Day 7 - Port Cartagena, Columbia
Today we had an excursion into Cartagena Columbia. The ship made port at 7:00am and we disembarked at 8:00 to start out tour of the Aromas & Flavors of Cartagena. We caught a boat from the port across from where we tied up. The boat held 110 people then there were 50 of us on this tour. It had two levels and we were split into groups of 25 (25 up and 25 down).
We started up stairs where there was a cooking demonstration of local foods. They started with a simple presentation of fresh cut mangos. The preparation was simple. Simply cut up the mango, sprinkled with salt, pepper and then drizzle with fresh lime juice. It was unbelievably good. Next, they prepared ceviche in plantain cups. The ceviche recipe was just fish soaked in lime juice with mango, red onions, salt/pepper and cilantro. It was fun to see how the plantain cups were made. Peel the plantain, cut into 2-inch chunks and deep fry for 5 min in low/med oil to cook the plantain. Then press the plantain pieces in a lime squeezer lined with plastic wrap to make the cup. Then it is fried in hot oil for one minute to make it crispy. The ceviche was scooped into the plantain cup and served. It was very good! To finish off the demonstration, coconut lemonade was prepared. Equal parts of coconut cream, fresh lime juice and simple syrup are mixed in a blender with ice, then served over ice with rum. Yum!
The two levels of the ship swapped and we went below for a coffee tasting. Two types of coffee beans were sampled. The first one was nutty/fruity and seemed very light. The second was stronger and had heavy notes of chocolate.
The boat docked near the old walled city of Cartagena and our guide gave us a tour of the city. This former Spanish city was a key port for export of silver and emeralds to Spain. Because if the riches it held, the walled city was formed to protect it from pirate and privateers. We learned a lot about the history of the area including the indigenous people that were originally here.
We were given an hour to walk the city on our own and do any shopping. Sandy and I opted for a nice cold Club Columbia beer at El Pasquin restaurant and a shot of Dictador Rum. This local rum is made from the fermentation of virgin sugar cane honey. We thouroghly enjoyed it and our waiter showed us where to buy a bottle to take home.
On the way back we had a fruit cup (super fresh), chicken empanadas made with corn, fried yuca and cheese fingers. All were delicious.
At this port, they have a “zoo” area and we walked through it to view flamingos, MacCaws and monkeys. There is also a shop but it was very expensive. We made it back to the port in time to catch our ship as it had to leave early to reach Panama.
It was a long day and needed a nap.
