Sunny, hot and humid in Cartagena, Colombia. First time either of us has set foot in South America. Colombia interestingly is the only South American country that lies on two oceans – Cartagena lies on the Caribbean Sea while another part of Columbia lies on the Pacific. That’s your geography lesson for the day.
Our tour for the day was a Journey through Cartagena. The bus was blessedly air conditioned. The guide, Vicki, was delightful and a fountain of information. Cartagena is a city of 1.4 million, the fifth largest in Columbia. There is a very modern new city filled with skyscrapers and large apartment complexes. And there is the old city including a walled portion which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our first stop was at Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, or Convento de la Popa for short, at the summit of a large hill. The views from here are outstanding and stretch all over the city. The convent’s name literally means the ‘Convent of the Stern,’ after the hill’s similarity to a ship’s back end. Founded by Augustine fathers in 1607, it was initially just a small wooden chapel, but when the hill was fortified two centuries later it was replaced by a stouter construction.
City scenes in Cartagena.
Elaine is in one picture. Our guide Vicki is in another. There are street vendors everywhere selling everything (Panama hats, sunglasses, trinkets, Colombian cigars, water, beer, etc.). They are persistent but they do take no for an answer. You’ll see one picture of a woman in traditional dress that I had to pay one American dollar for permission to take the picture. You will also see a statue of Simon Bolivar (Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar Palacios Ponte y Blanco) on horseback. There are statues everywhere of him. Bolivar led what are currently the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia to independence from the Spanish Empire. And you’ll see a Christmas decoration depicting Santa Claus.
Our last stop was at Iglesia de San Pedro Claver. Saint Peter Claver was a Jesuit who dedicated his life to helping the poor of Cartagena. Pope Francis visited here in 2017. (The only American president to visit Colombia was Barack Obama.)
A Christmas eve mass was taking place in the Cathedral when we stopped by. It’s just a short walk from the church above.
Back at the ship we wandered about for a bit in the aviary that is part of the terminal complex. We also enjoyed a local Colombian beer.
Whew! That’s enough for today. I’ll skip dinner on the ship. At 2 PM we set sail for Colon, Panama. I’ll be back on Christmas day from Colon.
I forgot we also visited Cartagena on our Panama cruise. Beautiful city. Glad you got to see it. Merry Christmas to all! 🎁🌲🌵
Merry Christmas from AZ to you both. There was a nip in the air last night back here. Have a super day, and a happy and healthy new year!
Joe, I always enjoy your photos and commentary.
Wishing you and Elaine a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Maureen
Back at ya, Maureen. Are you still in the Boston area?
Colorful, pretty place to see. The churches are certainly a very important part of their daily lives. The alters were beautiful. Thank you for sharing those pics Joe. The birds are beautiful, so bright, just bring a smile to your face. Good seeing you and Elaine enjoying their cold beer.