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Cartagena, Colombia - Part 5
Written by: Dominick A. Miserandino
Photography by: Margherita Miserandino
Running into Cartagena, and running the hell out.
Colombia does not usually bring inviting images to mind. Quite frankly it seemed to scare some of the passengers. Maybe it’s the drug cartels or the high rate of kidnapping. We didn’t think of Juan Valdez and his coffee.
We were told by Silversea staff that it was pretty safe in Colombia and very beautiful. That was positive.
We left the ship and went right to the cruise terminal, which looked extremely modern and well kept. This is also a positive.
Then we stepped towards the city streets.
Right away a taxi driver insisted that we needed a guide. When I declined the offer, the guide climbed into the taxi with us. When I explained to the guide that we didn’t want his services, he insisted that we did, and it would be a bargain at $60.00. When I looked at the policeman and requested him to remove the guide (in Spanish), he finally left.
The cab ride to go downtown cost $15, which we split with another couple from the ship. We also randomly chose "the old city" which happened to pull us right up to where the cruise tour was going on. Inadvertently we were sucked on the tour for a little bit, when we were shown the Plaza Bolivar and the Gold Museum. Both places were beautiful.
In leaving the museum, what felt like the town’s entire population came running towards us and surrounded us, insisting that we buy cigarettes and other wares from them. Even when I protested that I hate smoking, they still insisted on throwing their goods at us.
We saw a sign saying, "Emerald Museum." Well, that must be real. I mean, they’re insisting on it right in the name.
"Would you like to buy an emerald?" the saleswoman said upon our entrance.
"Wait a minute, isn’t this a museum?"
"Oh, err... yes. Here’s our collection of necklaces."
We left the emerald store and started towards the Church of San Pedro Claver, who is actually the first saint from the Americas. Surely, the church would be a safe bet. Upon entering the church, a man who appeared to be guide started telling us about the church. And yes, the church is beautiful. In fact, it’s incredibly beautiful with an architecture that looked like it belonged somewhere in Spain or Italy.
Anyway, this tour was going wonderfully until I thought, "This tour is TOO good. No tour guide in a church has ever given such a personal tour."
Oh no. Not again.
"But sir, I don’t work for the church."
"But youwere standing at the ticket booth and said you work here."
"I do work here. In the church, but not for the church itself. Of course you’ll tip me for my services."
Ahhh, the old, I’ve worked for you, now you tip me technique. So honorable. We haggled, negotiated and eventually worked out a "deal" that cost me only $20. Here was the conversation.
"How much did you pay for your taxi?"
"$15" I responded.
He had a devious, but sincere smile, "I’ll give you a tour and get you home all for $15."
Well, that sounded like a deal. He took us around, showed us the town, and even showed us another Emerald Museum. They thought I was nuts for not entering, but I refused to fall for this again. And yes, he even got us home for $2. as the first taxi driver seemed to enjoy charging a bit more. All that for only $15. How did I pay $20? Well of course there was a mandatory tip.
That was Cartagena. We loved it.
That night at dinner I had one of the best white wines that I’ve ever had. I mean it was so good, I can’t remember much more than it’s wonderfulness. See, I explained to the Wine Sommelier (Maitre’D who is the resident expert on wines, pairing wines and selecting wines), that we had a hard day in Cartagena. He suggested this particular white wine, and I took him up on his suggestion. Every time he came by he poured me some more wine. After his fourth visit, I really didn’t remember much about Cartagena, and I seemed to believe the ship was moving even when it wasn’t.
San Jose - Part 1
San Jose - Part 2
Silversea's Silver Wind - Part 1
Day at Sea - Part 2
Panama Canal/Gatun Lake - Part 3
San Blas Island - Part 4
Cartagena, Colombia - Part 5
Day at Sea - Part 6
Aruba - Part 7
Curacao - Part 8
Bonaire - Part 9
At Sea - Part 10
St. Georges, Grenada - Part 11
Barbados - Part 12
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