John writes: we continued our introduction to Cartagena last night with a couple of drinks in our favourite KGB bar, sitting by the open window negotiating with the many street vendors who hustle a living every few yards. However very friendly and engaging so we used our business experience to advise one young accounting student on his entrepreneurial career so look out for Sergio, a future Colombian tycoon. Thinking practical experience is best he watched us negotiate with the Cuban cigar salesman – 10 Montecristo No 2 for £100 so not sure if he was impressed or knew we were being ripped off with counterfeit cigars!
Today Maria arrived safely for a week with Chris, looking fabulous as ever despite her long journey. Chris scrubbed up spectacularly in his best shirt, obviously specially ironed!
We are staying in the old walled city of Cartagena which dates back to 1533. It is a grid of narrow streets with beautiful architecture which is either a photographers dream or nightmare as every corner has yet another wonderful shot – a severe challenge for Mike’s enthusiasm and target of less than 100 pictures a day!
So we set off early to retake all yesterday’s pictures but this time in the sun which gives a different feel amidst the beautiful architecture. There are high balconies and big doors, generally with the same style, many being renovated but all with the same simple design. Behind some doors we were able to see into sun filled courtyards.
Everywhere is an explosion of colour and noise, stall sellers, street hustlers and worst of all the dreaded hat sellers who refuse to take no for an answer even when you are wearing a hat!
500 pictures later we ventured through the main city gate and out of our protective wall into the rest of Cartagena
Our mission was to visit the castle of San Felipe de Barajas located on the hill of San Lorenzo and was first constructed in 1536 with many additions up to 1767. Looks a bit over engineered to us but was never taken unlike the old walled city which was attacked and taken a number of times by the likes of Henry Morgan and Francis Drake.
The advantage of scaling the walls (well pathway) is spectacular views of Cartagena – old and new!
The disadvantage was the heat which is ferocious. Unlike Scotland where it is ’10c but feels like 3c’ it is ’31c and feels like 40c’! For those who know the Caribbean, it is Barbados without the wind!
Almost boiling over, we were rescued by a couple of air conditioned bars, each in keeping with the local architecture. So far the Colombians have proved very friendly and hospitable, especially some of the ladies and Mike now is expert at negotiating their friendship for a reduced fee!
After a recuperative shower and change of clothes we visited a nearby restaurant which was again very colourful.
Tonight Mike and I are determined to stay up past 9.30pm so it was siesta time this afternoon. Our big night is targeting Cafe Havana, a world famous bar with lots of Caribbean and Latin music – another trip outside the walled city into the big bad world!
If Antigua Guatemala is an artistic haven transformed out of the Conquistador’s capital, Cartagena is definitely the noisy offspring of a Pirate City!
Tomorrow it is more of the same for us, assuming we are not exhausted staying up to 11pm, and Chris’s turn to get his own back in the blog!
Our America’s Challenge Drive 
Wonderful, colourful shots of the city, a pity you can’t send the smells too!
Maria and Chris looking good, have a wonderful time.
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