January 26-2025 - Roland is Comiing!

 I met my friend Roland a couple of decades ago when I spoke at a managers' meeting in Alberta.  Then we ran into each other on a cruise.  The rest is history.  He's currently sitting on a plane in Edmonton, waiting to start the first leg of his trip here.  He'll get to visit Denver and Panama City before he arrives tomorrow morning.  I can't wait!  There will be touristy stuff and lots of Skip Bo.  And laughing.  We always laugh a lot together.

Today, I'm busy cleaning the apartment and getting ready.  Kidding!  The housekeeper was here Wednesday, so I'll just sweep the floor and fluff the pillows.  I'm actually just being a couch potato and people-watching the folks at the pool and beach.    I have decided, after watching all the firm young bodies in minuscule swimsuits, that I may be a different species than many of the beach-goers.

February is going to be social!  The day after Roland leaves, a UCF friend and her fiance and another friend will be here for a long weekend.  Today I heard that my cousin's daughter, who I don't think I've seen since she was about one, will coincidentally be here for a couple of weeks.  It will be fun to see Cartagena from their perspectives.

Here are a few photos of my day.

This mom and her baby seemed to be having an excellent time.  

Roland and I are planning to try jet skis.  Here's one that we can rent right in front of my building.

This intersection is always hopping early in the morning.  Workers arriving, tour busses leaving and people heading out on private tours.

One of the few people I've seen reading at the beach/pool. 

This little guy was very busy with his dump truck.

Someone hauled a bunch of large rocks to the edge of the water the other day.  I don't know why.  Now, almost all have been washed out to sea.

These three poles are all that's left from the efforts of the guys I saw working on putting the poles up the other day.  Nope, have no clue why.  Maybe they also moved the rocks?

Head up!  Chest out!  Gonna be a good day!

I'll be spending a lot more time in Cartagena so am looking for places in case my current apartment isn't available.  The photos are so I can find buildings that appeal and I can search for rentals.  

These balconies have views of the sea and the bay.

This guy pulled a chair up, facing a shaft of light from the rising sun.  He's on a video call.  

Balconies to check out.

Not a bad view to start the day.

These guys were very busy.  And, hungry.

The short stretch of beach where they've put sandbags because of erosion continues to erode.  It's 3-4 feet from the sand where I'm standing to the base of the sandbags.

They've added more sandbags.

This woman was lying in the sand, taking selfies.  She seemed a bit surprised when the water came up over her.

This is a partially finished apartment building. I was told building stopped because it was being financed by cartel money and the bad guys got caught and all progress stopped.  Reminds me of the Eye-Sore on I-4.  If you're familiar with Orlando, you'll get the reference.

Trash is neatly collected every day.

It was a bit windy today.  Which makes it more comfortable to walk.

I thought this was an Elephant Ear leaf but it is not.  Similar but smaller.

My exotic lunch.  Roasted chicken and mango.

The kite surfers didn't come out until late afternoon.  They are FLYING!

I ordered pizza delivered by Rappi.  It's from Le Sorelle Pizzaria in Bocagrande.  It has been consistently delicious.  $9.25 including delivery and tip for this veggie pizza with a generous amount of toppings.