| Colombia Facts... Capital City: Bogota Population: 39.5 Million Highest Point: Christobal Colon, 18,947' in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range of the Andes Area: 440,000 sq miles...about the size of the four corner states combined (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah). It can be divided into three main land regions: (1) the Coastal Lowlands, (2) the Andes Mountains, and (3) the Eastern Planes. Currency: Colombian Peso...currently about 2,800 pesos = $1 US Language: Spanish Major Products: Coffee (Juan Valdez country), emeralds, gold, coal, rice, bananas, beef cattle Government: Colombia is a republic. The country's Constitution was adopted in 1886 and has been revised numerous times. The country is divided into 23 states or departments, 9 national territories and a Special District, which consists of Bogota (like Washington, D.C). Each department has a governor appointed by the president and an assembly elected by the people. |
Puerta del Reloj
The clock tower gate is a symbol of Cartagena. Several spires and
towers can be seen from virtually anywhere in the city and the Clock
Tower is one of them. An integral part of the city wall, this is the main
entrance to the walled city. Passing through its wide, shadowy portals,
there are several vendors selling cigarettes, candy, books and the
ubiquitous lottery tickets. Once inside the city wall, you arrive in Plaza
de los Coches (carriage Square), former site of the slave market. The
original clock was replaced in 1875. Of the three entrances to the city,
this is the only original gate.
The clock tower gate is a symbol of Cartagena. Several spires and
towers can be seen from virtually anywhere in the city and the Clock
Tower is one of them. An integral part of the city wall, this is the main
entrance to the walled city. Passing through its wide, shadowy portals,
there are several vendors selling cigarettes, candy, books and the
ubiquitous lottery tickets. Once inside the city wall, you arrive in Plaza
de los Coches (carriage Square), former site of the slave market. The
original clock was replaced in 1875. Of the three entrances to the city,
this is the only original gate.
La Catedral - The most familiar sight in the old city of
Catagena is the spire of the cathedral. We were able
to walk through it and had the opportunity to attend a
Mass one evening. Construction began in 1575 and
was completed in 1586.
Catagena is the spire of the cathedral. We were able
to walk through it and had the opportunity to attend a
Mass one evening. Construction began in 1575 and
was completed in 1586.
Las Murallas - The walls encircling the old city of Cartagena were originally begun in 1586, however
nature and war destroyed them and they were rebuilt several times.The walls in place today were
constructed in the 1700's to protect the city. At least 10 feet thick and as much as 30 feet thick in parts
and ranging from 20-30 feet high, they provide a formidable barrier to entry at other than the gates. Ramps
and stairs around the city allow you to climb to the top and walk the ramparts for an unsurpassed view of
the city streets and buildings. The area inside the walled city is called “Corralito de Piedra”. The walled city
itself is referred to as “Ciudad Amarullada”. Below the city walls are the old dungeons, Las Bóvedas
(above, right). They were also used to store munitions, but are now used as stalls for vendors selling
souvenirs and Colombian crafts.
nature and war destroyed them and they were rebuilt several times.The walls in place today were
constructed in the 1700's to protect the city. At least 10 feet thick and as much as 30 feet thick in parts
and ranging from 20-30 feet high, they provide a formidable barrier to entry at other than the gates. Ramps
and stairs around the city allow you to climb to the top and walk the ramparts for an unsurpassed view of
the city streets and buildings. The area inside the walled city is called “Corralito de Piedra”. The walled city
itself is referred to as “Ciudad Amarullada”. Below the city walls are the old dungeons, Las Bóvedas
(above, right). They were also used to store munitions, but are now used as stalls for vendors selling
souvenirs and Colombian crafts.
India Catalina
This is considered a masterpiece of sculture by Eladio
Gil. The bronze Indian woman symbolizes the native
people of Colombia. A smaller version of this statue in
gold is also the Colombian version of "Oscar", given for
excellence in films. It is said that Catalina, a beautiful
and couragious warrior, was captured and sold as a
slave. Don Pedro de Heredia released her and used
her as an interpreter in 1533.
This is considered a masterpiece of sculture by Eladio
Gil. The bronze Indian woman symbolizes the native
people of Colombia. A smaller version of this statue in
gold is also the Colombian version of "Oscar", given for
excellence in films. It is said that Catalina, a beautiful
and couragious warrior, was captured and sold as a
slave. Don Pedro de Heredia released her and used
her as an interpreter in 1533.
