Iberian Voyages 8 - Cartagena

Wednesday April 10

The Clio is supposed to arrive in Cartagena at 8:30 am. Amazing how punctual the captain can do that. 

Breakfast starting at 7:30 am as always. Our red group is leaving today at 9:20. 

The port area is very nice and we don’t need a bus to go into the city. Our local leader is stopping soon at a large map to give us the first inside.

The “El Zulo” is a dramatic bronze sculpture in the harbor plaza by Victor  Ochoa. It’s a 19.5 foot high sculpture of a man sitting with his head buried between his knees. His nakedness represents everyone’s vulnerability to terrorism. 

We crossed the street and we were in the city and walked between some beautiful buildings. 

Soon we came to some new excavations. There is so much history here. It was so interesting. 

Every time I see a massive tree like this I wonder what that tree might have witnessed. 

Back to the Casa Consistorial, or Pakacio Consistorial, which is the Town Hall of Cartagena.

There were some nice cafes and we got a surprise at one. We sat down for a rest and those who wanted it received a “Café Asiatico”. It’s very taste with a bit is alcoholic liqueur. 

And after that we walked to the ruins of a Roman Theater. On the way we passed this painting on some houses. 

We have seen many of these paintings on plain facades. Some are plain or simple, some seem to be just graffiti, and some are near masterpieces. 

The Roman Theater was erected between 5 and 1 BC. Or local guide and our trip leader Joana now so many details and can answer most questions. It was found just a very few years ago by chance because of a garage renovation. Because of new tools like sonar etc these discoveries are just a little easier  

We were back on the ship and at the lunch buffet around 2 pm. 

At 3 pm our ship left the harbor again. James and I had fun watching (as we say “help the captain”).

The pilot boat is picking up the pilot  

We had a very busy day. At 4 pm we attended the chocolate, cheese and wine tasting. It was very interesting.  

Our 4 group trip leaders are such fun people. 

The pairings of wines and bites of cheese/chocolate were very interesting. 

Ah, white Porto.

Dinner usually starts at 7 pm but we were not really hungry. But then, it is always so delicious.

This photo was taken at 8:36 pm.

After dinner the trip leaders held a “Liar’s Club” event. It was a lot of fun  too. 

Time to say “nighty night” again. If you read these reports I wonder what you think about tearing down buildings to excavate older constructions? Leave me a comment on the bottom