This is the first time on these Panama Canal voyages the ship has been allowed to dock in Cartagena. With a noon arrival I did not have to get up so early for sail in photos which I was very happy about…. Nearing Cartagena, we passed the military fortress situated in the Bocachica Channel built to control deep-water access to Cartagena's harbor, always a great photo op. Cartagena has beautiful skyline with a unique blend of the old and new buildings. We have been to Cartagena many times in the past and with the short stay and Covid testing always hanging over us, we decided not to venture downtown to Cartagena’s Old City. Instead, walked to the cruise terminal to shop and see the bird aviary. The cruise terminal is unique to other terminals around the world…there are paths lined with huge leafy trees, manicured gardens with ponds, waterfalls, an aviary for birds, open seating areas with coffee shops and kiosks. Much to our surprise even with COVID, this eco-park had an abundant display of exotic native birds from macaws, flamingos to peacocks, more than I ever remember. It was feeding time at the zoo, so the birds came for lunch as did the monkeys. We had a great afternoon, and it was a fun time bird watching and exploring the park. We returned to the retreat for the remainder of the afternoon. I took way more pictures than I ever expected to, so I’m posting a whole bunch… Hope you like birds and other critters! This is our last port for this cruise we are now headed back to Fort Lauderdale. I’m really going to miss the friends we leave behind, especially the ones we had not seen in a few years… perhaps next time we will be able to spend more time together…. Onward to Ft Lauderdale and the Rotterdam…. Time to pack!
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