Castillo de San Felipe - The walk up to the fort was fairly steep and arduous considering how hot it was. We rested in the shadows of the massive
walls and porticos and ducked into tunnels when we could to get out of the sun and heat. Views of the city from the fort were stupendous on this clear
sunny day and the panorama laid out before us made up for the sweat expended on the way up.This massive fort, built in 1657, was constructed on a hill
overlooking the old city and provided protection for the harbor and the city below it. From the city wall, we were able to view and photograph the fort
and India Catalina, both significant landmarks of the magnificent city of Catagena. Views of the city from the fort were stupendous on this clear, sunny
day. Above the modern fuses with the old. You can see the spire of San Pedro Claver to the left, the spire of the Clock Tower Gate is offcenter and to
the right and the spire of the Cathedral is far right. The wall is in the foreground and the Caribbean sea is beyond the city.
walls and porticos and ducked into tunnels when we could to get out of the sun and heat. Views of the city from the fort were stupendous on this clear
sunny day and the panorama laid out before us made up for the sweat expended on the way up.This massive fort, built in 1657, was constructed on a hill
overlooking the old city and provided protection for the harbor and the city below it. From the city wall, we were able to view and photograph the fort
and India Catalina, both significant landmarks of the magnificent city of Catagena. Views of the city from the fort were stupendous on this clear, sunny
day. Above the modern fuses with the old. You can see the spire of San Pedro Claver to the left, the spire of the Clock Tower Gate is offcenter and to
the right and the spire of the Cathedral is far right. The wall is in the foreground and the Caribbean sea is beyond the city.
Plaza Santo Domingo
Iglesia Santo Domingo (St. Dominic’s
Church) is the oldest church in the city,
constructed at the end of the 16th
century. It faces the Plaza Santo
Domingo, a hotspot for open air
restaurants, antique shops and emerald
factory stores. The entire center of the
plaza is open air restaurants with any
number and variety of street vendors
and performers. Vendors sell hats,
sunglasses, jewelry, watches, coconut
shell combs and trinkets, t-shirts,
paintings. You name it, it's for sale.
Iglesia Santo Domingo (St. Dominic’s
Church) is the oldest church in the city,
constructed at the end of the 16th
century. It faces the Plaza Santo
Domingo, a hotspot for open air
restaurants, antique shops and emerald
factory stores. The entire center of the
plaza is open air restaurants with any
number and variety of street vendors
and performers. Vendors sell hats,
sunglasses, jewelry, watches, coconut
shell combs and trinkets, t-shirts,
paintings. You name it, it's for sale.
Los Balcons - Most houses in the old
city have balconies which are profuse with
bright flowering plants and trees. They
are enchanting to view and take your
breath away with their astounding color
and contrast.
city have balconies which are profuse with
bright flowering plants and trees. They
are enchanting to view and take your
breath away with their astounding color
and contrast.
| s/y Nine of Cups Colombia 2003 |
| Colombia is the only country on the South American continent with a coast along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. |
| The name Colombia was chosen in honor of Christopher Columbus |
| Colombia also once included the countries of Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama. |
| Punta Gallinas, only a few kilometers from Cartagena, is the most northern geographical point of the continent of South America. |
Cartagena de Indias
(Cartagena of the Indies), not
to be confused with the city
of Cartagena, Spain for
which it was named, was
founded in 1533 by Pedro de
Heredia. Cartagena is the
capital of the department of
Bolivar.
(Cartagena of the Indies), not
to be confused with the city
of Cartagena, Spain for
which it was named, was
founded in 1533 by Pedro de
Heredia. Cartagena is the
capital of the department of
Bolivar.
We arrived in Cartagena at dawn on 18 May 2003 after a 74 hour, 455 nautical
mile trip from Santa Cruz, Curacao. We sped along downwind with 25-30 knot
winds and 8-10’ following seas and averaged 6 knots. As we approached the city,
we could barely make out La Popa, the citadel hill behind the city and the cityscape
of old buildings mixed with new. Arrival in Cartagena signified the end of another
passage: Trinidad to Colombia.
There are two entrances to Baia Cartagena. One is used by the big cruise ships
and freighters and is called “Boca Chica”. It’s about 2 miles longer passage. The
other is for smaller boats and is called Boca Grande. The Spanish built a submerged
wall across this opening to keep out foreign invaders. A small cut has been made in
the wall now and is marked by navigational buoys, but it’s very narrow (less than
50’) and if you miss it, you hit the wall. We held our breath going through, but we
never saw less than 10 feet on the depth meter. Once through the narrow Boca
Grande cut into the bay, we were told to head for the Madonna. We weren’t sure
what that meant until we spotted her in the middle of the harbor. ..just waiting for us.
mile trip from Santa Cruz, Curacao. We sped along downwind with 25-30 knot
winds and 8-10’ following seas and averaged 6 knots. As we approached the city,
we could barely make out La Popa, the citadel hill behind the city and the cityscape
of old buildings mixed with new. Arrival in Cartagena signified the end of another
passage: Trinidad to Colombia.
