Cartagena, Columbia

Welcome to Cartagena!

The first time we ever came to Cartagena I have to admit my mind went to the cartels. It took a few trips here before my mind automatically didn't focus on the bad. (Although years back we witnessed the most aggressive and largest groups of pushy vendors at every one of the Hop On Hop Off bus stops.)

I was up early watching as we docked and as the busses were given the okay to start filling the pier. Busses down one direction...

and down the other. 

Wonder how today's HOHO guests fared

Update: I spoke to passengers who rode the Hop On Hop Off today and they told me stories of the aggressiveness of the vendors. So nope, no change.

No tour bus for me today, though. I knew exactly where I was headed - to the aviary in the port area. The Port Oasis EcoPark was oh-so-close to the ship. It's an easy walk but there is also a free shuttle provided.

It was quite a lovely experience. It's like a zoo, but more of a sanctuary. And it's free! I saw lots of animals. The birds were free range so they flew (and landed) all around.

Flamingos were in an enclosed area

So was the Collared Peccary, thank goodness

Being I can't stand monkeys I'm glad I didn't come across any. They also have sloths but I didn't see any of those, either.

But I did come across beautiful birds who were free to go wherever they wanted. At my feet, in the trees, and flying overhead. 

I even had one investigating my scooter.

I spent a couple hours there just looking at everything. They have a nice store and I was able to pick up some new bling for Scooter. 

Just big enough to hold hand sanitizer and lip balm

But the time I was ready to go back, I was sweaty. Like clothes stuck-to-you sweaty. A cool beverage from their little cafe (menu at the end of this post) helped to cool me down just a little, but I would probably need half a dozen to bring me much relief. 

Even the vultures knew I was about done

Before I left I came across one last picture I just had to take. The simplest and sweetest of all.

I wheeled my way back to the ship..

went to the cabin, peeled off my clothes, and got dressed for the pool. Swam for a couple hours, had an ice cream cone, a free 5 minute shoulder massage from the spa gals, and had my nightgown back on before dinnertime. An exhausting but full day in Cartagena.

This was our last port of this cruise. Folks I've talked to are ready to get back home while I'm ready to really get my trip started. We have a couple sea days and then will be in Fort Lauderdale on Friday. See you then!

Cafe Menu. I thought the prices were great.