After bouncing across the Caribbean through the night, the sea calmed. We sailed into the vast Cartegena Bay mid morning. Past a pair of old Spanish forts guarding the entrance.

An hour later we approached the city. This part (the sea on the other side) surprisingly thriving and modern.

On to the waiting bus for a guided tour.

First to Castillo San Felipe, a monster fort finished after 35 years in 1657.

It glowers over the old city. You can see the city wall across the water.

We climbed to the top level in the hot sun.

Jan checked out the sentry box …

… and the old guns.

It’s actually quite hard to get the idea of the scale of it from these shots.

We also went into some of the cool tunnels. I guess it’s an absolute maze in there …

Then down, and in to the old city. First to this garrison that forms part of the city wall (the sea in the background) …

… opposite, this handsome building.

The garrison is now shops. Colourful, busy.

Even photo opportunities for money (… but not if you shoot from behind!)

Then we walked … for about 2 hours, part guided, part free …

Very few cars allowed in town, narrow streets, spectacular houses. Colour everywhere. Sophia Lazzari would be salivating … what a feast for the eye/camera …

Many churches of course …

… and the town square was pretty special (do ya like the reflection?)

Along the way we found a wall for Jan to lean on, and I found some coffee (not a good as Guatemala).

Cartegena … what a colourful treat …

Then back on board ship, another “treat”. Old Flokos announces that because the Caribbean is so rough, he’s going to change course, go around Cuba to the east, not west, meaning we miss our port call in Key West. Not to worry. Next port Miami will be on time. Despite the diversion we still had a very rough 24 hours, but now, north of Cuba, all is calm again.