Replicas of the Spanish Armada galleons that used Cartagena as a major port.

Apologies for the missed posts. We are experiencing some internet difficulties and can’t load any photos.

Our plan for the day was to take a boat trip around the harbour which included a visit to Christmas Fort. Then a visit to the Naval Museum and then a large, air conditioned shopping centre because the afternoon was HOT.

The Old Regatta Club building, built around 1911.

We were warned. The first boat trip of the day (early for Spain at 11am) came withe some free entertainment in the form of a kids mermaid party. Didn’t disturb us but it was strange to hear some of our granddaughter’s favourite songs sung in Spanish.

Cartagena is the biggest naval port for Spain and there is a lot of navy presence.

Spain has a strong naval shipbuilding industry for both local and export market. This includes submarines. The first successful battery powered and military capable submarine, the Peral, named after the designer, was designed and built in Spain in 1888.

The Bravo Eugenia, a 109 m luxury yacht, is owned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Built in 2018, it is believed to cost between US$225 and US$250 million. It requires a crew of 30 to sail it.

Probably more in my price range.

Christmas Fort, built around 1860 on older fort foundations, one of a number of forts built to protect the important harbour of Cartagena.

Naturally the Mermaid and Crab were waiting on the dock for the party. Several serenades ensued.

It was a popular fishing spot but I didn’t see anything being caught.

The kitchen. The fort turned out to be more of an historical interest than photographic.

The Christmas lighthouse.

The all important latrine block, straight to the Mediterranean.

Another of the forts.

And another.

The Naval Museum was naturally on the port dock. The focus was on Spanish naval history with some what is happening currently.

A lost whale, somewhat rusty.

Cartagena is home to Spain’s naval shipbuilding industry.

The world’s oldest diving school is in Spain.

Cartagena was home to the Republicans, the opposition to Franco during the Civil War (1936-1939). As a result Cartagena was extensively bombed, mainly by German and Italian forces supporting Franco. An extensive network of tunnels was built in 1937 for the local population. The museum tells the extremely interesting story extensively but again not a lot of photo opportunity.

The Cartagena Panoramic Lift, 45 m high with glass walls. Not a chance in hell I was getting Collette into that.

Tomorrow we move further north.

David & Collette