Port o Call - Cartagena Columbia

Cartagena:

 We were up early at 0500 in hopes of a nice sunrise, but no joy. So we slept for another hour.  Up and at um and off to Cabanas for a bite of breakfast. 

In Cartagena, the cruise dock is in a working cargo area of the port.  One plus is one does not have to run the gauntlet of port shops and hawkers. 

Our shore excursion was titled a Taste of Cartagena, basically an overview and short walking tour with a bit of free time in the Old City. 

Off the ship and onto a bus for a 2-3 mile ride to the San Felipe Fortress, which is the largest Spanish fortress in the New World. Here we were allowed a short photo stop. I think this could take a 1/2 day or more for one to really explore. This appears to be a rather amazing structure. 

San Felipe Fortress

Before departing our bus for this stop, we were advised we would be approached by many street venders selling various items such as hats, shirts, jewelry, etc etc etc. While they were aggressive in approaching the visitors, a simple “no thank you” would stop the sales pitch. 

We then took our bus to the outside of the old section of Cartagena. Here we started our short walking tour among the colonial residences, with their flower adorned balconies. Yes the vendors continued to be persistent. 

We made a short stop at the Cathedral of Santa Catalina of Alejandria, which was built in 1577. A very nice cathedral with a simple yet elegant wood work. 

We soon came to the San Pedro Claver Square and were escorted to Mr. Emerald, a emerald store where we could get water and use the facilities. The San Pedro Claver Square would be our meeting place in 2 hours. I must say Mr. Emerald was a most warm host and was not overbearing for a sale. He made us feel very welcome in his city. 

While on our own we struck out making our way to the Old City Wall, stopping for some street food. Our first stop was for a cheese empanada. We reached the wall and noticed a bird we need to identify.  

Empanada From the cart in the shade 

Will have to look this one up, not sure 

Mango Dude 

Really great mango 

Then we started wandering about the back streets and soon found a fruit vendor slicing up mangos, and simply could not pass them up. Very fresh and  sweet. Our wandering route then took us to Bolivar Square, a nice place to get out of the sun. This is the social center of the Old City as it is flanked the cathedral and governors palace. Prior to being named the Bolivar Plaza in 1896 when a statue of Simon Bolivar was erected, the plaza/square had a rather interesting history. It was here during the Spanish Inquisition that tribunals were held and “Autos de Fe”, the sentences of the inquisition, were carried out. During this time the plaza was known as Plaza de Inquisition. Interestingly, bullfights were also held there. 

Next we made it the Plaza De La Aduana. An elegant plaza flanked by the Old Customs House. Here one now finds the City Hall. 

The weather was hot and very very humid and to was time to get out of the heat. A local coffee shop had been recommended by Mr Emerald so that worked for us. Lynn had a coffee and I had a beer. $4 was the bill. 

While there a few street vendors stopped by showing us their wares. Lynn kinda liked a small leather purse. The vendor started at $24 and I taught Lynn well to hold her ground on the price she wanted to pay (or walk away from). The vendor was persistent and Lynn held her ground at $5, and soon won the purse for $5. 

Back on the bus we made our way back to the ship. On board we dropped our camera bags and headed to lunch. A light lunch was had and fluids were consumed. After lunch we made our way back to our room and unpacked and cleaned up a bit. The skies are overcast and the PA system made a couple announcements for one passenger. Soon we cast off and departed 15 minutes late. Wondering if the passenger made the ship? 

We watched sail away from our veranda and were soon on our way, escorted by frigate birds.