On Thursday, November 26th after the unloading of the aircraft, the passage to immigration was very fast to obtain a 90-day visa, it did have no control at the customs. After having changed US$ I took a taxi to go to the hotel. Then fitted with a old town map I vainly sought South America road maps. Finally I took an appointment on Thursday, December 3rd at the Mercedes-Benz to have the routine maintenance. I returned to harass at the hotel around 17:30. While waiting for the arrival of the container envisaged on Monday, November 30th as well as the authorization to get my vehicle out the port before December 3rd I visited the old town.
On Friday, November 26th I continued my investigations but looking for a HSBC agency. In the intramural old city I went from bank to bank with always of false information. Then I took a taxi to Bocagrande where a great beach is bordered by hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. But nothing I failed at GMB Sumeris which informed me that HSBC had left Colombia since more than one year. Thus after having deserted the Central America HSBC had left Colombia. Where is thus World Local Bank HSBC? After having lunched frugally I returned to the Old Town on foot by taking pictures along my way. I was at the hotel around 16:00 to have rest before strolling in evening.
|
The second day was devoted to the visit of the walls, Las Murallas, of the museum of gold, Museo del Oro Zenu, then of the citadel, Castillo de San Filipe de Barajas. The construction of the walls was begun end of 16th century after the attack by the pirate Francis Drake. Two centuries were necessary to complete it. While traversing the flowered streets I arrived at the Cathedral dating back to 1575 partially destroyed by Francis Drake. Beside vis-a-vis Plaza Bolivar Museo Del Oro exhibits sumptuous objects of Zenu art, Quimbaya and others. My walk then led me to Puerta del Reloj where I lunched. Then a long walk passing by Plaza Cervantes leads at the bottom of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas started in 1639, it required 150 years for its completion. It is the most imposing construction of all the Spanish colonial empire. I returned to the hotel via the supermarket. A Victoria's e-mail expected me in my mailbox.
|
On Sunday morning I walked again on a tour of the old Cartagena while strolling in the deserted streets. The cloister of Merced is next to the theater. The bell-tower of the cathedral is visible from all the streets. The painter Alejandro Obregon remained in Cartagena. The highlight of this morning was the visit of the museum of the inquisition, Palacio of Inquisicion. The interpretative panels give a disconcerting historical lighting on the recent dramatic events occurred on Friday, November 13rd in Paris. While walking on I was in Convento & Iglesia de San Pedro Claver of which the cloister partially is opened for the visit. On the square Museo de Arte Moderno expected me, but alas it closes at midday. Consequently I was going to lunch to Plaza Trinidad.
|
On Monday, November 30th was the last day of visit of the old city of Cartagena before beginning tomorrow the execution of the 25 tasks to get my truck out the port. Museo de Arte Moderno is installed in the old building of Royal Customs House of the 17th century, Plaza de San Pedro Claver. It was the discovery of Sud-American painting and more particularly of Alejandro Obregon the most remarkable painter of Colombia. Then I walked up to Plaza San Diego to see Las Bovedas last construction of the Spanish colonial era. Finally I lunched at the Alliance Française, Plaza Fermandez Madrid. Around 16:00 my friends Victoria & Nate visited me to define the appointment to go to the port.
|
| Cartagena, Old Town by Grau |
