By the time we arrived in Cartagena it certainly had a lot to live up to. A world heritage City with a long and interesting history, everyone we had spoken to who had passed through had raved about its architecture, colourful past, vibrant present and its warm and friendly people. All of which is absolutely true.

What was most surprising was our first sight of the city from the seaward approaches, new high rise hotels and apartments covered the skyline, crowded golden sandy beaches and all the ingredients of a modern confidant city.

This new extension is built on the Boca Grande Peninsula and the old city is located just a little to the north with a string of forts built by the Spanish to defend this important strategic  extension of the Spanish empire from its enemies. Over the years a number of competitors had tried to take the city that has a superb natural harbour, notably the French and British with both Admirals Vernon and Drake entering the city at various times but never quite able to complete the conquest. Behind the walled fortifications the old city is beautiful, with its grand colonial buildings, narrow streets and wooden balconies.

There are a number of old universities within the walls and a number of graduation ceremonies were taking place during our stay with huge open air banquets for the students and their families.

The city’s history is everywhere, in the buildings, museums, in the street signs and on the walls and this ancient timepiece was remarkably accurate.

It was 2.45pm!

We found the Colombians to be warm, friendly people, one night chancing on a birthday party for a young woman in a small restaurant, surrounded by her extended family, playing games, and sharing a large noisy meal to be followed by a surprise visit by a Mexican style Mariachi band who crowded the small restaurant to play a succession of songs for her birthday. Another night enjoying a superb meal on the waterfront at one of the Caribbean’s top seafood restaurants with the glittering Boca Grande skyline as a backdrop.

A beautiful city, we have to come back again!