Week 5, continued: Two Days in Cartagena (posted by Jane)

August 7th was our first full day in Cartagena, a vibrant Caribbean costal town. The old, walled town  reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The first order of business was a ten A.M. walking tour. It was steamy to say the least. However, we did get to learn all about the beautiful old buildings and colonial history!

After lunch, Mom and the younger two decided to go home and escape the heat while Dad and I went to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's grave.

Finally, we went out for ice cream and some street shawarma. 

The next day mom needed to get work done so the rest of us went to the naval museum. We learned all about the Spanish, English, and French fighting over Cartagena.  Still, we thought the most interesting part were the replica boats (there were lots of buttons).

Afterwards, we went to a waffles and crepes restaurant. It was very delicious (shhhh don't tell mom she wasn't there). Then, we sat in front of where the Spanish tortured people during the Inquisition -- Dad explained it to us, and I think it was fascinating.

Our final night, we drank some yummy virgin daiquiris while strolling around the hip Getsemani. We had a great two days in Cartagena even though it was VERY hot.