driver’s van and continued on with seeing more animals on the game reserve. One highlight was seeing a Cheetah chase a gazelle and then have it for dinner.  

Lunch was at the Bakubung Bush Lodge. In this location, you can stay in their lodges or just come for lunch and dinner with a great view of the grounds.

After lunch, we made a pit stop to see a property that one could purchase or rent out. It’s a little too far out for me, but it was beautiful and the thought of having animals like the Big 5 just roam in the back of your home is intriguing. If anyone ever thinks that South Africa is just huts, tell them to go back and do their research. 

If you are ever in the Pilanesberg National Park, look up Kgabo Safaris for a tour. We didn’t have him as our first guide, but he was sharing a little bit about his journey when we got back. The truck you see has a similar layout to the one we were on where the sides are out. 

Overall this was a great experience. I never thought of myself as someone who would enjoy nature like this because I’m not fond of just going to zoos, but this was enjoyable. If you are physically capable of coming to one of these national parks, then I would recommend it.

It’s such a large area that you can’t see everything in one day, but we got the highlights. By the time we got home from Pilanesberg it was close to 10 pm, so be prepared for a long day ahead if you are planning to visit.

Key takeaways

• You can’t see everything in one day and that’s okay.
• Bring water and snacks on your journey.
• There are no easily accessible restrooms within the park so plan accordingly.
• The Bush Lodge Restaurant had buffet style for lunch.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The sun is hot early in the morning and you don’t have an enclosure to protect yourself.

The post Treasure & See The Wild: The Magnificence Of the Big 5 first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

About 18 hours later we were able to see the country for ourselves. I’m not sure I knew what to expect but this would not be our typical Caribbean/Beach vibe vacation. Check out how we got here.

I didn’t book this trip entirely on my own as we used a tourism company called The Real South Africa. Because of their Youtube videos regarding their and other guests’ experiences, we decided to book with them. So check out their website for more information.

The first day and a half we needed time to adjust to the time difference and jet lag in general. We stayed at the Davinci Hotel which had a lot of restaurants and shops in the vicinity since it’s connected to the Legacy Mall. The hotel suite we stayed in was spacious, comfortable, and modern. The only thing they don’t supply regularly is washcloths (which must be a US thing because I had the same issue when traveling to Europe and Asia. 

Getting settled

From DC to Johannesburg, there is a 7-hour difference (until Daylight Savings switches). The jet lag was serious so the day we arrived we didn’t do much except find a restaurant that was located on the mall side. The mall has everything including ATMs. So if you need South African RAND then you can use the various ATMs located throughout the mall. Of course, there is a fee to pay, but if you stay in this location, everything you need is here.

We found a restaurant that had more authentic South African food (instead of the same type of food you see in the states). The meal was amazing and the price for two people including two entrees and two drinks came to about $30-40 USD. If you ever stay at the Davinci, go to the 3rd floor and the restaurant is to the right of the elevator, called Hombaze. There are some dishes they serve that you eat traditionally with your hands and they provide a basin with water and lemon.

Due to the previous travel day and jetlag, we went to bed early, but around 11 pm we woke up and got room service since all the restaurants were closed.

The food ordered at that time of night was good but took about an hour to receive, After we started eating we did notice that the room did not supply certain items like paper towels or liquid soap. The kitchen was stocked to cook with utensils, pots, pans, etc but we only had the napkins that came with the delivered food.

Nelson Mandela Sqaure

The next day, we ventured out to Nelson Mandela Square. This area has plenty of restaurants and shops around and has a nice courtyard to take pictures. We selected The Butcher Shop & Grill as it had outdoor seating and we could people watch. The Guatrain is around the corner so many people use that mode of transportation to get to the vicinity. This area has Woolworths which allows all types of shopping like grocery, clothing, furniture, etc.

During the meal, I took a few pictures from where I was sitting, and then after lunch, we took a few pictures in front of the massive Nelson Mandela statue. There were patrons with shopping carts walking through the square and we realized that they were shopping at the popular Woolworths store. You can use the shopping carts outside of the store and leave them in a designated area which will be picked up by staff.

