Cartagena ( Colombia )

25th January 2016

Cartagena

The day before we arrived at Cartagena we received leaflets from P&O warning us of the potential safety and security risks whilst ashore and to remain vigilant at all times. We were also advised that the risk from the Zika Virus spread by mosquitos in the Caribbean area.  We did consider not going ashore, but decided that us intrepid explorers should not be put off but such risks.  So with trepidation we removed all our valuables including watches, rings and credit card sprayed with full strength mosquito repellent and ventured ashore.

We joined other passengers and negotiated a taxi ride into town.  Geoffrey sat in the front and with his fluent Spanish chatted to the drive, who was also called William.  However, his driving left a little to be desired and he swerved all over the road to miss the potholes, but we did eventually arrive safely to the walled city, where William promised to return in 3 hours to pick us up.

We then split up with our fellow passengers and entered the ancient walled city and were pleasantly surprised with what we encountered.  With its narrow streets and picturesque balconies and numerous up market shops, which included many jewellers specialising in selling the local emeralds, Doreen went to one jewellers and found a beautiful emerald ring that she would like to buy.  However, we had left all our credit cards safely back on the ship (Geoffrey had to smile!!!!!).

We spent the next two and a half hours walking around the streets in temperatures of 34 degrees and although we came across a number of street sellers and one persistent beggar, we did not at all feel at risk, and were glad that we had made the effort to come into town.  We found a yellow cab and negotiated a fare to take us back to our air-conditioned ship, where we went on board for lunch. 

After lunch we left the ship and returned to the Terminal Building for Doreen to get some more retail therapy, whilst Geoffrey walked round the various aviaries that surrounded the Terminal Building. 

Despite all the warnings we were given we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cartegena and would recommend it to anyone as a must visit place.