Cartagena, Colombia

Wednesday we spent the morning at sea on our way to Cartagena.  In the morning, Bob did his water exercises and I attended the lecture.  This was given by Terry Breen who has been on this trip every time Regent does it.  She calls it her full time job.  She likes to say she is a story teller.  But she is very good.   Her talk was on Welcome to Cartagena - Gateway to South America.

We did not arrive until 1pm.  The ride into the harbor was very nice.  We docked and gathered to head off for our excursion with the Virtouso group.  Our tour included a drive up to La Popa Monastery.  This ancient monastery is located on a hilltop that can be seen from any point in Cartagena.  It offers great views of the city but the air was very hazy so not such a great view for us.  It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and is still inhabited by monks.  It also houses a chapel dedicated to Virgen de la Candelaria, the Patron Saint of Cartagena.

This is a picture of the 22-karat gold foil altar.

Back on the bus we stopped at San Felipe Fortress, the largest Spanish fort in the New World.  This fortress defended the city from several attacks, and withstood a bloody assault from British Admiral Vernon.  A side note, Mount Vernon is named after this Admiral.

San Felipe Fortress

Back on the bus we drove to the Old City for a walk about.  We visited several squares including Inquisition Plaza and Bolivar Plaza.  After our walk we stopped at a hotel which was a convent before being converted into a hotel.  We had dinner here and then returned to the ship.

Tonight was the deck bar-b-que so we went up to see the local dancers.  They were good and full of energy.  

We then headed back to the cabin and bed.  The ship is staying here over night.