A Latin America sailing sensation
A
bi-centennial celebration in
Cartagena
by
Phyllis Steinberg
 Ten tall sailing ships
arriving one at a time, greeted by marching bands, native dancers and thongs
of Colombians on the pier at Cartagena,
Colombia provided the spectacular setting for the
200th anniversary celebration of South America’s independence from Spain that began
in May, 2010. The Colombians love to celebrate and the festivities will
continue throughout the year with much singing and dancing throughout the
nation. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the
Spanish conquistador, Pedro de Heredia and was the first city in South America to proclaim its independence from the
Spanish crown on Nov. 11, 1811.
 Some
of the sailing ships began their journey to the bicentennial celebration
from Rio de Janeiro sailing around the South
American continent from Buenos Aires and Valpariso to Guayaquil,
through the treacherous waters of Cape Horn and the Panama Canal making
their way to Cartagena.
The naval crews of sailing ships from Peru, Spain,
Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico,
Brazil, Chile,
Colombia,
Uruguay made the
journey. The United States Coast Guard sailing ship, the Barque Eagle also
joined in the celebration making the journey from
Connecticut
and Puerto Rico to Cartagena.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,
Cartagena, is a UNESCO world cultural heritage city.
It has fortresses, castles, museums and a distinctive old walled city with
Spanish colonial architecture, quaint plazas and unique shops.
Cartagena
also has a modern section with high-rise condominiums and five star hotels
situated along its beautiful beaches.
 Tourist attractions
include the Fort of San Felipe, built between 1636 and 1657. This
masterpiece of Spanish military engineering was
Spain’s biggest fort in the
Americas
and protected the city from pirates and attackers for several decades
including the 1741 attack by the British Navy.
 Strolling
in the Old City is a must. The walled city is
flanked by a clock tower. The main door into the city crosses the famous
clock tower. There is a main arch and two smaller ones lead to charming
cobble-stone streets with plazas flanked by stores, restaurants and parks.
 I
stayed at the Monterrey Hotel in the Old City which was walking distance to the quaint stores
and shops and across the street from the modern Cartagena Convention Center.
The 200-year old hotel had a delightful morning breakfast with fresh fruits,
eggs and pastries. Served buffet style in an open courtyard, the breakfast
is included in the daily room rate. The staff was very friendly and helpful
and the guest rooms contained modern amenities, including flat screen
televisions, hair dryers, separate shower and vanity areas and turn down
service.
Locals
say a visit to Cartagena
is not complete without a trip to La Popa Hill and Convent. La Popa provides
the best view of the city below. On top of the hill is the old Santa Clara
Chapel and the La Candelaria convent. The Church
of Santo Domingo is the oldest
church in Cartagena,
built in the late 17th century. Open for tourists, the beautiful Baroque
alter is worth the visit to the church.
 The Palace of the
Inquisition in Cartagena
offers a lesson in history for all that enter its doors. Reconstructed
artifacts from the Spanish Inquisition and the methods of torture that were
used for those who did not believe in the Catholic religion are displayed in
this former house of torture. The Palace stands as a reminder to locals and
tourists that this predominately Catholic country offers religious freedom
for all its citizens.
Colombians love to eat and their diet includes a blending of Colombian,
Afro-American and Spanish cultures. Rice, corn, bananas, potatoes, avocados,
coconuts, plantains and mangos are the most popular fruits and vegetables
that are consumed in the country along with beef, fowl and fish.
Arepas
are also a popular food of Colombia
that are made with a variety of fillings and sold by street vendors
throughout the city.
Delicious desserts made from Caribbean fruits are Colombian favorites. Yucca fritters
and bean fritters topped by spicy sauces are served throughout the country.
The cuisine in Cartagena
includes tasty freshly caught fish dishes from the surrounding seas. A fish
soup filled with local catches of the
day is a popular dish served at restaurants.
 For
some outstanding Colombian cuisine, try dining at Juan del Mar, El Santsimo
and Porto de Santo Domingo.
 The
beautiful beaches of Cartagena
are always busy with locals as well as tourists. Bands play, vendors sell
t-shirts and jewelry and shaded canopies protect sunbathers from the hot Caribbean sun. Be sure to bring along sun block and a hat.
 If
shopping is your passion, you will find lots of it in Cartagena. Colombia is known for its high quality
emeralds and there are many jewelry stores in the area. Joyeria Caribe, an
emerald factory, allows visitors to take a tour and view workers fashioning
raw stones into precious jewels and also has emeralds for sale. Other
shopping items are handicrafts, antiques, shoes and designer clothing.
 Nightlife
is busy and loud with dancing and singing
at clubs until the wee hours of the morning. Police presence is
prevalent and tourists feel safe on the streets of this busy South American
city.
For
more information on Colombia:
www.visitcolombia.com
www.Colombia.travel
www.travelingcolombia.com
wwww.turismocolombia.com
www.proexport.com.co
Juan del
Mar Restaurant,
delmarsa@telecom.com.co
El
Santisimo Restaurant,
www.restauranteelsantisimo.com
Porto de
Santo Domingo Restaurant,
www.portondesantodomingo.com
www.hotelmonterrey.com.co
Photos by Phyllis Steinberg
| 
