Taganga and Playa Grande

After having an ambitious adventure over the past few days in Buritaca and facing less than desirable consequences, taking a less ambitious day-trip appealed to me. One potential destination was Taganga. It's close enough to Santa Marta that I could go there and come back quickly– I wouldn't get stuck having to spend the night. Most sources of tourist information describe Taganga as a dirty, trash-strewn beach full of old hippies and floating debris. But nearby (maybe within walking distance?) is Playa Grande, which I had heard is cleaner and quieter. So I got on a busitica headed for Taganga.

The bus took us past dry, scrubby trees through steep hills overlooking various tiny peninsulas and beaches. I talked to a few people on the bus and after unloading at Taganga I found myself hiking on a trail to Playa Grande with a group of 3 Colombians (two from Barranquilla and one from Tolima) and a middle-aged, French, retired couple.

You wouldn't want to miss your footing on the trail.

This is Playa Grande. It's smaller than the name suggests. I rented snorkel gear and saw a lot of fish and coral. I also swallowed a lot of sea water. There was this kitty who lurked at the snorkel gear place:

There were restaurants on the beach where they had a lot of fish and it was reasonably priced. Again, you pick out a raw fish and then they cook it for you. I wish I knew the names of these fish:

This time my ideal coastal meal was fulfilled! I got an entire fried fish, patacones, cabbage salad, and finally– arroz con coco!!!

There were young kids playing a frantic cumbia on some percussion instruments and the beach was within view. Things were pretty good.

I decimated the fish:

But remains like those I left behind are a treat for this kitty:

The police really drive these:

After returning on the busitica to Santa Elena, I found a street vendor selling water coconuts:

Then that night I met these Brazilians.

I planned to make my way to Cartagena the next day. I had received in depth advice from a friend who used to teach there, so it seemed I couldn't go wrong.