It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

This past Sunday was Cartagena's tree lighting ceremony.  The whole center was packed with families enjoying the festivities.  Everywhere you look, there are beautiful lights.  With the nip in the air (granted, it's still 78 degrees outside, but the ocean seems to be blowing in colder air), it almost seems like Christmastime.  

I have seen at least three large trees, all centered around the touristy areas of town.  The parks were decked out, and parts of the fountain had colored water shooting up.

Smart vendors catered to the kids with ice cream, noise makers and toys.

While trying to get through the throngs of people and out of el Centro, we stumbled upon this horse parade that gets its origins from Medellin.  Unfortunately, the cobblestone streets are too narrow, and the horses looked frightened by all the people and noise.  We even saw a horse trip and its owner fall off when it stumbled on a raised rock.  Both ended up being fine, but it irritates me how poorly the Costenos treat their animals at times.  

My apartment has this beautiful tree and manger set up in the lobby downstairs. 

To top it all off, one of the bells at school plays "Jingle Bell Rock".  It's impossible not to dance or sing a little when it comes on, and the kids (and teachers) always seem a bit more upbeat upon hearing it.