Masajitos y Trencitas

Another shot from the balcony.

The unfortunate thing about Cartagena is that, as beautiful and economical as it is, there are so many random vendors on the beach and on the streets that it can be somewhat stressful just to try to relax or take a stroll, especially if you look foreign.
A word of caution from someone who's made the mistake: If you are not interested, don't give them a second look. No, and no again. If you hesitate they will keep on, especially the ones offering the massage. They will try to give you a "demonstration" by actually starting to massage you, with or without your permission. And once one comes and looks like they might be getting something from you, you will soon be surrounded with little hope of getting away. This happened to us on our first day, just sitting under our little tent at the beach.
And there's no need to buy jewelry from the beach vendors, unless you feel like spending the money (again, however, you will only call attention to yourself, and once the money comes out you're done). There are many vendors set up on the streets who sell it for much less.
What's also unfortunate is that the job market is as it is, and that people have to resort to such ways of earning a living.