Beautiful Cartagena, Colombia

Of all the places we hear other cruisers talk about, the historical city of Cartegena is by far the most loved. The history goes back to the fort's construction which began at the end of the 16th century, and took two hundred years to complete due to the repeated damage inflicted by storms and pirates. Everywhere you look you see beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Here are a few of our favorite pictures.

Not your normal mode of transporation!

Saint Pedro Claver's Church and Monastery was built at the beginning of the 17th century by priests of the Jesuit community. The church was restored in 1921 and the present dome was added.

The Palace of the Inquisition

Beautiful La Catedral

Busy, narrow streets that look and feel a lot like New Orleans.

(How 'bout them Saints!)

Emeralds are what everybody buys in Columbia. Here's the ring Ricky picked out as Danielle's "welcome back to the boat" surprise.

We're in Aruba now, and sail tomorrow for Curacao, then on to Bonaire.

Sea Ya!

Ricky, Robin and Danielle

Last Days in San Blas Islands

After many happy weeks exploring the beautiful San Blas Islands and meeting the Kuna Indians, it was finally time for us to move on. But here are a few last pictures to remember our wonderful experience.

This is a typical Kuna village, one hut built right next to their neighbor, with only a narrow dirt walking path between. The men fish, the women sew. One interesting fact I just learned is that the Spanish missionaries taught the Kuna women to make molas to cover their chests.

This is one example of a "tourist" mola sold by women paddling their canoes from sailboat to sailboat. Molas are bright colors and depict local animals and sea creatures.

This one is only 6" X 6" and I purchased 3 for $9.00.

This mola is more traditional with different kinds of stitches and a more intracate pattern. Several master mola makers are very well known and sign their pieces. I purchased this mola from a young man named Venancio. It is framed and hangs above our master berth. I paid $40.00 for this larger 16" X 20"size. Can you tell it's a tortuga (turtle)?

Danielle purchased Kuna beads from this woman, who had to show her how to wrap the long string around her ankle many times and tie it off.

Just look at these beautiful children! The cruisers use the small island that this family lives on to play volleyball and have potlucks, so this Kuna family is always invited as well. They speak a little Spanish, so it's hard to communicate. They are as curious about us as we are of them.

Danielle, the beach bum! She enjoys dressing up for dinners and parties on the islands with friends.

One day Danielle and I were eating lunch on the front of the boat when this little guy landed and stayed long enough for us to take photos.

Another kind a star fish, we enjoyed playing with the small brittle stars. A tiny sea urchin is pictured to the right.

This group gathered to celebrate a cruiser's birthday with good food and music.

We met new friends on the beach for snacks and conversation. It's rare to find cruising families with teens on board, and Visions of Johanna had two sons whom Danielle enjoyed scuba diving with. We also hosted a game night on our boat for this group, but the best part was all the wonderful deserts everyone made.

Bill from Another Road took us out conch hunting, then showed us how to clean, batter and fry them. Too much work, if you ask me!

Good friends from New Orleans Tom and Julie aboard Gris Gris

Sea Ya!

The Sailing Wrights