Manga

Domino Volunteers places volunteers in a homestay with a person/family for a true immersion experience. My homestay is in Magna.

Manga is considered a middle to upper-middle-class neighborhood. Upon first impression, I’m sure that’s not what you’d think, however, subsequently visiting other parts of the Cartagena, I realize it is very much that. It’s an island connected to the rest of the city by four bridges. If I walked fast (which I don’t) I could be across the bridge into this historic city center in roughly 15 minutes.

I live in an eleven-story apartment building on the second block after crossing the bridge from the historic city center. I’m a stone through away from the bay and pier, where people exercise and run in the morning and hang out at night. There’s a doorman/security in the lobby of the building 24-7.  Very safe place.

Manga is big and I haven’t explored nearly enough of it. There’s not a ton of tourist in Manga. Some including my mate Alex but definitely not a huge population of tourist. I normally spot a few at the grocery store and walking along the street. As I mentioned in a previous post, my impression is the majority of Manga lacks the diversity I see around other parts of the city. I see less of the black Colombians here. I think most people take me for Colombian until I have to speak or maybe my clothes give me away. On several occasions, someone has the OOHHHH face after I try to speak or say, “no entiendo”. There’s a grocery store that’s a 5-10-minute walk for any necessities. My first night here I stumbled across a cool food truck area I ate at.  Haven’t made it back yet but I will soon.  There’s a small handful of restaurants I’ve seen out but have yet to frequent. Also, a few smoothie spots I plan to visit ASAP. IJS…

One concern I had prior to my trip was where do I get my hair cut. Knowing Cartagena was heavily populated by Afro-Colombians, I assumed I should be able to locate a barbershop with experience cutting black hair. Finding one was easy. I typed barbershop in google maps and one popped up in Magna not too far away. Next, I was worried about communicating how I wanted my hair cut. I had Ruthie take a picture of my haircut the day prior to my departure which came in handy. Luckily the barber knew a little English and was really cool. I asked him did he see a lot of Gringos come in and he replied they don’t (not surprising). One of the best haircuts I’ve had. It was quick and cheap $20,000 COP (you do the math) which included a beard shape-up and trim.

Aside from the safety what I like most about Magna and particularly where I’m living is its vicinity to the water. I have a fair view of the bay, docked boats and boats out for leisurely fun. Strangely, I haven’t hung out on the pier yet. Another activity on my to-do list.