The Joy of Discovering Cartagena
On February 27, we were excited to pull away from Shelter Bay and cross the Panama Canal shipping lanes one last time, setting our course for Cartagena, Columbia.
Our first day was a short, 25-mile hop to an anchorage at Puerto Bello, Panama. The next morning, we set sail for a 220-mile run to Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands of Columbia. With our newest crew members, Luisa and Jules, we were fortunate to have a crew of four for this run, as it enabled a series of two-hour watches. For most of the 56-hour sail, consistent wind and a 6-10' swell off the port bow beckoned crew members to a horizontal position at the end of each watch. Our sea legs (and stomachs) seemed to be protesting after a three-week pause at Shelter Bay for boat repairs on solid ground.
On March 3, we tied to our slip at Club de Pesca in Cartagena, Columbia. Upon arrival, we quickly discovered that we had two more repairs necessary before our next departure for Santa Marta. Our jib stay-to-bow connector and pin needed replaced and our propeller shaft coupling key had come loose once again. Each of these tasks required parts replacement and fabrication. Fearing that we had just sailed from one dark cloud of boat repair to another, we were greatly relieved to discover Alexander the Rigger and Eric the Machinist. Alexander and Eric each produced and delivered quality parts in less than 24 hours!
Needless to say, our first impression of Columbia was wonderful, and from there, it just kept getting better.
Cartagena is a a fascinating city of 1.2 million people. The people of Cartagena, as well as its history, art, food and music are unlike anything we've experienced so far. We have visited cities, villages and anchorages that we were sorry to leave, but Cartagena is the most likely so far to see a return on a future trip. We have now been in Cartagena for six days while waiting for our next window of favorable seas and wind. Conditions look good for a 4:00 a.m. departure tomorrow, but even with six full days in Cartagena there is much more to see.
There are two Cartagena highlights within walking distance of our marina - the neighborhoods of Getsemani and the Walled City. The present city of Cartagena was founded on June 1, 1533. The construction of the Walled City began on September 8, 1614, after the attack of Sir Francis Drake, by the order of King Philip III of Spain. Historically, the neighborhood of Getsemani was established near the end of the 16th century for the lower class residents who lived outside of the Walled City.
Each of these neighborhoods is vibrant with history and art. It has been a daily treat to walk the neighborhoods and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cartagena. Hopefully, the following photos will provide a small sample of the richness of this spirited Columbian port city.
The Walled City of Old Cartagena:
The story behind the doors: Many of the doors in the Walled City were built to accommodate not only people, but also a horse and buggy. The raised buttons on the doors numbered in relation to the owner’s level of wealth. The door knockers suggested the owner’s profession or status. A reptile indicated royalty, lions represented high military status and nautical-themed knockers identified a mariner.
The Getsemani Neighborhood:
Artwork abounds in both neighborhoods. Whereas the Walled City boasts sculpture and architecture, the Getsemani neighborhood presents art and commentary through color and creativity.
And a special thanks goes to…
Wow! This city is definitely getting added to my bucket list!