Unlike the rest of Colombia, Cartagena has been sheltered from the war among the Narcos & the Guerrillas (joined together by common interests), the paramilitaries and the Colombian military. Because of its continued importance as a (the) main Colombian seaside port to the world, Cartageneros have defended their city from this war with all their might. Narcos did appear to have contributed to the city's plush modern buildings but they have had to maintain their residences as "vacation" homes as blowing the whistle and watching who your neighbors are has been a very well-practiced art among the citizens. The city has enjoyed a continued growth not just from Colombians investing in it but also from Europeans, Canadians and, more recently, a few Americans who have ventured here on vacation and loved the place so much that they have established their second home (or winter home) in the city.

With President Uribe in power for the past 5 � years, the Colombian government has been able to push the Guerrillas out of the country, many moving to Venezuela and Ecuador' borders. The country has also achieved greater economic growth and social stability. In particular the city of Cartagena has grown at a very fast pace, with a large portion of the buildings found in the popular areas of Bocagrande and Castillogrande having been built in the past 5 years. Many Colombian professionals and business persons who resided abroad for years have come back to live here or buy their vacation/retirement home. We are told that there are currently over 100 building projects in the making and the city's landscape continues to change dramatically by the hour. Our view from Kikuyu of Bocagrande and Castillogrande is very impressive.