Royal Caribbean Cruise Day 3 in Santa Marta
Apr 15th, 2009 by Don Ray
It is now day three. The day 1 and 2 post is located HERE.
As I arose on Tuesday we were approaching Santa Marta Colombia. I took the following photo of a lighthouse that we were passing.
Often I saw us being accompanied by a tug and many times saw them transfer a person on board. I wondered if this was because the port authorities used their own pilot to dock the ship.
This was another dock with a tanker in port.
There was no need for a taxi to go into the city. We had been told that you could take a taxi to most areas for $5, but the walk was short and pleasant. Walk with me as we see parts of this city.
Statues of Simon Bolivar were seen in many places.
This group was playing Peruvian music in the park.
Just like in Cartagena, every place was clean and secure.
I thought this photo was interesting because it should that the original buildings in this area were built with a red fired brick.
Lets walk over to that church over there.
From the church steps you can see many street vendors hawking their wares. There was a lot selling hammocks, jewelry made from shells and seeds and well as other items.
This was a photo inside the church.
Having seen the part of the city we wanted to see, we now took a cab to la Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino where Simon Bolivar died. This is well worth seeing. I think it was a $5 entrance fee.
Walk along with me as we go through this beautiful area.
This tree was estimated to be 150 to 160 years old.
Every place you looked was well manicured.
To be honest, I don’t remember exactly what they said this was used for. However, I seem to remember if may have been related to wine.
And this was?
Here are a few more photos taken in the historical part.
The grounds were beautiful.
Before viewing more of this park, I saw this interesting plaque.
Here is another statue of Simon Bolivar.
Other photos taken in this park.
Leaving the park, we went to a modern mall, which I didn’t take any photos of. I noticed a small amount of people and prices seemed to be fairly high.
On the way back to the ship I took this photo.
In Santa Marta we had to be back on board at 4:30 PM.
As you see us sailing away, you might look hard and see a Panamanian couple waving violently. They did not make it back to the ship in time and were left behind. I understand they had to charter a plane to Aruba and it was not cheap. I heard around $2500, but have no idea if that was the actual cost. I always comment that Panamanians run on their own time. The Royal Caribbean line does not wait for those that run on Panama time.
This evening’s towel animal was a dog.
Tuesday was one of two formal dining evenings. This is about as formal as I can get anymore.
Before heading to the main show for the evening, I took a photo of this pianist and violinist that performed in the evenings. They were top notch. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
That is all for day three. The next port will be Aruba.
What a most enjoyable trip to Santa Marta and what a pretty handsome couple to enjoy dinner! Thanks so much!
Hi Lilia. Glad you enjoyed the Santa Marta day.
Don,
I have believed for some time now that the places you see, and your talent, outstrip the abilities of your camera. Maybe you should treat yourself to an upgrade?
Hi Charles. Actually I think the abilities of my camera outstrips my ability to use it correctly in all situations.
Great story, Don. Looking forward to the next episode.
Thanks Michael. It will be posted in the morning.
Thanks for the nice pictures. I´ll transcribe the lyrics of a famous bolero, played by the Cuban ” La Sonora Matancera” since the early days of my childhood.
En el mar
En el mar, la vida es más sabrosa,
en el mar te quiero mucho más,
con el sol, la luna y las estrellas,
en el mar todo es felicidad.
Te verás bañada por las olas
y serás sirena de mi amor,
hallarás amor entre sus aguas
y tendrás del mar su inspiración.
En el mar, la vida es más sabrosa…
Que una concha nos sirva de abrigo
con música de brisas y adornos de coral.
y al vaivén de las olas tranquilas
los peces de colores nos lleven a pasear.
En el mar la vida es más sabrosa… etc
Hi AS. Thanks for taking the time to leave your comment. It is always so nice to have you drop in.
Beautiful. After living in Honduras, what I cannot get over is how CLEAN it is.
Hi Gringa. Yes, I felt the same. It shows what can happen when the right emphasis is placed on eye appeal. There are many places in Panama City that would rival those in Colombia and much of the architecture is the same, but Panama has work to do to be in the same class.
[...] Enchantment of the Seas cruise leaving out of Colon. There were individual posts on Cartagena, Santa Marta, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and the day at sea. I can tell you that I enjoyed gathering the material. [...]