Cartagena, oh Cartagena! I knew I was going to love you, but I didn’t realize just how deeply I’d fall. It wasn’t just the vibrant bougainvillea spilling over balconies or the rhythmic pulse of the city’s music. It was the doors. Seriously, the doors of Cartagena completely stole my heart.

I spent days just wandering the old city, camera glued to my hand, utterly captivated by these colorful portals. Each one felt like a secret whispered in my ear. There was the deep indigo door on Calle San Antonio, its paint peeling just so, hinting at a story of faded grandeur. Then there was the bright yellow door on Calle de la Universidad, practically radiating sunshine, with a giant, ornate knocker shaped like a lizard – I could only imagine the important person who once lived there!

I became obsessed with the “aldabas,” those incredible door knockers. Some were shaped like lions, others like mermaids, and some so abstract I could only guess at their meaning. I’d run my fingers over them, trying to connect with the past, wondering about the families who had used them for generations. It felt like I was touching history.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon a quiet courtyard tucked behind a vibrant green door. It was overflowing with lush plants, a little oasis of tranquility in the bustling city. I peeked through the wrought iron gate and imagined sipping lemonade in that peaceful space. It made me realize that behind each of these stunning doors lies a whole world of stories, waiting to be discovered.

Honestly, I think I took hundreds of photos of doors. My friends are probably sick of seeing them, but I can’t help myself! They’re just so beautiful, so unique, so…Cartagena. If you go, make sure you dedicate some serious time to exploring them. Get lost in the maze of streets, let your curiosity guide you, and prepare to be utterly charmed. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with Cartagena’s doors just as much as I did.