Got an early start of it on my last day in Cartagena. First stop breakfast at Beiyu Cafe in the Getsemani neighborhood. They do a really nice breakfast with lots of natural juices and good Colombian coffee. I opted for the Omlette Verde.
Green eggs, no ham....
After breakfast, I trekked out to see San Felipe Castle. Its is about a 20 minute walk from old town. As I passed through Getsemani, saw some more great street art.
Entrance to San Felipe. The fee to enter is 25K COP or about $9 USD.
San Felipe castle was built starting in 1536. It guarded the city from a bay attack. It has protected the city from the British and French. Later played a big role in the Independence of Colombia from Spain. There are great views form the Castle though little shade. Recommend bringing water and a hat.
After the castle, headed back to old town.
A few street vendors.
Once back in old town, I went to check out the museum of the Inquisition and history of Cartagena. The museum is the actual inquisition palace that administered it for this part of the Spanish empire. The museum is right next to Plaza Bolivar. he building is really beautiful. The entrance fee is 30k COP or abut $10USD.
The museum is interesting but pretty small. There are a few exhibits translated into english but mostly in spanish.
By now it was lunch time. I had such a great lunch at La Cevicheria, that I decided to return. I was seated at a large communal table and had a great conversation with two American couples who are traveling all over Colombia as well as a French resident of Guadelupe.
This time I opted for the Ceviche Douglas consisting of all shrimp which hit the spot.
After lunch, I grabbed a taxi and headed outside of town to the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa which is on a mountain overlooking Cartagena. The convent is about 1.5 miles outside of old town. The convent has spectacular views of Cartagena.
Lots of Bling
Then I headed via taxi to Bazurto Market which was about half a mile away. I usually like big bustling markets but this one is a but overwhelming in not a good way. It is interesting to see most Cartagenians live versus being in an isolated place like old town. Not sure i would recommend this to travelers.
After the market, I grabbed an uber to head back to the AirBNB for a bit.
Near sunset, I ventured to the old town walls to Cafe Del Mar. The sunset was beautiful. Cafe Del Mar was filled with hundreds of people with blaring music. Wasn't the most peaceful sunset in the world.
As I headed back towards my AirBNB, I decided to check out this bar that was near by. It looked Interesting. Alquimico makes some really interesting cocktails. Quite hit the spot for a long day of sightseeing. After a couple of drinks, I ordered a sandwich which was really good. They brought me another drink gratis. After that last drink, I tottered to the AirBNB and passed out.
