Day 101–April 16–Cartagena, Spain

This strategic port on the Spanish Mediterranean Sea was an absolute delight to visit.  We only had a short stay here and most of us passengers were wishing for more.  It is so interesting how each country has a different feel to it and how an observant traveler can pick up on it very quickly.  Spain, at least to me, seemed much more laid back than the other Mediterranean ports that we have visited.  That also could have been because it was the Saturday before Palm Sunday. 

 

  The Nieue Amsterdam another Holland American ship was in port.  In was huge as you can see in the picture about double the size of our ship, the Amsterdam.  They were offering tours to go view it.  I wasn’t in the least bit interested.  Why go on another ship when there is a foreign city to explore?  But 400 of my fellow passengers signed up to go gawk…

 

  We were docked right next to each other.  I was surprised that even with so many tourists in town and the locals out in full force, it wasn’t a mob scene at all.  Looks like the modern developers of this city knew what they were doing.

  The town is surrounded by several forts and the ramparts are lined by a broad seaside esplanade.  Abundant palm trees and flowers line the way.

 

  A “Waste Management” truck.  Tiny and very efficient.  The city is remarkably clean except for the graffiti which I didn’t find offensive. 

On my first visit into town, I of course had to get to a cyber café.

  My friend Cody showed me how to take a picture with my computer.  What would we do without knowledgeable teenagers.

  Catholicism is the major religion and these purple banners with a religious significance were hanging from many balconies.

  Museum dedicated to Roman artifacts from nearby sites.

 The Roman coliseum being worked on.  It was late in our stay when I finally found the coliseum so I didn’t have time to go see it completely.

I spent most of the day walking through the main shopping district which is paved with lovely cobblestones and blocked off to traffic.  There were many cafes, fountains, statues, churches, homes and of course shops.

 

  These iron statues were throughout the area.  I believe this one is depicting two nuns with a child.

  Apartment or Condo complex

 

  A Fountain.  As the day progressed more families came out to stroll or have a meal at one of the restaurants.  As always I enjoyed “people watching” and in particular got a kick out of seeing women my age or older gather with their friends and chat over coffee.  They were stylishly dressed in suits and sensible shoes.  They were beautifully made up and had a demeanor of seriousness and wisdom about them.  I wanted to sit down and join them.

A Strolling Spanish guitar player.  My day has now been made!

 

  A monument to memorialize those who have died in terrorist attacks.  This was quite moving, a huge depiction of a nude grieving male.  Spain along with many other European countries has  been affected by hatred and fear.

But I don’t want to end this blog entry on Cartagena on a sad note.  As I walked further down the esplanade,  I saw this group of German motorcyclists eating at a café.  Their shiny BMW bikes were parked nearby.

  A toothless Accordion player.  I have been trying to make it a habit to throw a Euro in at every street side musician that I see.  They add so much to my experience.

  When I returned to the ship, my friend Andy, who lives in Spain, was departing.   He was so reluctant to leave, as he said he will now have to start cooking for himself and making his own bed.  Poor Baby!!!

  The “sail away” was beautiful.  I took a wonderful “siesta” in a deck chair as I watched this scenery unfold in front of me.

 
Taken before I dozed off.

I had a 3 hour dinner this evening with my new friend Jenna, not a subject was left untouched.  After our meal we went to the Indonesian Crew show.  The majority of the workers on the ship (dining room, stewards, engine room staff, sailors, etc) are either Philippine or Indonesian.  Each group gives a show to us passengers towards the end of the trip.  The Philippines show was a couple of weeks ago.  These shows usually depict some aspect of their cultures.  It’s a treat to see members of the crew sing and dance.  Some emotion is felt during the show, since these young men and women have been taking care of most of our physical needs for some time now and most of us become very attached to them.  They are usually always smiling and so eager to please.  At first I was uncomfortable with such servitude  but I then began to realize that feelings are hurt if I don’t let them wait on me.  I now joke with Didit & Nyoman, my stewards and Lam and Harris, the guys who work in the restaurant.  I appreciatively share smiles with Ira and Anna the young women at Lido’s who now know that I don’t eat meat. 

Before I went to bed, I made arrangements to have a wake-up call at 4 a.m., because that was when we were scheduled to go through the straits of Gibraltar.  When that dreadful time arrived I drowsily threw a robe on and walked out on the deck.  It was still dark and I could only make out the outlines of the famous Rock, surprisingly there were other diehards there.  It was a thrill to pass through the narrows heading for the Atlantic Ocean with Spain on our right side and Africa on our left. 

We have a station on our cabin TV which always broadcasts our location and other shipping information.  This is what it looks like: 

Thankfully I was able to get back to sleep.