Did you realize WhatsApp has a feature that allows you to no only send your location to someone but also for said individual to track you? Fascinating!!!
I left for Barranquilla Saturday morning for the car-ni-val. Some of the group left Friday afternoon while the remainder of the party left Saturday for only one night.
About half of the group of maybe fourteen people I knew and/or met the previous weekend. We were a Collection Colombians, Americans (one of whom is from the DC), Scots, Englanders, and one New Zealander. Gustavo my Spanish instructor put everything together. We stayed in a hostel I knew was bare bones ahead of the trip. It was merely to accommodate sleep and belongings. A few people merely had mattresses and mats to sleep on in a cramped a room, including me. I initially allotted for a bed but with overbooking because of carnival and our late arrival that’s what I ended up with. The bathrooms weren’t magnificent but like I said I expected all this preceding the trip. It was all good as only for a night. Upon arrival, there was some confusion as to where I’d sleep but it was remedied. I was placed on a mattress on a floor with some guys in our group.
Soon after it was time to head to the carnival, a 15-20 minute walk from our hostel. In advance of our trip, the plan was to get tickets in the bleachers for the parade, but we learned it sold out months ago. Nobody seemed disappointed with this outcome because we assumed it would provide more flexibility to roam about, while also still able to see the fancy costumes, dancing, and MC’s. Whelp, we were wrong. The bleachers obstructed any possible view of the parade caravan. We spent a good 45 minutes hoping to pinpoint a suitable area. In the process two guys with us had their phones pickpocketed. I was forewarned about the prevalent pickpocketing there. The first guy literally just had his phone out as he demonstrated his student counseling him on how not to walk around with his phone out in public. There was some big commutation as a crowd came through pushing. I thought it was sheer rudeness and impatience, however, in retrospect, it was a method to their madness serving as a distraction to plunder phones. Needless to say, he was bummed. Some sleek thief lifted it right out his pocket. About 20 minutes later Gustavo said to another guy in our group, “make sure you keep your hand on your phone”. He said, “yup it’s right here”, but it wasn’t. His got taken also. At this point, we all were very very vigilant moving forward.
We decided we’d get “tickets” which in actuality was paying some guys to usher us into the sold-out space. They didn’t escort everyone in at once which I assume was not to arouse any suspicion with too large of a group. I’d say 10 maybe 15 minutes elapsed then it was our turn. Immediately after we entered our movement was halted on the stairs because it was so crowded. We didn’t know where the other members of our party were. Everyone was pushing and shoving as people attempted to go in opposing directions. A major obstacle was onlookers already seated not wanting people to pass. They were literally not allowing others to pass by or even go into the bleachers as if they’d lose something by us proceeding on. Arguments and yelling in sued all around us, including with some of our group. Craziness! At one point after standing in the same cramped spot for what seemed like forever, I thought, I might have to extricate myself soon as my attempts at remaining Zen was quickly eroding; I couldn’t control how I was poorly relating to the chaos. I kept seeing to myself, “it’s only bad if I think it’s bad”. Then hooray, we had access to continue on. I was at the tail end of our line, so I wasn’t sure how or what happened, but I was thankful we were moving. It was still extremely crowded though and as we propelled further it became increasingly difficult to maintain an eye on the people ahead of me. Before I knew it, my friend Hannah (Hannah’s from the UK and volunteering in Colombia via Domino Volunteers on another project. She’s fresh out of University and super cool) who was in the back with me and I had lost them. Just when things were looking up! I knew we’d find them eventually but with the immense crowd I wanted to avoid any unnecessary squeezing and pushing by going in the wrong direction. I went down behind the stands and walked parallel to the bleachers to see if I recognized anybody’s shoes or clothing. If possible, I wanted to pinpoint an exact destination. Luckily, Lisa had on a striped outfit that stood out so an exact destination we had.
It was like we reached the promised land. The rest of the party was there, and I quickly noted the spectators at this end of the bleachers were much more hospitable and thoughtful.
Now we could enjoy the parade. It was filled with elaborate costumes, dancing, MC’s on mics revving up the crowd and well-crafted floats. I didn’t know what each procession represented and wish they had signs so someone could translate each one for me. Ha! Actually, I can read Spanish much more effectively than I can hear it, so there’s a slight chance I could have made out a few.
A couple of the guys in the group befriended a Colombian family and had flour all over them. Apparently, it’s a tradition to fling flower all about. Is that a parade thing everywhere? I was unlucky to avoid this experience but maybe next time. 
Carnival felt very authentic and not touristy at all. (Of note: I’d like to amend an earlier post when I remarked Cartagena was not as touristy as other Latin cities I’ve visited. Scratch that, it’s touristy. Not in an obtrusive way but I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity to engross myself in several less touristy areas.) The parade’s caravan appeared infinite. We kept thinking, okay let’s try to stay until it’s over, it should be concluding soon. We’d glimpse down the street to gaze on a slew of processions in queue progressing down the street. We had a swell time and stayed I’d say 3-4 hours….
The walk back to our hostel was entertaining, as the parade spectators flooded the streets and music filled the air, infusing the festive atmosphere. Vendors and homeowners littered the streets selling food and drinks. A few us stopped for some soup to dull the effects of all the beer consumed over the last few hours.
Back at the hostel we showered, rested and napped before we hit the streets. While at the hostel I expressed concern for two of our comrades MIA. It happened to be the two gents who lost their phones and they were properly waisted when we last saw them. With no phones and their condition, I wasn’t sure they’d be able to locate our hostel. Thankfully they found the hostel. Rauri told me he had a moment when he realized he didn’t have a phone, didn’t remember the hostel name and didn’t remember the way back. He asked Pat could he remember and initially he couldn’t. After a little time, he was able to remember the name or part of the name. That was all they needed along with the assistance of the family they befriended and Google Maps. Rauri expressed his appreciation for my concern while his real friends took naps. ha!
The First stop was a street party with an enormous line. A decision was made to leave there and head to another party where Mike (from the 40 years without electricity post) was. We realized there was a block party around the corner, so we checked it out. Awesome cultural experience to witness. At this point, I was pretty exhausted and headed in around 11-11:30. I hadn’t slept well the night before and I just can’t hang like I used to. Joe a New Zealander from our group already headed back when we left the first party, otherwise I would have felt more guilt about bailing. Great experience and shared it with a great group!
Live. Laugh. Love. Travel. 