A cautionary note about Cartagena

REED JOHNSON certainly had a different experience from what we had [“Cultural Soul of Colombia,” Sept. 11]. Our cruise ship stopped in Cartagena several years ago. We were warned not to go anywhere without our taxi driver. There were armed soldiers about every 500 feet. They lined the sea wall.

We were taken to two shopping areas. The first had many street vendors, who were the most obnoxious we have ever encountered. They got right in your face, and when you said no, they ran down the street ahead of you and tried again. The second was in a very upscale area, but the prices for emeralds were far higher than my jeweler charges.

Travelers beware.

JACK BREWER

Simi Valley