Cartagena is only a few hours sailing time from the exit of the Panama Canal, and we were in port early in the morning.  Our tour today is a harbor cruise, fort exploration, and shopping.  Most of the tours from here were accessed using busses, many of which were lined up on the dock.  As our harbor tour started nearby, we walked to the boat - and walked - and walked.  We finally got to the boat, boarded, put on our life vests and got underway.  It was a good tour, showing us the ancient city, the new high rise buildings, the walls which surounded the ancient city, and the several forts.

After the boat tour we did truly board a bus which then gave us a city tour, took us to tour the most famous fort, then took us to a small shopping center. 

Cartagena is a busy cargo container port.  Right across from our ship we could see a large container vessel being loaded.

Our harbor tour lasted a couple hours and here is looking at some of the many new high rise buildings along the shore.

A fisherman is working to feed his family.

This is a commercial beach with grass roofed cabanas and lounge chairs.

These fishermen work from their boat.

There are several forts as part of the original walled city.

This is a replica of the slave trade ships from years ago.

There were many interesting boats moored in the marina.

Here we have an excellent view of our ship.

After the harbor tour, we boarded a bus for the city portion of the tour. I was amazed to see all the writing on the city bus windshields.  How does the driver see to drive?

We made a stop at the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas.  Part of the group walked to the top.  It was quite a hike!

There were a number of canon emplaced along the top of the fort.

The city view from the top of the fort was spectacular!

Looking down, you can see a number of the local businesses.

Our last stop of the tour was at a small shipping center with 6 or 8 stores.  We were treated to a free soft drink or water at one of the stores. Here I am modelling my new Panama hat, which I bought earlier in the day.