Colombia
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: Peso...currently about 2,800 pesos = $1 US
Language: Spanish
Major Products: Coffee (Juan Valdez country), emeralds, gold, coal, rice, bananas, beef cattle
Other Facts:
* The name Colombia was chosen in honor of Christopher Columbus
* Colombia also once included the countries of Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama.
* Colombia is a republic. The country's Constitution was adopted in 1886 and has been revised numerous times. All citizens 18 years of age and older may vote.
* Punta Gallinas, only a few kilometers from Cartagena, is the northern geographical point of the continent of South America
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.
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 most familiar sight in the old city of Catagena is the spire of the cathedral. It is absolutely beautiful with its ornate design and imposing stature. It is currently undergoing restoration, but we were able to walk through it and we had the opportunity to attend a Mass one evening. Construction began in 1575 and was completed in 1586.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.