2015 Christmas Cruise, Day 12

Thursday, December 31st.

Today was another port day, Cartegena, Colombia.  Since Colombia is considered part of the South American Continent, this marks Kent's 3rd continent visited and DeeAnn's second.  Cartagena was founded by the Spanish Explorer Madrileño Don Pedro de Heredia in 1533.  Located in the northwestern area of South America, Cartagena sits on the northern coast of Colombia and shares its borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama.  The population of Cartagena in 2010 was 952,024.  Situated so close to the equator, Colombia does not have seasons and maintains an average temperature of 82°F.  They use the Colombian Peso as their currency but widely accept the US dollar as well. 

The cuisine of Colombia is influenced by those of Spain, Italy, France, America, and native influences.  local specialties include buñuelos, a deep fried corn flour ball with cheese in the dough, and empanadas, made with potato and meat in a pouch-like yellow exterior.  Pre-Colombian civilizations cultivated about 200 varieties of potatoes and Cartageneros know how to prepare them hundreds of different and delicious ays.  About 12% of the world's coffee is produced in Colombia.  95% of the world's emeralds come from Colombia and they are the second largest flower exporter in the world. 

City map

Princess describes the port:  "One of the more interesting cities on your itinerary steeped in history. This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous "Old City" is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants.

Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire's influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain's hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena's well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region's grand past."

We scheduled a hop on/hop off tour on one of the local tour services.  There were 12 stops along the way which we could have got off, looked around and get back on the next bus, which ran every 30-45 minutes.  But we stayed on, not really knowing if it was safe to get off or if we could even get back to the ship.  However, we did get off for a walking tour of the old city, which was very interesting.  It was a very warm day. 

Princess described the tour as:  Begin at the scenic La Bodeguita Pier and continue to Pastelillo Fortress. Built in the 16th century, this was one of Cartagena's first defense posts.

Pastelillo Fortress

Continue on to the bright golden-yellow Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), one of the most iconic sights in Cartagena, standing tall over the main entrance to the old colonial city, the walled section displaying 18th-century homes, beautiful squares and lively cafes. The tower was constructed in 1888 and faces a statue of Pedro de Heredia, the city's founder.

From this venue, you'll commence on a walking tour through the Old City, a wonderful opportunity to photograph the Spanish colonial architecture, much of which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The larger the balcony, the wealthier the family

Such notable sights as the gracious La Plaza de San Pedro Claver, stately Cartagena Cathedral, and El Museo del Oro, a petite gold museum that houses exquisite pieces and teaches the fascinating history of the gold and pottery of the Sinu people.

The haunting El Palacio de la Inquisicion, one of the best-preserved late-colonial structures in town, showcases a stone gateway topped with the Spanish coat of arms. Look around the side of the building for a tiny window with a cross on the top. This is where heretics were denounced for their crimes of magic and witchcraft.

Locals in costumes

Lots of street vendors selling an assortment of wares

Wares of all sorts being sold in the city

Street scene

You'll also find Las Bóvedas (the dungeons), a row of cells now converted into artisan shops, and Santo Domingo Square, named after the Santo Domingo Church, which looms above the plaza. The church was built in 1539, and legend tells that the reason the bell tower has a twisted profile is due to the devil's failed attempt to destroy it.

Plaque describing the city

You might choose to stop at Las Murallas, built to fortify the city from the constant raid of pirates. These walls are considered the city's most distinctive feature, built over time from 1600 through 1796. A walk along this landmark is a city tradition.

More plaques around the city

Another can't-miss attraction is the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, built in 1639.
Inside this building, you'll travel through a series of spooky tunnels. The acoustics are near-perfect, constructed so approaching footsteps could be heard to alert of an enemy approach.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle

People walking up the paths of the San Felipe de Barajas Castle

San Felipe de Barajas Castle.  Much larger than it looks

 San Martin Avenue in the New City is lined with fashionable boutiques, bars and restaurants, followed by Pierino Gallo, a modern retail area and important emerald sales district. Colombia is significant for its emerald production, and here you'll find numerous shops selling the precious green gem.

Drive along the scenic Cartagena Bay to La Bodeguita Pier. Once you are ready to return to the port, just hop back on board. Tour timing is at your discretion. Please ensure ample time to return to the port."

Iguana

Have to say that the San Felipe de Barajas Castle was incredible.  We didn't get off and tour it, but our table mate did and he said it was quite a steep walk and wall-to-wall with people (there were 3 cruise ships in port today, nearly 1,000,000 residents, and lots of others visiting the city in anticipation of New Years celebration. 

Once we returned to the pier, we went down to a set of shops to buy some last minute souvenirs.  It was here we saw the iguana and flamingos. 

It's New Years Eve so it was our final formal night.  On our previous cruise when we brought in the year, they distributed hats and party favors but we didn't see that this year.  But since we are not party animals anyway, we woke up to hear the new year being brought in but skipped the on-deck party.  Because the sea was still pretty rocky, they actually moved the party from the pool deck to the atrium. But we did sit for a formal portrait.  There was no line and we had several shots taken.  We eventually purchased one of the shots. 

Formal night portrait

Red potatoes as an appetizer