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Cartagena, founded in 1533, was one of Spain's most prized ports in the New World. Today its history is preserved as another United Nations World Heritage Site. The city is considered an island of peace in a country plagued by civil war and drug violence, but we were still warned to be extra vigilant with our belongings and safety.
Sailing into the harbour was quite lovely, but we could tell it was going to be another hot and steamy day as the sun beat down and overpowered the slight breeze that tried to cool us. We disembarked and took our luck with a local bus tour of the city. The tours offered by cruise boats are usually quite exorbitant in price and we have found that once in port, local companies offer similar tours at very much lower prices.
We enjoyed our day, but our tour guide turned out to be quite a little Hitler. His manner was very curt and bossy, though I don't think he meant to be so authoritative. It was just his way of being efficient and using English the best way he knew. It was entertaining though.
"Everybody come now! Quick, take a photo. Now, you have 10 minutes to look. If I say 10 minutes I mean 10, not 30. Then on the bus. Understand?"
"OK. Everybody pay now. Give me $20 or get off the bus. Good. Now, is everybody happy?"
Little Hitler, otherwise known as Rodrigo Rodriguez, had us moving like a well oiled machine. We all behaved and as a result we got to see much of the city in a reasonable time without too much hassle.
The city of Cartagena has a population of one and a half million and I think they were all on the road this morning. It was slow going on the streets as we began, not helped at all by having three cruise boats in port as well. We started by climbing the hill to La Popa Monastery where an excellent view of the city and surrounds is available. Luckily for us we made it early (thanks to Rodrigo) for as we descended the hill we saw bus after bus after bus crawling up the road, stopping and having to park part way up, disgorging their passengers who had to walk up in the steamy heat because the buses could not move any further due to the traffic jam. How on earth they could ever eventually get up and then turn around in the limited space at the top, I do not know. We made our escape and drove through the new city, a long sleek Gold Coast type strip beside the sea, then on to the massive fort of San Felipe de Barajas and the old walled city.
Cartagena's history is a bloody one frequented by sieges and sackings, once even falling to Sir Francis Drake in 1586. It's forts and massive stone walls built to defend itself are very impressive. I would like to say we enjoyed strolling around the old city, but alas it was not to be. Rodrigo had us marching at top speed ( "Keep up my people! You will get lost otherwise.) and so, the beauty was gulped in at high speed and shots snapped in haste. Such a pity really, as the streets were attractive, the cool shady squares inviting, and the buildings and shops colourful and begging to be explored in greater detail.
With sweat soaked clothes and our running shoes wearing thin, Rodrigo bustled us back onto the bus and deposited us back at the port by 2:30, well and truly in time to gather another unsuspecting bus load of thrifty tourists to bully through his beloved city. To his credit he only lost one couple along he way and they volunteered (or should I say they deserted) to stay shopping in the market area. His final order to us as approaching the port was not met with much appreciation. "Now, everyone happy? Good! $20 was for transport only. Now I am coming through the bus and you must pay me $5 each for my wages." Silly man. He could have earned that much or more in tips if he had kept his mouth closed. Obviously he hasn't heard the old saying that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Still, it was a grand day. We got to see something of this interesting city, though be it in haste, and we got a few good laughs along the way, even though we felt like naughty school children. We sailed out of Cartagena after dark, feeling a little sad that this was the final visit of our cruise. We are looking forward to relaxing during our next two days at sea as we cruise towards Miami through the mighty Caribbean.
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