January 27 & 28, 2025 - Roland is Here!

 Sorry for the delay in posting but we've been busy.  I picked Roland up at the airport yesterday morning.  Ok. Juan Carlos picked him up and I rode along.  Fun to see him come out of the secure area in a jacket, jeans and shoes.  

After a bit of time in the apartment, with time for him to change into shorts and sandals, JC came back to take us on a bit of the tour of the area so Roland could get a sense of where things are.  We also stopped at the Portal de Las Dulces, where JC's friend sold us four varieties of candy.  All were good and Roland agreed that yucca candy is delicious.

We stayed in, talking and catching up last night.  And had some leftovers and rotisserie chicken from Ara.  We stopped there on our way home and got a six pack of beer, a case of bottled water and 1/2 a rotisserie chicken.  Total price?  About $10 USD. 

Roland had almost 24 hours of travel to get here so it was an early night.  This morning, Tuesday, we were up early and did my normal walk on the beach.  Then more talking and planning for the week he's here.  

Tomorrow we're headed to Baranquilla for the day with JC.  Thursday we're hoping to do another day trip, this time to the Rosario Islands.  I say "hoping" because neither of us is really interested in going in a crowded shared boat to "beach clubs".  JC said he knows someone who can take us for what sounds like an amazing price on a private tour.  I'll let you know if we're required to row.

We're also planning to go quad riding on the beach in La Boquilla (with fresh seafood lunch on the beach).  And walking in the Old City.  Plus, jet skiing.

Today, is chilling, pool and massages in the apartment.  Hopefully, Roland is finding the long trip worth it.  He said he slept well on the sleeper sofa last night.  We'll see how it goes tonight when he tests it when he's not dead tired.

Here are a few photos!

Roland's plane arrived at 8:30 a.m.  So, of course I was awake at 3 a.m.  This was about 5:30.

The airport is small but modern.  Roland's flight from Panama was the only international flight so immigration and customs was fast.  I realized, as people walked into the public area from International Arrivals that I was missing an opportunity - I could wait to greet English speakers as they arrived and then direct them to Juan Carlos - he'd be the guide and I'd be the translator.  Great plan unless the tourists spoke any Spanish and then they'd know I was making stuff up.

Cartagena has a lot of Tourism Police.  They speak Spanish and English, are very friendly and happy to answer any questions.

Mr. Bono was right next to International Arrivals.  Kinda like a Dunkin' Donuts but more savory than sweet pastries, along with coffee.

You're not in Edmonton any more!

The obligatory arrival photo.

Ah, that's better.  Shorts and Colombian beer.

Roland arrived with a gift for me!  It was from his mom, Helga.

Helga and I have been chatting twice a week for about a year.  Together, we wrote the story of her life and she had Roland bring me a printed copy.  99 pages about the fascinating life of an amazing woman.  When I first met her, I knew I wanted to know her better after learning she was born in Turkey to a journalist father from Austria and his wife, who was from Germany.

Have I mentioned that it feels like summer year 'round here?  Lots of blooming flowers.

This restaurant is set in an old fort with great water views.  I ate there 23 years ago on one of the first visits to Cartagena.  That time, we'd stopped to make reservations for dinner that evening.  The hostess asked what time we wanted to dine and I said "late, please".  She responded that was not possible because they were expecting the Presidents of Venezuela and Colombia for a late dinner that night.  I must have looked disappointed because she said "Exactly how late were you hoping?"  When I said 8 p.m. she laughed.  Now I know, that is early for dinner here.  10 or 11 is more typical.  We had dinner at 8 and never saw the Presidents.

Near the outdoor dining area are old canons, with a view.

Roland and JC, inspecting the depiction of the fort.

It was very quiet in mid-afternoon yesterday with only one group enjoying lunch.  The setting is delightful.  It's called Restaurante Fuerte de San Sebastian del Pastelilo - Club de Pesca.

Early morning beach walk.  Roland agreed - it wasn't hot, just humid.

I am actually going to cook tonight, so lunch was chicken sandwich for Roland, chicken for me with tomatoes and avocado.  And, by "cook", I'm throwing together a buddy burner dinner.  For non-girl scouts, that's hamburger, onion, potato, carrot, garlic and cheese, wrapped in foil and baked.