13/01

Cartagena, Columbia. Our second visit to Columbia but a new city. As we approach we observe the sprawling skyscrapers which easily give NYC a challenge, but that's not our destination. We're heading for the old town, a fortified town with mostly intact walls, and tiny streets packed with people. To get there we walk from the port through Manga, a rough area (we spotted a gun shop, and iron railings on everything) crossed a bridge into Getsemani where the neighbourhood improved somewhat, before finally arriving at the old town. Here the contrasts were stark, evidence of poverty and wealth rubbing shoulders.

The old town was settled in 1553 by Pedro de Heredia who's statue is centre place in the square as one enters. The town became the gateway to South America and wealth followed. After that naughty pirate Sir Francis Drake had a go, they built massive fortifications to keep us out in future.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site the old town is a treasure trove of differing architectures brought by colonial Spaniards with help from Italians and others. Most of the town seems to be being rebuilt today, but we see lovely churches, market squares and street after street of colourfully painted buildings between the scaffolding. We found a very smart hotel for lunch, but afterwards were surprised to discover that there are simply loads of them, turn a corner and find another 5-star hotel!

Walking back home we have completed 9.5 miles - that's enough for one day - it's time to head on upstairs for a sailaway drinkie. We enjoy sunset over the modern city as we back out into the basin and head North toward Grand Caymen.

Dinner tonigh is our last Le Cirque which is predictably wonderful. Shame the same can't be said about the guest performer - we've seen him several times over the years, but tonight it's just not his usual standard, and the piano is badly miked up so it sounds bad too.

We're being thrown from pillar to post so not sure either photos or blog will get posted, I will keep on trying for a while.

Posted with Blogsy