Caribbean Loot

Trip Start Apr 09, 2006
1
142
148
Trip End Jun 09, 2007


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Colombia  , Bolívar,
Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Arrived in Cartagena after an uneventful connection through Panama City.  It's odd being in a hott place again and I've had trouble adjusting to the constant state of sweat.  I've been close to the equator for a while, but, with the exception of The Galápagos, I've been at least at 2,000m and the elevation has cooled things down.  Shorts at night were still the norm...but a sweater or a few shirts were also needed.  The humidity of the Caribbean coast is something I haven't experienced in a while.

Founded in 1533, Cartagena quickly grew into the Spaniards' most important port on the Caribbean.  This was the place the Spanish stashed all the loot they stole from the indigenous peoples while awaiting the galleons to cart it back to Europe.  All that stolen treasure attracted some unwanted attention...from pirates.  The city was sacked no fewer than five times, the most notable of which was led by Sir Francis Drake in 1586.

The Spanish responded by transforming Cartagena into an impregnable port.  They constructed elaborate walls encircling the town and a chain of fortifications that helped save Cartagena from subsequent sieges.

Today, Cartagena has grown into a modern city and industrial center.  High-rise buildings dot the coast just beyond the old city walls, which still protect much of the colonial-era architecture.  I've found the place good for a few days, but not really as impressive as I had imagined it to be.  Colombia seems to be on every travelers lips at the moment and I expected nothing less than magnificence!  I think this is another sign that I'm ready to start heading towards home....it takes a lot to get a "wow" outta me nowadays!

I had some good nights in Cartagena - I met Garreth (GWIZ from the Thorntree for those of you following) and the entire Tupiza group.....again.  This is about the fourth time I've run into them since meeting them in southern Bolivia!

Bought another flight:

Bogotá - Mexico City  May 31
Mexico City - Guatemala City   May 31
Slideshow Print this entry Cartagena hotels

Comments

ruudbatta
ruudbatta on May 15, 2007 at 03:44AM

Spoiled...
Poor guy...

That's what you get from travelling all over the world! You get spoiled! ;-) But isn't it great?!?! You've been to places most people only dream about!

But... I kind of missed the follow-up on the previous post... did my good-luck-wish any good? :-)

Mazzel,
Ruudje

sabarod
sabarod on May 15, 2007 at 04:10PM

Re: Spoiled...
I'm sure your good wishes did, in fact, help. Unfortunately, the 'third date' never came to fruition.

Add Comment