There are two entrances to Baia Cartagena. One is used by the big cruise ships
and freighters and is called “Boca Chica”. It’s about 2 miles longer passage. The
other is for smaller boats and is called Boca Grande. The Spanish built a submerged
wall across this opening to keep out foreign invaders. A small cut has been made in
the wall now and is marked by navigational buoys, but it’s very narrow (less than
50’) and if you miss it, you hit the wall. We held our breath going through, but we
never saw less than 10 feet on the depth meter. Once through the narrow Boca
Grande cut into the bay, we were told to head for the Madonna. We weren’t sure
what that meant until we spotted her in the middle of the harbor. ..just waiting for us.
Club Nautico is our home in Cartagena. The people
are friendly and the price is right…$1.85/day for
anchoring out and using all of their amenities including
fresh water, cold showers, laundry service, dinghy
dock, bar & restaurant. Contrary to many opinions
about Colombia, Cartagena is a safe city. We walk
around with minimal concern, exercising common
sense as we would in any city, including the U.S.
are friendly and the price is right…$1.85/day for
anchoring out and using all of their amenities including
fresh water, cold showers, laundry service, dinghy
dock, bar & restaurant. Contrary to many opinions
about Colombia, Cartagena is a safe city. We walk
around with minimal concern, exercising common
sense as we would in any city, including the U.S.
Donkeys and carts are still used here to
transport small loads and we see them
frequently on the local streets near the
marina.
transport small loads and we see them
frequently on the local streets near the
marina.
| In 1552, the city of Cartagena was reduced to ashes after a devastating fire. Subsequently, Heredia, the governor, prohibited building with materials other than bricks, roof tiles, stone, masonry and rocks. |
Local beer: Aguila
(A-GHEE-la)...
Eagle.
(A-GHEE-la)...
Eagle.
| A Walking Tour of the City…put on your comfy shoes and let’s go! |
Read Marcie's article "Cartagena
the Beautiful" as published in
Caribbean Compass.
the Beautiful" as published in
Caribbean Compass.
| Club Nautico |
| Boca Grande |
| Castillo San Felipe |
| India Catalina Statue |
| Catedral |
| Pegasus |
We took a few sidetrips, but this is basically the route we walked mostly on top
of the city wall. The whole journey is about 8 miles roundtrip. The city of
Cartagena is incredibly beautiful.
of the city wall. The whole journey is about 8 miles roundtrip. The city of
Cartagena is incredibly beautiful.
The downtown area is about a 15 minute walk from the marina. Our first
stop was to visit the “Muelle de los Pegasos” at the head of the city dock.
This is a whole family of bronze winged horses. The stallion is to the left and
the mare with winged foal close to her side is to the right. The detail of the
beasts is captivating.
stop was to visit the “Muelle de los Pegasos” at the head of the city dock.
This is a whole family of bronze winged horses. The stallion is to the left and
the mare with winged foal close to her side is to the right. The detail of the
beasts is captivating.
Streets of Cartagena
Our view from the wall
allowed a wonderful
vantage point for
photographing the
lovely streets that
radiate from the plazas
throughout the city.
Our view from the wall
allowed a wonderful
vantage point for
photographing the
lovely streets that
radiate from the plazas
throughout the city.
Some great knockers...We
spied these distinctive bronze
door -knockers and thought they
were fantastic. Maybe we can
get the Nine of Cups logo made
into one? Of course, there’s no
door on the boat, but…
spied these distinctive bronze
door -knockers and thought they
were fantastic. Maybe we can
get the Nine of Cups logo made
into one? Of course, there’s no
door on the boat, but…
We wandered through the city
after descending from the wall
discovering and admiring all there
was to see. The old circular
theatre to the right is abandoned
now, but is still picturesque. El
Circo Teatro was originally a
bullfighting ring and also used for
theater in the round productions.
It is now condemned with no
apparent hope for renovation.
after descending from the wall
discovering and admiring all there
was to see. The old circular
theatre to the right is abandoned
now, but is still picturesque. El
Circo Teatro was originally a
bullfighting ring and also used for
theater in the round productions.
