Cartagena is a historic port city on the southeast Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Ships of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Barbary Coast pirates, the Spanish Armada, France and Britain all docked right here! It’s been the Mediterranean home of the Spanish navy since the 1500s. I guess calling Cartagena historic is an understatement!
The first thing we saw after leaving the pier was this amazing sea wall. It was built in the 1700s at the direction of King Carlos III. Then we came across a small park with some beautiful trees which had enormous branches perfectly made to support a tree house. Next was a Spanish classic,
The Plaza de Toros (The Bull Ring). Constructed in the 1850s, it actually sits on top of a Roman gladiator arena. We could see the entrance through which they entered. Although bull fights and gladiators are not my thing at all, we both appreciated the site.
Climbing up a long stone path, we found ourselves at Torres Park, which overlooks the city and harbor.
Flowers were in bloom! As we descended the path what should we see but two gorgeous peacocks all posed and ready for us to take their picture! The funny call they make is positive evidence that God, indeed, does have a great sense of humor.
A major archaeological site in the city is the Roman Theater. It was buried for nearly 2,000 years until it was finally discovered in 1987. It held Billy Graham size crowds – 6,000 people.
We strolled with the locals through the quaint and busy Plaza del Ayuntamiento and loved the cozy shops and cafes lining the street. Here, you are welcomed to feast on squid or octopus sandwiches! Boats, all pure white with bright blue accents, park like school buses in the harbor as sea gulls sing and soar overhead in the ocean breeze.
When we got back to the ship, Ross immediately changed into his running clothes and off we went to the track on the top deck. Most of the people were still on shore, so he didn’t have to worry about running over any little old ladies. Wouldn’t that have made a terrible tale to tell?
Dinner was fantastic! P.J. told us all about the I.R.A. and how they were really just a mob of terrorists. He is horrified by so much of Ireland’s recent history but is very proud to be Irish! At 70 years old, he appears to be as fit as a fiddle and glowing with happiness.
Craig Halladay played his crystal studded violin tonight at the evening show and really wowed the crowd! He was truly wonderful and played along with an orchestra that complimented his music beautifully. Tonight was a real treat!
Unique trees in Cartegena park
City overlook
Roman Theater
Ross getting exercise
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