So here I am in Colombia, finally. Tomorrow, on Monday I'll try to get hold of my bike. I have the feeling that there will be a lot of paperwork coming again. In the meantime I had ample opportunity to explore this charming city that has long played an important role in the history of the Americas. Cartagena was once a key hub for the transition of gold and precious stones that were stolen by the conquistadors from Mayan and Aztec sites. But sadder still, it was one of the main ports for the arrival of slaves from Africa. Such riches have attracted many birds of prey, and the city was besieged and sacked several times by pirates. This is why the Spanish have consistently expanded and strengthened its fortifications. These are almost intact. The city is surrounded by twelve kilometres of ramparts. In the old town of Cartagena, narrow streets compete in beauty and colour.

Amusing detail: This weekend are the elections in Colombia. To avoid problems, the government declared a ban on the sale of alcohol for two days, turning Cartagena into a dead city.