|
Kicking back in CartagenaA Cartagena: A Caribbean GemBy Sandra Scott
Between sporadic periods of fighting life settled down and some people enjoyed the “good life” as is evidenced by the beautiful homes is the historic section of Cartagena call Manga. Many homes exhibit features of Moorish architectural and have been with their bright colors glowing in the sun.
The best part of the day excursions is returning to the Hilton, a place where they always know your name! The staff has an amazing ability to call quests by their name.
www.hilton.com |
|
TM
When vacationers think of a Caribbean
getaway, Cartagena, Colombia, is not usually at the top of their list of
possible destinations but it will be before long. Cartagena offers a wonderful
blend of sun, sand, sea, and history. It is currently being discovered, or
rediscovered, by Europeans and the cruise crowd. 
Located at the tip of El Laguito
Peninsula in calm Cartagena Bay the Hilton is the best accommodation choice in
Cartagena. The Hilton has multiple pools and beaches on three sides making it
the perfect place to experience the sun, sand, and sea. Plus it is only a short
taxi ride to Old Cartegena and the area’s other attractions.
Cartagena has a long, and often
violent, history starting with the arrival of Don Pedro de Heredia who founded
Cartagena de Indias for the Spanish in 1533. When gold, emeralds, and other
riches were discovered, Cartagena became the port through which the booty was
sent to Spain. To protect the riches from buccaneers and pirates, impressive
fortifications were built. Most of Cartagena is still surrounded a coral wall
seven miles long, 40-foot high wall, and in some places it is 60 feet wide.
After numerous attacks by pirates, including Sir Francis Drake and an English
force that included Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s half-brother, the
Fortress San Felipe de Barajas was built. Standing more than 130 feet tall, it
has a series of galleries and tunnels so linked that if a section of the fort is
overcome defenders can continue fighting from the remaining sections. The
building of the fortification necessitated the need for labor so slaves were
imported, in part because war and disease had decimated the indigenous Carib
population. 
The old walled city of Cartagena is a
World Heritage Site and a living museum. Just past the Puerta del Roloj, the
Clock Tower, is the Plaza de los Coches, where the slaves were traded. Today it
is a picturesque square with street vendors and horse drawn carriages making it
hard to imagine the angst and suffering that took place there nearly 500 years
ago. Even more hard to comprehend are the displays of instruments of torture at
the El Palacio de la Inquisicion. Today all is serene. The Las Bovedas, the
dungeons, a series of cells built in the old city walls have been converted into
shops where local artisans sell their goods. Beware of street vendors selling
“real” emerald and offering “a special deal just for you!” If buying emeralds
in on the agenda go to one of the ubiquitous emerald stores or manufacturing
sites to learn how to judge the quality and value before making a purchase.
The Cathedral de San Pedro Claver was
named for the Spanish Jesuit who baptized hundreds of thousands of African
slaves, which was all part of a vision he had as a young boy in Spain. A
beautiful stained-glass window, a series of paintings depicting his life, and a
bronze statue outside in the plaza celebrate his life.
The entire old city of Cartagena is a
living museum with the 16th and 17th century Spanish architecture well preserved
or restored. Hours can be spent wandering the narrow cobbled lanes, visiting the
churches, relaxing in the plazas, and admiring the overhanging balconies laden
with flowers.
For a spectacular view of the city and
harbor head to Convento de la Popa, on a hill nearly 500 feet above the city.
Sometimes known as Goat's Leap, t was once the site of worship by the indigenous
people, and legend has it that their symbolic solid gold goat was thrown off the
precipice by missionaries making one wonder if it is still in the waters below.
The sea holds many treasures. One of the richest wrecks of the Spanish Main is
the on the San Jose, which sank 300 years ago carrying 116 chest of emeralds, 30
million pieces of gold, plus silver and other riches thought to be worth three
billion dollars.
While hours can be spent wandering the
city and just sitting watching life pass by there are great side trips. The
most popular is a day trip to Rosario Islands, an hour by boat, where the water
and beaches are spectacular with dolphin shows, and all manner of water
activities. Or head to nature’s biggest mud spa, Totumo Volcano, to soak in the
warm mud. For nighttime excitement take a Chiva Tour, which is basically a
party bus with live music and libations.
With three pools, tennis courts, and
beaches, the Hilton is the perfect place to kick back. Order room service, sit
on the balcony, and enjoy the view. Shuttle boats crisscross the bay, huge
cruise ships pass by, frigate birds and pelicans glide above the water in search
of food, and in the evening the lights on the rise of land across the bay
twinkle as do the stars above. There is always something to see from the
balcony. The hotel is a popular destination for corporate groups. From the
room’s balcony watched the staff set up dinner for hundreds – always elegant
even if it is on the beach. Some events had live music so non-invited guests are
privy to a free musical show – albeit from their balcony. In the morning is time
to start another day of fun in sun in Cartagena.