Cartagena, Columbia

Last night was an early night. We had dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and then we went to our room to watch a movie called, “The Way.” It was about a trek through France and Spain.

Today we were in Cartagena, Columbia. We docked about 7AM and we were off the ship at 730. Jer had set up a private tour with Marelvy Pena for a walking tour in Cartagena. There were just three of us which was a big difference from the big bus tour we did in Curacao. 

Marelvy’s daughter met us on the dock and walked us to the van where Marlvy was waiting for us. We first stopped at the Convento de la  Popa. It is a monastery above Cartagena and was quite beautiful. It is 400 years old and built on the foundation of a razed Indian Temple.

We then went to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. It was completed in 1789, creating the largest fort to guard the city from pirates.

The tour then went to the Gold Museum, which included pre-Columbian gold artifacts. We continued to the Palacio de Inquisicion. It is a beautiful building, but there were some horrfic things that went on inside. 

There were many beautiful balconies that were covered in flowers. The streets are quite narrow so they are only open to pedestrians.

There were many street vendors. The fruit  looked awesome. We should have tried some, but we didn’t. Most of the ladies selling fruit were dressed in these colorful dresses.

We have always had such a misconception of this beautiful city. Always thought of drug cartels and mafia. Not so here in Cartagena. We felt very safe. I would love to come back and spend more time here. Just one day was not enough.

We sailed at 3PM. Louis Armstrong once again sang What a Wonderful World. It always makes us feel so fortunate.

Jer is off to another lecture on the Panama Canal. Tomorrow we transit the canal. Should be an interesting day and we are looking forward to it.