The ports are coming thick and fast as we approach our leaving of the Mediterranean. Today, Cartagena, is notable for two reasons, our auditors leave and so do Sam, Ant and the children. The former is great, we have been re-certified; the latter, awful, the absence of the children hangs heavy on my heart. Olly’s constant chatter and Emily’s laughs and smiles will have to wait, I console myself that I will see them again in early May, when Emily is christened. In the meantime, they are having a week with Ant’s Mum and Dad, who live not far from Cartagena.
Cartagena boasts a beautiful natural harbour, nestled in a bay, surrounded by precipitous cliffs. It has a Cruise berth and a Naval base, while on its outer peripheries, a thriving cargo port.
The bay from seaward
Overview
The Bay itself
The harbour
…and the dock, the “Eurodam” is ahead of us.
The city is steeped in history. The surrounding hills have fortifications from a bygone age; Moors, Carthaginians, Romans, have all influenced Spain’s destiny and her is no exception.
I wait with the family, while the men go to bring the cars and luggage; as we wait, the crew pass by and many of them want hugs and photos from the children that they have all but adopted, this past week. Sam and I, big lumps in our throats, say goodbye.
Having last-minute hugs
I watch the “Eurodam” sail and I leave you with a photo of Olly, he has been wearing this ‘uniform’ all week, it was a job to get him out of it when he went to bed 🙂
I had the opportunity to speak to Olly and I asked him if he was driving the ship and he said no, Grampa really lovely family.
Captain Jonathan,
Glad you were able to enjoy time with your family. Thanks for posting the photos, reminded me of our time in Cartagena.
Cheers
Ah, yes… I see some resemblance around the mouth…brilliant idea to give him the uniform….such memories you have given him!
What a bittersweet day for you. Love the picture of Olly and really loved seeing your family on board with you. Was nice to see them in “real life” instead of just on your blog! Yes, Cartagena is a wonderful city and I wished we had had 2 days there rather than just one! Oh, which ship for rough seas? Why, they Amsterdam, of course…she was built more for that than the Eurodam! Right Capt. Johnathan?
I feel the tradition will go on,sad at my age I’ll never see it, if it comes true
He’s going to have the girls chasing him for sure! Love the pictures. We’ll be in Cartagena in November!
Like the view of the Amsterdam nose to nose with the Eurodam. Which ship would you rather be on in very rough seas?
You have a lovely family, I love the picture of Ollie. What a pleasure to see your crew and family interact. Thank you again for your posts and pictures. As I have been to a few of your ports it always takes me back with fond memories of my time there.
Too precious the picture of Captain Ollie!