farmersdtr

Cartagena is one of the ports we will visit on our cruise. I was thinking of booking a "Highlight of the City Tour", but after learning about Friends for Columbia, I checked out their website, and it sounds fascinating. Can you share what the price is per person? Our family consists of myself, my husband and our 14 year old daughter. Did you bring items to donate to the people? If so, what type of items are recommended? Any other information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Friends of Colombia was a heartwarming tour that my husband, 14-year-old daughter and I enjoyed very much. We didn't donate any items. Dan and Berit assured us that our presence was the gift. My daughter and I learned to salsa with some children and my husband thrilled the seniors by dancing with them. I especially enjoyed visiting the herb gardens that have allowed residents to become self-sufficient. We traveled on an AC bus under safe conditions.

My family really enjoyed our visit to the Rafael Nunez neighborhood sponsored by http://www.friendsforcolombia.org/. First of all, Dan and Berit Wick picked us up in a big, AC bus with cushy seats and took us straight to Rafael Nunez which is supported by a foundation called Granitas de Paz. They had lined up some of the local folks to greet us. I don't know who was more excited, the kids or the seniors. While the kids hugged on our daughter, my husband was a big hit with the lady seniors. We really appreciated this opportunity to meet Cartagenian citizens, and we felt quite safe.

Afterward Dan and Berit handed out bottled water and we headed to Productive Patios, my favorite part. We got to see the raised gardens that the neighborhood has built and is now profiting from. By raising basil, lettuce, arugula, spinach--produce that we can easily pick up at the grocery store--they have become self-sufficient. They now sell their goods to local restaurants, thus creating a self-sustaining circle of trade. The growers are so proud of what they've accomplished. It's touching to see good works performed by good people.