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they will quench your thirst for knowledge.
Through my three trips in 2017 to Cartagena, I met
many people from various countries. My last evening, I
met three professional models from Florianópolis, Brazil
at La Cervecería Restaurant. Because of their invita-
tion, my adventures will continue in 2018 with a trip to
Brazil to experience their island on the ocean.
Relaxing was easy, spending many evenings atop the
wall at the Café del Mar watching the sun set and en-
joying a drink. Sitting there, I would relish the brilliant
sunset views and occasionally envision pirate ships on
the distant horizon.

Sir Francis Drake, in 1586 successfully attacked the city with 30 ships
and 2,300 pirates. Spain paid Sir Drake a hefty price to leave Cartagena.
To keep future hostilities at bay, the city built the Castillo San Felipe de
Barajas, a 130-foot-high towering fortress. It is still the greatest fortress
Spain ever constructed in the Americas.
Cartagena was besieged again in 1741. British Admiral Edmond
Vernon arrived with the power of 23,000 men and 186 ships fortified with
2,000 cannons. The Castillo San Felipe was garrisoned by one-eyed Ad-
miral Blas de Lezo, with only 3,000 Spanish troops and six ships. After a
month-long siege, de Lezo’s resistance won. Spain’s rule eventually ended
after 250 years in 1810.
Old Cartagena's charm is found in its narrow streets, lined with small
boutique hotels, restaurants and horse drawn carriages. You are always
just steps away from a historical square with street musicians and vendors.
Spain’s architectural influence was evidenced by the Palace de Inquisition,
historic homes and churches.
Cartagena is a hub of museums. My favorite was the
monastery and home of San Pedro Claver. The home
has an aura of serenity centered around a large court-
yard of lush flowers and trees. Other museums worth
visiting are the Museo del Oro Zenu, the Museo Na-
val del Carib, and the Convento de la Popa. These
historic sites may not take your breath away, but

Enjoy the adventures: www.RonMcGinty.com

72 Life in Naples | November 2017