Santa Marta is located on the coast of Colombia. For centuries, it was home to the indiginos Tayrona people, until the Spanish conquistador, Rodrigo de Bastidas landed here in 1525. He was responsible for starting the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. However, this oldest surviving city became famous when Simon de Bolivar, the great revolutionary, led Colombia and several Latin America countries to independence from Spain. Bolivar died near here, and there is a monument to him today.
Today this entire area is the country’s top getaway for beautiful beaches, modern high rise hotels, and an exciting nightlife. Nearby is Tayrona National Park full of long sandy beaches, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife. On previous visits here, we have driven through the park to the San Pedro Villa and visited the Bolivar Monument, although he is no longer buried here we understand.
Our plan for the day was to stay in town, strolling to the beach area, then downtown, and finally the two Catholic churches, and the Gold Museum. To begin, we were lucky that the seas calmed down and we were able to dock here. Shore excursions offered three tours today, so we went off by the time they all left for the buses. That was about 10:30am, and the temps were already climbing to the mid 80’s. Since we were docked in a working port with mountains of coal being stock-piled, it was required we all ride a bus to the port gate. Maybe a three minute ride.
Once out the gate, there are a series of tables set up with the start of the souvenirs. If you make it through the maze, then you can pick up a city map to chart your way. From there, we hit the tents on the beach where, you guessed it….more treasures to buy. By the way, their money is the Colombian peso, which was 3.140 pesos to the US dollar. Outside the stores, the dollar is accepted. Typical things that are sold here are woven purses, sun hats, colorful beaded jewelry, citrus fruits, and ice cream. Vendors were willing to bargain, but not too deeply from what we saw and heard. Most of the folks we know that have been to many of these places more than once, have no problem going back to the ship with photos and that’s all.
Since today was a Friday, the sandy beach had few sunbathers or swimmers. Visiting on a weekend, it is normally full of families out for the day. That will start tomorrow, long after the ship has left. We walked all the way to the marina and the beginning of the Oceanside hotels and condos. Many nice restaurants surround this more modern area, but obviously nothing was opened this early. Tonight, it will be a different story.
Making our way uphill, we headed for the very busy shopping street, where nice stores are located. On the sidewalks, are cart after cart of vendors with drinks, food, clothing, CD’s, sunglasses, and costume jewelry. We did need a few things we forgot at home, but since US dollars were not taken in the stores, and we did not wish to use a credit card, we decided to wait for those purchases in Panama City.
Passing many folks we knew from the ship, we noticed one couple had purchased a wall map of the world. Dieter said it even had all of world’s flags on it. Now that would be a most useful item for our cabin. We did bring a map to tape on the wall, but it is looking a bit shabby from many trips. For a mere $4, we had a new one. The Santa Marta Cathedral was near here, so we popped inside to see the oldest basilica in Colombia. Built in 1766, it once held the remains of Simon Bolivar. This church has been well preserved.
Further up a narrow street, we found the second Catholic church, St. Francis of Assisi, a smaller version, but ready for the start of mass. We stayed for a few minutes, mostly because it was quiet and cooler than outside. We were not alone with our thinking. Right up the street from this church was the recently re-done shopping mall, which was under construction when we were here two years ago. You can find everything here like appliances, TV’s, furniture, and clothing to name a few.
We made our way to the Gold Museum which houses artifacts from the ancient cultures of indigenous people. The gold section is small, but interesting. The best aspect here are the clean restrooms open to all. And also, it was free for everyone. Outside on the sidewalk, some of the nicer woven bags and purses were being sold at much better prices. We purchased one the last time we were here. Across the street was one of the local banks, where locals line up, and are allowed inside one at a time by the armed guards. We doubt there is much crime here, since everywhere we went, there is a definite presence of a police force.
There would be no lunch for us in town, since nothing was opened, except Juan Valdez Coffee shops. This brought us back to the beach, and the way back to the ship. Back onboard by 1:30pm, we grabbed a few sandwiches and a slice of tasty pizza in the Lido, before heading back to work on photos. The ship was scheduled to depart around 5pm, but it was delayed for perhaps an hour. Some deliveries were still not here yet.
The sail away was well attended, with waiters serving what they called a banana snack, which really was a plantain. Our buddy Karen tried one, decided it was not banana, then choked it down. One was enough. Usually there is one type of snack which you either like or don’t. Another problem is that the servers really don’t always know what they are offering, since they never eat them. As for us, most times we pass on the food. Now if it is chicken tenders or fried cheese sticks, then it is a go. What is more fun is visiting with the many folks we know well. One couple we have looked forward to seeing is Susie and Eddie, relatives of Randy and Rosie. We sailed together a few years back, and have kept in touch ever since. Maybe next time, Rosie and Randy will join them….hint, hint.
The sun was setting by the time we sailed, and the breeze was most welcomed. Now we are on our way to a very unique part of the world…a place called the San Blas Islands. More about that tomorrow.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill. Going at 8pm exactly, we discovered we were the only ones in there. Tina, the manager, said it has been pretty quiet the last few days, which surprised us. Another couple did take a booth a half hour after us, so we were not alone. This suited us just fine as it was quiet and the service was seamless. We both had Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, the 7 ounce filet mignon, baked potato, fries, and mushrooms. Perfect. Dessert was one scoop of orange sorbet and the berries with sauce. Since we have several complimentary dinners here, we made the reservations for all of them now. Especially the Sel de Mer and Tamarind evenings. They will fill quickly, and will be limited due to the 15 Captain’s dinners that are planned for this Grand Voyage.
With such a busy day, it was wonderful turning in tonight. Good thing tomorrow’ port will not be until 12pm.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS Konni…..we are still looking for Kirsten for your email. We can tell you that ours is the same beginning, but gmail.com. Give it a try!
