Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Cartagena, Columbia
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Cartagena, Columbia
The "Old" Cartagena
The city of Cartagena, known in the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias, is a major port founded in 1533, located on the northern coast of Columbia in the Caribbean Coast Region. It was strategically located between the Magdalena and Sinu rivers and became the main port for trade between Spain and its overseas empire, establishing its importance by the early 1540s. During the colonial era it was a key port for the export of Peruvian silver to Spain and for the import of African slaves under the asiento system. It was defensible against pirate attacks in the Caribbean. Cartagena is the capital of the Bolivar Department, and has a population of 971,592 as of 2016. It is the fifth largest city in Columbia and the second largest in the region, after Barranquilla. The urban area of Cartagena is also the fifth largest urban area in the country. Economic activities include the maritime and petrochemicals industries as well as tourism. The city was founded on June 1, 1533, and named after Cartagena, Spain, which in turn was named after Carthage in Tunisia. Settlement in the region around Cartagena Bay by various indigenous people dates back to 4000 BC. During the Spanish colonial period Cartagena served a key role in administration and expansion of the Spanish empire. It was a center of political, ecclesiastical, and economic activity. In 1984, Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The "New" Cartagena
Looks like we have a beautiful day today. Not too many clouds in the sky. Am slated to go on a four-hour tour of the National Aviary of Columbia. One and a half hours of that time will be used up in transport to and from the Aviary. This is known as one of the finest aviaries in the world, renowned for housing a very high number of species. Makes sense as Columbia boasts the world's greatest bird diversity, with more than 1900 species.
What an adventure we had today. Quite a long ride over ill-paved roads - 25 of us heading out to Baru Island, through industrial areas - cement and brick factories - in an old, small bus that could barely make it up a slight grade. Thought we might have to get out and push the bus to the top!
Finally there - so hot and humid. Beautiful facility created by someone fairly wealthy who'd also created a marine park on another island here (there are 27 islands in Cartagena). He wondered how he could get the birds away from the fish (they were feasting on them), so he decided on a bird sanctuary - smart - it worked!
We began on foot through the totally caged facility, each species completely protected from others, double doors between each section providing safe passage of visitors without mixing up the bird species. Nearly half way through and I realized that my legs were on fire - some small creatures were feasting on me. They'd been waiting for imported blood. Thought they might be mosquitoes - but maybe something else. Raised huge red welts that itched like crazy, and had the same effects on my skin as fire ants - had that experience in Fiji many years ago!
In addition, at least twice, the top of my head was either pooped or peed on by some invisible (to me) avian creature.
Given the meal these little critters were having at my expense, decided to keep moving at my own pace, swatting, itching and rubbing my sore legs as I toddled along, trying to take photos with my camera without the camera slipping out of my very wet and sweating hands. My only hope could be that the bus would still be there in the parking lot, with the A/C on and I could rest there waiting for the others. Prayers were answered.
Our local guide on this jaunt was very good - told us lots about the local life, more than I can remember. Was once again so grateful to be born in the United States.
Briefly, 70% of the population is considered low class (that was his term). They make several hundred dollars a month, pay at least a third of that in rent. Believe he did say that they were on full medical assistance. We passed through some of these neighborhoods and conditions didn't look very good.
Twenty-five percent of the population, are considered a little better off, make upwards of $1,000 to $2,000 a month, and pay for part of their medical.
Only five percent are considered wealthy, make between $10,000 - $30,000 a month. Believe the guide, Sergio, told us that they pay for a greater percentage of their medical - perhaps all of it.
On our way back to the ship, the skies darkened and rain came with a flash of lightning, a very loud clap of thunder, and we were inundated. Did take photos from the bus, but you won't get the full effect of the rain, which even penetrated the roof of the bus!!! Yes, it rained inside!
The streets were awash, drivers were acting erratically in order to avoid huge lakes and streets turned into torrential rivers, instantly formed. Saw two fender benders. Trucks darted out in front of us, only to be honked at while our driver sat on the brakes. Our driver was really pretty agile behind the wheel - and all of this done without the use of windshield wipers - they did work later on, so am still wondering why he didn't use them immediately.
