I read that Cartagena is one of the top 50 cities to visit worldwide. I agree. I arrived yesterday for the 4^th Colombian Conference for Zoology. There are about 3000 people here all participating in research in Colombian wildlife. Colombia has the highest diversity worldwide of birds, plus an incredible diversity of plants, mammals and insects. It is also number one in orchid diversity. The conference opened with speeches, but then there were some traditional dance performances. I have seen a lot of Mexican dances, and the costumes seemed rather similar, but the dances were much more wiggly, as if they had been inspired by Tahiitian hula, with hip action.

The old city is full of life, with people selling fruits and hand-woven bags. Bougainvilleas pop out of the balconies of the colorful old buildings. I had some delicious vegan paella for lunch, and enjoyed the company of my Colombian hosts. I am a millionaire in Colombia, because the exchange rate is more than 2000 pesos to one US dollar. The weather is warm and humid and my shirt gets wet from sweat in just a few minutes. Then in the afternoon, a visit to the San Felipe fortress, with its massive walls and maze of tunnels. I bought some fruits which I had never tasted before, and a huge fresh avocado. The hotel Monterrey where I am staying must be the best hotel in the city, because of its location, and beautiful view from the rooftop balcony. The Christmas lights are up, and people are enjoying themselves, because Colombians say they are the happiest people in the world.