It is now condemned with no
apparent hope for renovation.
Not all is beautiful. This barrio along the river
reflects the other side of Cartagena and the
conditions of the poor.
reflects the other side of Cartagena and the
conditions of the poor.
Café del Santisimo was an elegant dining experience.
The food was gourmet class, the ambiance was
delightfully romantic, the wine was included with the
meal and flowed endlessly, and the service was
impeccable. The bill: $28.50 including tax and tip.
The food was gourmet class, the ambiance was
delightfully romantic, the wine was included with the
meal and flowed endlessly, and the service was
impeccable. The bill: $28.50 including tax and tip.
It must be the season for moths here and Jelly has
been in moth-catching heaven. We hear her all
through the night (she sleeps the entire day!) running
back and forth on deck, chasing moths and keeping
the boat safe. Sometimes, she brings them below (I
hate that part) and lets them go, but usually it’s an all
out effort on her part just to keep watch for the pesky
critters. One night around dusk, however, Miss Jelly
was sprawled out on the saloon sole, sleeping away,
when a huge moth flew in the hatch. I thought it was
a bird; it was so large. David chased it around for at
least 5 minutes trying to catch it, tripping over the cat
in the process. Old Jellybeans twitched her tail once,
but never even opened her eyes to partake in the fun.
Such a lazy old cat girl.
been in moth-catching heaven. We hear her all
through the night (she sleeps the entire day!) running
back and forth on deck, chasing moths and keeping
the boat safe. Sometimes, she brings them below (I
hate that part) and lets them go, but usually it’s an all
out effort on her part just to keep watch for the pesky
critters. One night around dusk, however, Miss Jelly
was sprawled out on the saloon sole, sleeping away,
when a huge moth flew in the hatch. I thought it was
a bird; it was so large. David chased it around for at
least 5 minutes trying to catch it, tripping over the cat
in the process. Old Jellybeans twitched her tail once,
but never even opened her eyes to partake in the fun.
Such a lazy old cat girl.
A mariachi band serenaded us as we sipped cold beers and Guillermo the Victrola man walked from table to
table offering to play his one 78 rpm record on the ancient wind-up Victrola on his shoulder. We compared
trying to make our way into the plaza past all the street hawkers as similar to running the gauntlet.
table offering to play his one 78 rpm record on the ancient wind-up Victrola on his shoulder. We compared
trying to make our way into the plaza past all the street hawkers as similar to running the gauntlet.
I’ll take mine black…some coffee facts!
|
| ESMERALDAS
|
| Time Zones Moving east into Colombia, we’ve entered into a new time zone: Bogota/Lima/Quito. This happens to be the same time as the Central Standard Time Zone in the U.S. Colombians do not change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time so no adjustments are ever made here. |
From Colombia, we sail to the San Blas Islands of
Panama. En route, we stop at Colombia's Islas
Rosarios. Read Marcie's article on Islas
Rosarios as published in Caribbean Compass. Then
come with us to Panama's San Blas Islands.
Panama. En route, we stop at Colombia's Islas
Rosarios. Read Marcie's article on Islas
Rosarios as published in Caribbean Compass. Then
come with us to Panama's San Blas Islands.
Return to Home Page
but trust us...you'll enjoy visiting the San
Blas much more!
but trust us...you'll enjoy visiting the San
Blas much more!
Zapatos Viejos - This bronze sculpture was
built in honor of Don Luis Lopez, a poet and
native of Cartagena, who became famous for
his sonnet to the “Old Shoes”.
built in honor of Don Luis Lopez, a poet and
native of Cartagena, who became famous for
his sonnet to the “Old Shoes”.
While visiting the “Old Shoes”,a man asked
if we wanted to hold his pet sloth. Yup, a
genuine 3-toed sloth from the jungles of
Colombia. A very docile little creature with
huge claws (all the better to hold on to you,
my dear!) and what appears to be a
perpetual smile on her face. We chocked up
1,500 pesos (54 cents) to our entertainment
budget under the heading “sloth handling”.
if we wanted to hold his pet sloth. Yup, a
genuine 3-toed sloth from the jungles of
Colombia. A very docile little creature with
huge claws (all the better to hold on to you,
my dear!) and what appears to be a
perpetual smile on her face. We chocked up
1,500 pesos (54 cents) to our entertainment
budget under the heading “sloth handling”.