When we got back to the ship the driver pulled up right next to the gangway, and even though the rain had let up a bit, I decided not to use the umbrella and was soaked by the time I ascended the steps behind some very slow passengers!! Oh well, had to shower anyway, to get the pee and poop out of my hair!!
Local folkloric troupe came on board for entertainment at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at the Thomas Keller Grille with my new friends. the Aussies and Kiwis. They are such good company, so sorry to see them all get off the ship in Miami. Tried a new wine last evening, will post that photo later, as we are now out to sea. Also had my first glass of Cristal Champagne - so delicious!!! - courtesy of the Aussies!
What an adventure we had today. Quite a long ride over ill-paved roads - 25 of us heading out to Baru Island, through industrial areas - cement and brick factories - in an old, small bus that could barely make it up a slight grade. Thought we might have to get out and push the bus to the top!
Finally there - so hot and humid. Beautiful facility created by someone fairly wealthy who'd also created a marine park on another island here (there are 27 islands in Cartagena). He wondered how he could get the birds away from the fish (they were feasting on them), so he decided on a bird sanctuary - smart - it worked!
We began on foot through the totally caged facility, each species completely protected from others, double doors between each section providing safe passage of visitors without mixing up the bird species. Nearly half way through and I realized that my legs were on fire - some small creatures were feasting on me. They'd been waiting for imported blood. Thought they might be mosquitoes - but maybe something else. Raised huge red welts that itched like crazy, and had the same effects on my skin as fire ants - had that experience in Fiji many years ago!
In addition, at least twice, the top of my head was either pooped or peed on by some invisible (to me) avian creature.
Given the meal these little critters were having at my expense, decided to keep moving at my own pace, swatting, itching and rubbing my sore legs as I toddled along, trying to take photos with my camera without the camera slipping out of my very wet and sweating hands. My only hope could be that the bus would still be there in the parking lot, with the A/C on and I could rest there waiting for the others. Prayers were answered.
Our local guide on this jaunt was very good - told us lots about the local life, more than I can remember. Was once again so grateful to be born in the United States.
Not a bird!! This creature dropped out an overhead branch, right at my feet -
gave me a scare!
gave me a scare!
Briefly, 70% of the population is considered low class (that was his term). They make several hundred dollars a month, pay at least a third of that in rent. Believe he did say that they were on full medical assistance. We passed through some of these neighborhoods and conditions didn't look very good.
Twenty-five percent of the population, are considered a little better off, make upwards of $1,000 to $2,000 a month, and pay for part of their medical.
Only five percent are considered wealthy, make between $10,000 - $30,000 a month. Believe the guide, Sergio, told us that they pay for a greater percentage of their medical - perhaps all of it.
On our way back to the ship, the skies darkened and rain came with a flash of lightning, a very loud clap of thunder, and we were inundated. Did take photos from the bus, but you won't get the full effect of the rain, which even penetrated the roof of the bus!!! Yes, it rained inside!
The streets were awash, drivers were acting erratically in order to avoid huge lakes and streets turned into torrential rivers, instantly formed. Saw two fender benders. Trucks darted out in front of us, only to be honked at while our driver sat on the brakes. Our driver was really pretty agile behind the wheel - and all of this done without the use of windshield wipers - they did work later on, so am still wondering why he didn't use them immediately.
When we got back to the ship the driver pulled up right next to the gangway, and even though the rain had let up a bit, I decided not to use the umbrella and was soaked by the time I ascended the steps behind some very slow passengers!! Oh well, had to shower anyway, to get the pee and poop out of my hair!!
Local folkloric troupe came on board for entertainment at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at the Thomas Keller Grille with my new friends. the Aussies and Kiwis. They are such good company, so sorry to see them all get off the ship in Miami. Tried a new wine last evening, will post that photo later, as we are now out to sea. Also had my first glass of Cristal Champagne - so delicious!!! - courtesy of the Aussies!
Another very good wine!!
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