Once we finished dinner we found our way back to our Hotel Room and chilled for the rest of the day. This mall/square area has another hotel named Michaelangelo connected to it. The journey back to the hotel room was interesting because it’s so massive that you can get lost. However, after a few days, we figured out the pattern.

Just getting started

Stayed tuned for more South Africa days with me. This was only the second day. Throughout our stay, we toured Soweto which included seeing the Nelson Mandela Museum and where Mr. Mandela stayed. I’ll talk about our experience at the the Apartheid Museum and more.

Five Key Takeaways

• Use a tourism company to guide you through everything. We used The Real South Africa.
• The Davinci Hotel accommodations were exceptional but bring items like napkins, dish soap, and washcloths (if desired).
• ATMs and banks are located within the mall if you need cash (Credit cards are accepted widely).
• Nelson Mandela Square has options for food, shopping, and people-watching, all in one safe location and you can use the shopping carts throughout the square.
• This area is more expensive so stores located in the mall are on the higher end. Food prices are reasonable.

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Are you in the DMV area and want a quick 1-2 day getaway? If you are thinking of going to the National Harbor, let me provide you with 5 reasons to make this your quick destination and some items you need to consider.

Proximity

One of the reasons, the National Harbor is so enticing is because of its proximity to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). Usually, you can get there within 30 – 45 minutes if you are within the DMV area. With all of the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan area, this is a nice quick outlet that doesn’t require you to get on a plane or be in the car for a long period of time. 

Easy to Access

The National Harbor is a stand-alone area. You don’t have to worry about it being in the middle of a business sector or a university. It’s rather easy to see and get to. If are coming off of the 495 Beltway, you will cross a bridge and then see the whole area off to your right. Plus the big iconic Ferris Wheel will let you know that you are in the right place.

Parking

If you are one of those individuals that don’t go to a certain place because of lack of parking or you need to have impeccable parallel parking skills, then consider going to the National Harbor. There are a few big parking garages that are available for $24 for 24 hours. Please check the cost before you go. 

Everything is within Walking Distance

Once you have parked your car, just leave it. You’ll be able to walk to various restaurants, stores, displays, and of course the Waterfront area. There is a lot to walk to, so make sure you have on some comfortable shoes because you can potentially walk more than you anticipated. The only area I would not recommend walking to is the MGM National Harbor side because it is separate from the Waterfront side and it’s about a 25-minute walk. 

Restaurants/Shopping

With over 30 shops and over 40 restaurants to choose from, you won’t have to worry about finding something to eat or a great item to buy for yourself or a friend. The Tanger Outlets are also close by if by chance the shopping in the Waterfront district doesn’t give you what you are looking for. 

Now if you decide to eat at a restaurant that is part of a hotel, just be prepared that the prices will be more than what you would typically pay for the same type of food. You are paying for atmosphere and convenience.

Main Attraction

The main attraction or the one that gets noticed from a distance is the giant Ferris Wheel or the proper name is the Capital Wheel. Here is your chance to go 180 feet in the air with great views of the Potomac River and the DMV. Plus it’s relaxing and the inside of the cabins are climate controlled. And while you’re waiting for your turn to go on the Capital Wheel, you can partake in food and drink at the Flight Deck.

New Year’s Eve celebration

If you like to be in the mix with thousands of your closest friends, then this area would be perfect for New Year’s Eve. Just be prepared for traffic and waiting. Last New Year’s Eve, there were so many people that all the hotels in the resort including the MGM hotel were maxed out. If you are thinking of celebrating here for the upcoming new year, make sure you have your hotel accommodations secured. 

Go Visit

The National Harbor Resort has plenty to do for families, couples, young adults, retirees, and more. Whether you want to take a quick weekend getaway or just do a day trip during the middle of the week, it has everything you need for the staycation feeling. Make this year your spontaneous year and experience what the area has to offer.

The post 5 Reasons to visit the National Harbor first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

1. Married or getting married
2. A parent or about to become one
3. Homeowner
4. Changing Jobs
5. Retired or planning for retirement
6. Single

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