Yesterday, I decided to walk over the bridge, away from the safety of old town, the the Castillo de San Felipe (I think). There are two bridges close to my hotel. I decided to take the less busy looking one in the morning. It crosses the water alongside some mangrove trees. Saw this guy and his half (or vise versa). Orange cheeked parrot or something like that.
The castle is actually a fort. It used to overlook the entrance to the harbour. That has since been filled in, making Getsanami no longer an island. Anyway, it is right there on the other side of the bridge.
I climbed up and immediately saw a door, which I immediately entered. Down a dark stone staircase.
To a dark stone tunnel. It wasn't sideways when I was in there.
There were quite a few of these tunnels, some had exits, some were deadends. At least one had no light, which I only discovered when the people I was near left with their flashlight. I had to wait for someone else to wander by with slight so I could find the exit.
Back up top for some wandering and enjoying the view.
It was hot, again. I decided to head back over the other bridge. I had seem a big grocery store from the top of the fort and it was in that direction.
I found the mallplaza which contained the grocery store. I bought some bullion cubes for my mom. I left the store and somehow missed the giant bridge to my left and, of course, went right. Eventually, as I wandered around the industrial district, I realized my mistake. Turned around. Crossed the bridge.
Other side, there is a weird paved park along the mangroves. Saw some birds. None of which are new I don't think but I haven't had time to look them up.
And a guy washing his horse.
I knew exactly where I was so naturally I got completely lost again. Somehow I ended back in Getsanami! How!?
Anyway, that meant got to go back through the monkey/sloth park. I am pretty sure this was the inspiration for the monkey army in the wizard of oz.
(I'm in Medellin now, praying I have better WIFI). (It seems to be working!!!!)
Day four.
I didn't really have an agenda on this day. I just headed in the direction of the part of Getsanami that I had stumbled across the day before. I actually found it which is no small miracle.
Normally I would look at my pictures to remind myself where I went and what I did but I think pictures are the problem. I'm going to give it a try.
Hey I just found some pictures I forgot to include in the last post. There is a lot of street performers all around the city. This was my favourite.
Ok, back to Getsanami.
And through the clock tower gate, back to old town.
I finally bought something, a couple of pairs of earrings which will immediately be turned into pendants, Valerie willing.
Stopped into few shops. They sell emeralds here. No asked how much for the tiniest chip of a jewel. $200 american! It was the size of a flea! Nope.
Stopped into church.
Wander, wander. Lost but not completely since I wasn't actually looking for anything this time.
I found the beach, sort of.
I went into another gold museum. Mostly to get out of the heat for a bit.
Eventually I had some food, a shrimp cocktail, and headed home before dark. Guess what! I took a different fork in the road, literally, and when I followed a different route, my hotel was RIGHT THERE. like minutes away from the clock tower. Finally, I'm oriented!
Day five
I headed back over the bridge to find the 'local' market. Bazurto market. As in, for the locals, not the tourists. This was shockingly accurate. I was the only tourist. I only took a few pictures because it didn't seem appropriate.
It was far, about an hour's walk, and if course it was blazing hot. I left early but it was easily over 30 by 9 am. I got there around 10, in time for the fish!
Enjoy these photos, I endured many hardships to get them.
There is an old convent at the highest point in Cartagena. My guide from the food tour said it was worth a visit. Turns out it was quite close to the market. But it was way up! I think I may have mentioned the heat.
I asked a taxi but he wanted $20000 ($5!) so I decided to just walk up or find a cheaper taxi. But as I was standing on the side of the road, probably looking confused, a moto taxi, or maybe just a guy with a motorcycle, said he would take me up for $2000. Deal!
The convent. Zero information on it, sorry. Great view, cool old building.
Then I had to get back down the hill. Apparently, people who get a ride up the hill have also arranged a ride down the hill. The road is very windy, blind curves and no sidewalks so I was told multiple times, it is too dangerous to walk.
The drivers waiting in the parking lot for their organized passengers, spread the word and found one of them who could get me down the hill. $30000. So, no savings whatsoever. But I was back in town. In time to get to the airport.
I have never used UBER before but I thought, hey why not. I ordered an UBER. I got a text he was close by and I should wait out front. Reasonable since a stopped car on these narrow streets means stopped traffic.
A car matching the make of my UBER arrived. No license plate number was provided. Are you Isaac? Checking my phone. Yes. I'm Joanne. Great, get in.
We get to the airport. I get out. Remember, I've never used UBER so I don't really know the protocol. And there is a serious language barrier. He says I have to close the ride or something along those lines. I do kit know how to do that. Plus I don't have wifi until I get into the airport.
He gives me access to his wifi and we discover that I have taken the wrong UBER. It maybe I just got into the back of some rando's car? Anyway, he wants me to pay him. I'm like, I've already paid dude. Impasse. I gave him a few bucks and walked away. I do not think tos was on me.
I get inside and I'm being asked to rate and tip Isaac. Plus my receipt for my ride. I waited a bit to decide how to deal with that when I get another message that my trip was cancelled and a refund on the charge. Now I feel bad about the other guy but he's long gone. And that's the start of my first, and probably last, UBER ride.
Ok. I'm going to see if I can make these pictures a reasonable size and then start my day.
