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Today’s stop was the Moorish city of Murcia (Cartagena) in Spain. Unfortunately, Gail had a pretty major headache this morning. Fortunately, we would not dock until almost noon.
After docking, we left the ship and headed into Cartagena. The ship docked right next to the town with no need for a shuttle, and once again we self-navigated. We had no agenda and a very basic map, so we just started wandering around. Cartagena is filled with narrow streets that suddenly pop you out into a plaza filled with people. You have no idea what pleasant surprises you will experience just around the next corner.
We ended up at the “Cerro del Molinete” Archaeological Park, a high point that gave us a panorama over much of the city. This was the site of an ancient Roman forum, fortified wall and two windmills. We could see a half-dozen other mountaintops surrounding the city, each with the remains of another Roman fort. Together, these forts gave lookouts a complete purview of anyone coming from land or sea. It was quite spectacular.
After three hours, we headed back to the ship. We re-boarded in time for afternoon tea. We also had our first opportunity to dine in the formal restaurant, named (appropriately) “The Restaurant.” (We have taken most of our previous meals in the casual “World Café.”) At dinner we met four passengers who all coincidentally had been career teachers. They were fascinated by Russell’s upcoming lecture topics. Hopefully we are beginning to attract a potential audience.
Our evening ended with the first entertainment performance by the Viking Band and Viking Vocalists (four members each). The 400-person Star Theater was packed beyond capacity to standing room only. (We gave up our seats to other passengers.) Gail was able to get a few people dancing in the aisles before the end of the show. Another exhausting day!
