April 9, 2013 Panama Canal Cruise; Day 5 Cartagena, Columbia

Our next port was Cartagena, Columbia.  Brett and I were both excited because we could now say that we have been to the continent of South America.  3 down and 4 to go!  I am sure most of you probably think we are crazy to go to Cartagena, but it actually wasn't that bad.  Cartagena has definitely cleaned up and we felt safe the entire time.  In fact, it was a beautiful city.  Now, I will say this, it was so humid  the day we were there because we were so close to the equator.  I believe it was 85 degrees F with 100% humidity.  At one point I was worried about all the older people because I didn't want any of them to die from heat exhaustion.  Luckily, no one died, but it was still really hot!

Brett and I chose an excursion that took us to San Castillo Felipe de Barajas (fortress), the Palace of Inquisition, and Old Town Cartagena.  We really enjoyed the excursion and learning about the history of Cartagena.

The Fortress

We didn't mean to match...

Old Town Cartagena

Too cute!

The Palace of Inquisition was definitely filled with history.  Back in the 1600's until who knows when, the Colombians would bring people who were considered "witches" and "warlocks" here to be investigated, tried, and tortured.

Some of my favorite questions!

2 of the 20 different torture devices

This device would be put on the woman's chest and then they would rip out her boob.  

Ouch...

More of old town Cartagena

The Cartagena cathedral which was built in the 1600's

Inside the cathedral

That was a real skeleton in there which I thought was cool!

The last place we went to in Cartagena was a jewelry mart for Emeralds.  In case you didn't know, 95% of Emeralds in the world come from Columbia.  Obviously when I heard this, I had to get myself an Emerald, plus it is my birth stone.  After careful shopping, Brett and I found this beauty.

I am glad I have a husband who speaks Spanish because we saved 40% after bartering with jeweler.  I am a very happy wife! :)