Though travel throughout Colombia is not
advised, travel within the department of
Bolivar, where Cartagena is located, is
considered safe. We went with Andy, a
local guide to visit the Botanical Gardens
and a caiman breeding farm.
advised, travel within the department of
Bolivar, where Cartagena is located, is
considered safe. We went with Andy, a
local guide to visit the Botanical Gardens
and a caiman breeding farm.
Time to leave Colombia…
The wind was on the nose heading to Islas
Rosarios so we motored all the way. As
much as we loved Cartagena, it was good to
be on the move again. It’s only about a 20-
mile trip to the Rosarios, so we got in by
about 4pm. The light was still good and
allowed us to negotiate the narrow entrance
between shoals and coral heads and into a
lovely little open lagoon with deep, clean
water. The entrance is marked with two
cement posts, one quite askew (we assume
from being hit once too often by boats trying
to get in the entrance).
We stayed for two days in the Rosarios,
visited the aquarium there and then headed
for the eastern most border of Panama...the
San Blas Islands, land of the Kuna.
The wind was on the nose heading to Islas
Rosarios so we motored all the way. As
much as we loved Cartagena, it was good to
be on the move again. It’s only about a 20-
mile trip to the Rosarios, so we got in by
about 4pm. The light was still good and
allowed us to negotiate the narrow entrance
between shoals and coral heads and into a
lovely little open lagoon with deep, clean
water. The entrance is marked with two
cement posts, one quite askew (we assume
from being hit once too often by boats trying
to get in the entrance).
We stayed for two days in the Rosarios,
visited the aquarium there and then headed
for the eastern most border of Panama...the
San Blas Islands, land of the Kuna.
The gardens were pretty lackluster, but the
caiman farm was great!.
caiman farm was great!.
| My favorite photo...I call it "Heads Up". |
Just happened upon two tortoises sharing a
romantic moment. Don’t be offended; it’s
only nature, but yes, he was smiling.
romantic moment. Don’t be offended; it’s
only nature, but yes, he was smiling.
Every time we walk through the old city, we
find something new. This is Plaza de Coches
(Carriage Square). The archways conceal
the Portals de los dulces (Portals of Sweets)
where candy vendors, ice cream parlors and
sweet treats await.
find something new. This is Plaza de Coches
(Carriage Square). The archways conceal
the Portals de los dulces (Portals of Sweets)
where candy vendors, ice cream parlors and
sweet treats await.
Plaza de San Pedro is a large bricked plaza
highlighted by the beautiful 17th century
San Pedro de Claver church. Like many
plazas, it is open to pedestrians and horse-
drawn carriages (coches) only. Street
vendors sit on the church steps plying their
wares. You can hear the clip-clop of the
coches’ horse’s hooves on the bricks.
highlighted by the beautiful 17th century
San Pedro de Claver church. Like many
plazas, it is open to pedestrians and horse-
drawn carriages (coches) only. Street
vendors sit on the church steps plying their
wares. You can hear the clip-clop of the
coches’ horse’s hooves on the bricks.
The beautifully arched windows of the San
Pedro restaurant, location of our wedding
anniversary dinner 2003. David surprised me
by providing a horse-drawn carriage ride all
the way back to the marina!
Pedro restaurant, location of our wedding
anniversary dinner 2003. David surprised me
by providing a horse-drawn carriage ride all
the way back to the marina!
| Excerpt from a letter home: “The heat…oh the heat…let me try to describe it to you since it’s not like any heat I’ve known before. It is stifling, steamy and suffocating in its intensity and thickness. Yes, thickness…it’s hard to breathe sometimes it is so hot. Just sucking in air is a chore and it burns your nostrils. We drink tons of water. David takes salt tablets if he’s working outside for any length of time. We’re constantly covered with the sheen of sweat on our bodies. Our clothes always show large wet patches. Stepping into or out of the shower renders no difference…we are just as wet in or out and toweling dry is a farce. We wear bandanas around our foreheads when we work so that the sweat doesn’t drip into our eyes and sting. David wears his like a pirate so that he keeps his pate from getting burned as well. We watched an Indiana Jones movie the other night and he was in this part of the world hacking his way through the dense jungle wearing a leather jacket…I don’t think so! |
The Boca Grande area is the high rent district
and also where the resort hotels and beaches
are. It’s about a 4-5 mile walk from Club
Nautico and very scenic.While walking along
the beach, we happened upon a sand sculptor
name Rebotero who was hard at work.
and also where the resort hotels and beaches
are. It’s about a 4-5 mile walk from Club
Nautico and very scenic.While walking along
the beach, we happened upon a sand sculptor
name Rebotero who was hard at work.
