Magnificent Cartagena - Panama Canal Cruise - Part Two

This was my favorite city on our cruise.  From the moment we approached the harbor in the early morning to see the sun shinning on the bright white high rises it took my breath away.  I was shocked as this was not my expectation.  I just could not stop taking pictures and instantly fell in love with this city.

In 1984, Cartagena was designated as a World Heritage Site.  There is truly only one Cartagena, a wonderful and unique city.

Early morning - my first sight of Cartagena

Our little tugboat pulling up along side us

Area while walking out of port

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

building began 1536, completed 1654

Blas de Lezo, defender of the fort.  Amputated arm and leg.

Las Palenqueras

Fruit basket ladies

It was a tourist madhouse.  You could tell the ship was in

vendors every where selling everything.  Not too aggressive.

View from the Hill at La Popa Monastery

Our cruise ship at the dock

Magnificent city

La Candelaria Convent

Chapel Virgin de la Candelaria

Shakira's Barefoot Foundation just built & dedicated this school 2/14

http://colombiareports.co/shakira-cartagena-inaugurate-new-school

Marevly - our tour guide

Inside the Walled City 

Beautiful old buildings, narrow streets

Statute "La Gordita" by Fernando Botero

Church of Santo Domingo

Oldest church in the city, 1551

 Fishermen Mimes, put money in their bucket and

they reel in a fish then go back to being still

Plaza Bolivar

Gold Museum

Our goal on the tour

Amazing gold display

Some pre-Colombian antiquities

Left side tribal nose rings

James #10 - Colombia's Soccer World Cup hero

Surprising and fun metal sculptures in a square in the Walled City

Cards

An intense chess game

Cathedral of San Pedro Claver

Begun 1575

Interesting story:  http://www.viator.com/Cartagena-attractions/Cathedral-of-San-Pedro-Claver/d4498-a6193

Wonderful sculptures all over the city
Father Claver, friend to slaves

One tall wall to protect the city

Statute in harbor of Virgin Carmen to protect navigators

Lands end - Castillo Grande lighthouse buried in between high rises.

Farewell

It was so hard to leave this city.  There were so many things to see, do, taste.  This was by far my favorite port o'call on the trip and I hope to return some day and give the time due this charming place.  I will never forget how I felt when we started entering the harbor - entranced.