Panama city, Panama.

Another city, more great places to see. 

We went to Panama city only for the weekend, and I wish I could go back for more days so I can visit other cities. 

During our first day, we took a taxi to go to Casco Antiguo, the old downtown. Although, it looks like its houses are getting fixed and improve, it's a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the history. In there, we visited San Jose Church, where you can appreciate a very big and antique gold altar in it. 

After San Jose Church, we took a walk by a long path by the Plaza de Francia (France Square) and in front of the bay, only for pedestrians from where you can see the beautiful Causeway Amador and part of Punta Paitilla, where part of the modern city is located. We also took the opportunity to get some souvenirs hand made by Panamanians. 

At the Casco Antiguo you can also find the Presidential House, Bolivar Square, the Cathedral, museums as the Panama History museum, theaters and lots of colonial history to walk by its streets. 

Another place where you can take a long walk and enjoy the nice weather, maybe ride a bike or capture beautiful pictures of the bay, it's at the Balboa Avenue. A long (and very new) way with a marine, parking spaces and gorgeous view to the sea and surrenders. 

We also went by taxi to the Causeway Amador. There, you can enjoy an afternoon at one of the many restaurants of the area. There's also a marine and various stores.

By the way, I found it very easy to catch a taxi anywhere. Just be careful with the rates, since they can tell you different prices, but still very affordable. 

Naturally, you cannot miss to visit the world famous Panama Canal. It's amazing to see how great it all works after 100 years. To know the whole history behind it, thanks to the museum and a video (they play it every 15 minutes both in English and Spanish). At the museum, they also have a small but nice aquarium. There's also a restaurant and a cafeteria where, at both places, you can enjoy a view to the ships passing through the Miraflores locks. Besides, while you are anywhere outside of the place, either at the top roof or at the main floor, a tour guide will tell you (both in English and Spanish) stories and history about the canal and how the locks work. And everybody at the place will treat you as a V.I.P for sure!

After doing some shopping and getting to know Panama City, we spent half day at the beach side of the country. This time (hopefully we'll be coming back soon for more), we went to Santa Clara. Located at the west to Panama City. We visited one of the beaches, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant located at the sand and with a wonderful view of the beach. They will charge you about $5 (or less) per person to get inside the beach. Clear water and white sand, but use protection because the sun might be very strong. 

Don't miss AT29 video about Panama and our trip! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com (soon) and remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Now this is my favorite spot to visit in Colombia!

Visiting Cartagena feels like going back in time, thanks to its architecture around the city, specially at the Old Cartagena Town.

During our first day, we visited Old Cartagena Town. But before entering by the main door, by the Clock Tower (La Torre del Reloj), and even when it was the middle of the day, very hot weather courtesy of the bright sun on top of us, we enjoyed a walk by the Convention Center, the Camellon de los Martires and the water front.

Few blocks away, there is a restaurant La Cocina de Socorro, very popular and a nice typical place to have sea food. Don't forget to try arroz con coco and patacones as side dishes. Yummy!

Old Cartagena town, it's a city surrended by a great wall where it used to be the main city years ago and now you can walk by its streets and enjoy every single minute of it.

By the end of the day, before sunset, take a ride by the old city in a coche (a horse-drawn carriage) while listening to some stories and history about the city. Just amazing! Later, watch the sunset at Cafe del mar listening to chill out music while having a drink. Nothing more relaxing than that!

To begin a nice night, enjoy a local beer or tropical drink at the many bars and cafe in the squares around the old town, like Santo Domingo square, with live typical music and dance every other time and vendors walking around.

By night, it's usually very windy, and most of the places are outdoors, so you might want to take something to cover yourself.

You don't need a car in Cartagena, there are taxis everywhere, cheep and easy to catch them.

During our second day, we took one taxi from the Hotel. The driver gave us a tour around the whole city of Cartagena and Manga, telling us everything we needed to know. It was fun, and we've got to know everything in the city as a private tour. So don't hesitated to ask a taxi from your hotel to give you a tour.

Weather is really hot, don't forget a hat and protection! Wear comfortable shoes since you're gonna be walking a lot. And take your bottle of water with you everywhere, although before entering to any of the sites, there are always vendors with water and even beers for refreshment. Just be careful they might charge you more of what the real price is.

