Cartagena, Colombia

I think everyone should go visit Cartagena, before it becomes too big of a tourist trap.
Cartagena is a beautiful port in the Caribbean that was ruled by the Spanish for many decades. The original "old city" is still in fairly good shape. The old churches and clock towers are a thing of beauty but what is really interesting are the multi colored houses inside.

The city has a very interesting history of being plundered by pirates every few years until the Spanish brought in one of their toughest marines. He built a fort away from the city, that was shaped like a pyramid, and has to be entered from the top and well protected with cannons and guns. This is where he stored the gold, silver, and pirate prisoners. It was a success and the city was then allowed to prosper again. Here is a picture of the fort below.

Due to the stigma Colombia has had for decades due the drug trade, tourists have been relatively scared to go there. This is changing because Colombia is changing. I personally never felt unsafe once when I was there.
Its a short flight from US, go check it out, It's worth it!!!!