We decided to do a ship tour in this port. The city is very large (1,000,00) and spread out. And with average temps hovering around 90 with humidity to match, getting into the air conditioned bus was ohh so nice.
We started out trip by climbing to the top of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built by Spaniards in the 1600's for protection against pirates while shipping gold back to Europe. It was a hot and humid climb, cooled only by an occasional hot breeze. But the view from the top was worth the climb. From the fortress we drive over to the old town. Our second stop, Las Bovedas, dungeons initially built for military purposes, and later a market for slave sales. Unfortunately the building is now used for tourist shops. So shop we did.
Back in the bus we circle around to the other side of the old town. Here we tour the Palicio de la Inquisition (torture museum), Petro Claver Church, the Naval Museum for a quick folklorico show, and then one more stop for emerald shopping. Columbia is the major producer of emeralds. We don't buy any emeralds. But we do buy two beers from a guy from Philly, and get to use his wifi for a few quick picture posts on Facebook.
We're back on the ship by 2:30 and grab a quick lunch. Then back to our rooms to freshen up and watch us leave the harbor of Cartegena.
Later this evening we head to the theater to catch the evenings entertainment. A vegas singer of Nat King Cole songs. I have to say, the entertainment has been great on this ship.
After the show we head for dinner. I had a great surf and turf. Tomorrow we begin our Panama Canal transit at 7 am. We don't want to miss that. So off to bed we go.
Will get pics posted later today Look for a separate post with address.
No one will get this comment - but then no one reads them - so here is goes.
ReplyDeleteDid you by any chance run into Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner or Danny DeVito. (one of my favorite films).
Hahahaha - looks like a fun, fun time.