On the 'taxi tour', first we went to Club de pezca a beautiful restaurant by the bay, great place to enjoy an early dinner. Then, we visited La Popa, an old monastery on top of the mountain, where you can glance the whole city from a different - and highest - view. You can see La Popa from anywhere in the city, a large white house on top of the mountain. Later, the taxi took us to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. There are some tunnels underground, great spots for pictures, a shop on top of the castle and a nice view to the great wall.

On our way back to the old city, we passed by the statue of La India Catalina, a native woman that was sent away to learn Spanish so she can be a translator between the Indians and the Spanish colony.

Back in the old city, we made our last stop at Las bovedas. A place that used to be for prisoners and slaves back in the days, now you can buy variety of souvenirs for friends and family. Try at the local #23 where we got great presents for family and friends.

There are different places to visit and enjoy during your time at the Old Cartagena. Close to the Torre del reloj you'll find Colon Square, close to it the Hard Rock Cafe. By the Bolivar Square, take a tour at the Palacio de la Inquisicion. Other museums you can visit are The Gold museum which is free to enter; Naval Museum and The Modern Art Museum. We also went to Casa de San Pedro Claver, he was a protector of the slaves.

There are hundreds of stores where you can get gorgeous leather wallets or purses, or just a simple gift to take home.

One thing you may notice, the streets name change at every corner (inside the old city only), so it can be a little complicated if it's your first time visiting.

And remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Don't miss AT29's video about this gorgeous city! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com

South Florida

South Florida... my 2nd home... There's always something to do! From Miami Beach to Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale.

Take a walk by the famous street in South Beach (known by locals as SoBe): Ocean Dr. You will feel as walking at one of the Hollywood films (Scarface, The birdcage, Bad Boys, There's something about Mary...) Exotic cars, famous restaurants, Deco style hotels, stores open until 2am (some of them) and the most gorgeous and sexy people from around the globe in one place! If you're lucky enough, you might even walk into a celebrity or through a film set! How many have I seen?! Or take a picture next to Casablanca's car and Humphrey Bogart.

In South Beach, Collins and Washington Av. are very well known by its stores plus the awesome nightlife. You can find lots of restaurants, pubs, variety of night clubs as Mansion where you might even party with Paris Hilton, Matt Damon or Vin Diesel!

SoBe is so sexy and HOT that there's a World Erotic Art Museum in Washington Av.

Close to the South Miami Beach, in Downtown Miami take a walk at Bayside, a shopping mall, there's always a show at night by the marina. Remember Will Smith's video 'Miami' at the end of the song? There are restaurants, stores and bars in front of the bay. At Bayside, you can also enjoy a tour that'll take you to where celebrities live and around the famous canals, by the day or night. A very tourist spot!

Miami, melting pot of culture as I call it, you can find diverse restaurants where you can experience a latin breakfast, an Italian lunch and then a Greek dinner. All in one city, authentic Mexican, Spanish, Venezuelan, French, Turkish, Brazilian cuisine. You want it, you'll find it. 

Family time? Visit Miami Sea Aquarium in Key Biscayne or Miami Metro Zoo to the South by the US1.


Ft. Lauderdale is part of South Florida, another beautiful city to visit. If feel like driving while getting to know the area, I love going from South Beach driving north by A1A to Dania Beach. Gorgeous beaches along the way, stores, malls, and lots of bridges with a great view for amazing pictures. So roll the windows down and enjoy the time!

Live it up few hours by the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and across the street you'll find restaurants and stores. Then, get dress for the night and have dinner at Las Olas Blvd at any of the restaurants in the area. Very romantic too!

Only few minutes by car from Ft. Lauderdale beach, visit the Hard Rock Cafe & Casino in Hollywood. More than 20 restaurants, night clubs, bars and stores open until late.

Don't forget to get to know more about the Seminoles! From Miami, take the famous Calle 8 and go north until you reach to the Everglades. They have different spots where you can take a ride on an Air Boat, listen to the stories of the area, watch an alligator show and get to know more about their history!

And remember to keep clean the city and respect the nature. Also, check out Acceso Total 29's video about Miami Beach, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale (last 2, in Spanish only)

A weekend in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Latin America. I think they are right. I thought it’s a gorgeous country, very peaceful, happy and no army! Yei! Plus very green. Everywhere I looked, beautiful green views from their mountains and very clean streets.

I went to San Jose, the capital. My first night I visited El Pueblo (The town). It’s a place where you can find some restaurants, bars, clubs and stores. I had dinner at one of the restaurants where food was great! I'm sure every restaurant at El Pueblo will have great dishes. Delicious!

