Sunday, January 1, 2017

Panama Canal Cruise, Day 98, Cartagena, Colombia (Part 1 of 2)

Today the sail into Cartagena showcases the moden skyscrapers and the fortresses  which guard the entrance to the harbor.  We arrived into Cartagena at noon and Ann, Cathy and I found Luis a taxi driver we used  in 2014 and started our tour of the city.  Our first stop was La Popa Hill and the monestary high atop of the city for some magnificent views.  Next we visited the Castillo San Felipe de Barajes.  I love climbing this 17th century fortress.  We then headed downtown to the old walled city.  First stop was the Playa de las Bovedas previously old dungeons converted to a shopping area.  We climbed up to the fortress on top of the dungeon shops for a different view of the area – many tourists never leave the lower shopping area below.  Then we walked around this city entering via the clock tower Plaza de la Proclamacion, and seeeing sights like the Church of San Pedro Claver, Simon Bolevar Square and Plaza Santa Domingo.  Being Saturday and new years eve the town was a buzz of vendors, tourists, revellers alike….the traffic was horific but it was a wonderful day hot and humid but very enjoyable…..  Upon arrival back at the Cruise Terminal, we took the opportunity to view some of the wonderful birds that occupy the grounds outside…  Wonderful day!  This blog is in two parts, this is part one.

 

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