Cartegena was initially fortresses. which protected its busy port. 
Old town Cartagena has been preserved as cafes,and commercial businesses. 
A colorful tourist market in a former fortress 
This building was the torture center for the Colombian version for the Spanish Inquisition from 1600’s to 1810. 
The history of the inquisition 
Iron tongs were heated and applied to various parts of the body until victim renounced their heresy. 
Another implement of torture 
According to the tour guide, this was never used. 
Also “never used.”
Cartagena has 1.5 million residents. It was first established as a fortress and port in the 1500’s. Historically it was one of the busiest ports in the Americas, trading everything, including human beings. As other areas of South and Central America grew, it diminished in importance. It has resurged in recent decades and especially since the guerilla war has ceased. It is now a vacation destination for rich South Americans who own most of the condos and hotels. It has much poverty, which was not in our tours.
January 10th is a sea day. Overnight there were 10 meter swells all night. I slept through that with no problems. Swells diminished today, but still I can’t say it’s been a “swell” day for me. Aruba is the next stop.
thanks linda…very interesting. we had an abbreviated ride today….7 miles. we voted to stop and have breakfast tacos instead. one new rider…julia joined us. a real character.
happy swells,
bill
Like the pix and your narratives..you’ll like Aruba..loved kayaking it’s beautiful azure water!
So interesting and beautiful! Can’t wait to see and hear about Aruba! Hope your tummy’s handling those swells better than mine did the first time I was on a ship 🤢 I learned taking a 3-4 x daily prophylactic half dose of Dramamine prevented seasickness without causing disruptive drowsiness. Takes a little time to get those sea legs!