Next day in the morning, I visited Down Town San Jose. First I went to the Gold Museum, which is located under the Plaza de la Cultura (The Culture Square). Nearby is the Theater, where you can feel in Paris since it has the resemble of the Opera House in Paris. I took a tour inside the Theater and got the opportunity to watch some rehearsal for an Italian play.

The Cathedral is a block away. Beautiful place to visit in front of a gorgeous square.

There are taxis everywhere in San Jose, I suggest you to rent a car if you would like to travel to other cities.

What I like the most from the country, the short distance between towns. I’d be doing a lot of road trips if I lived there. Just be careful driving, since there are a lot of curves on the way courtesy of the mountains.

From San Jose, I went to the North West, close to the Nicoya Gulf. I visited the cities of Orotina and San Mateo. Enjoyed a delicious Ceviche de Mango and of course, fresh sea food in front of the beach.

One of the things I enjoyed in Costa Rica, is the variety of sports. During an afternoon, I visited a park, Turubari, close to San Mateo. They offer you horse rides, a long walk across the park getting to see different animals and plants, rappel, canopy and an incredible flight as Superman.

To the north of the Alajuela city, I visited Poas Volcano. Although, I couldn't see the volcano very weel, since it was very cloudy (and cold). But I enjoyed a walk across the park and looking at those big leaves known as sombrilla de pobre.

I hope I can go back to Costa Rica soon, since I want to go to the beaches next time!

Don't forget to take a look at our video in Acceso Total accesototal29.com (visit the blog)

Keep it clean!

a weekend in Bogota

From this beautiful city I have a lot of great things to say. Every person is so nice, polite and I'm sure they are willing to do anything to make you feel comfortable! I think they were always in a good mood!

The streets are very clean! And there are a lot of places - maybe most of them - that use recycled paper and do everything possible to help our planet! *clap clap clap* :)

There is security everywhere, public transportation is great, and I think it's always on time. There are taxis everywhere plus the Transmilenio buses.

My first night in town, I went to a nearby city Chia where I visited Andres Carne de Res. A very original restaurant, very big, where you will have fun while eating. They have special events through the day and night, great food and awesome drinks :).

Another city I visited near Bogota, is Zipaquira (about 40min away) where the famous Salt Cathedral is located. Yes, SALT.. the cathedral is underground and everything is made by salt! the crosses, the statues, you even walk in salt! It's a place you MUST visit if you go there. Besides, is good for your health! You get an hour tour inside where they explain every detail about the origins and future plans.

In Bogota you have a lot of malls to visit, with local and international stores. A variety of cafes, restaurants and bars around the city. A lot of squares and beautiful gardens to walk around and relax. Plus the wonderful weather that I love, it's always cold, but a nice cold to enjoy the city. That's because Bogota is located 2600 meters (about 8,530 feet) over the sea level. And if you want to go higher... visit Monserrate, where you can go by cable car. There is a churh, some mini stores to get some souvenirs, have lunch at some of the restaurants and see the nice view of Bogota!

One of my favorite places I visited at night was the Zona Rosa where the Andino Mall is located plus a square with a lot of bares and restaurants to hang out at night. From local beers and food to an irish pub and thai food!

And don't forget to go to Downtown! Visit some of the museums as Botero (free to visit!) and the Gold Museum. Also, take a walk by the Bolivar Square in front of the Cathedral. Mine advise, take a taxi everywhere, besides you don't have to worry about where to park and there's always a taxi in front of you on time and secure!

Keep the city clean!

Atlanta 2

Finally arriving in Miami!

During the 2nd day we went to the Historic Center of Rv. Martin Luther King Jr. AWESOME! A place you can't skip while in Atlanta. Is free to enter, donations are welcome! So keep it clean and take care of it during your visit. First, there was an expo about his life with pictures, videos, documents, objects and more. Although I think it was at the moment we went. Then, we walked to a firefighter department by the well known Auburn Av. where MLK was born and grew up. From there we went with a guide - who actually met the King family and march for equals human rights - to MLK's house.

The house is totally original! Of course, there are few things for security reasons that are update. 2 floors, 6 bedrooms, back yard and loads of history to hear. It was amazing to be there.

From there, we drove back to Florida. We slept in Orlando, went around the city and Kissimmee and around 7pm we were back in Miami!