Is this the bus to Cartagena?

The Roman catacombs of Cartagena

The cloud cover told the story.  Before long the raindrops began to fall, continuing throughout our stay in Cartagena, Spain. A shame because there was so much to see.

Remnants of the ancient
walled city of Cartagena

Cartagena is a city with a long history.  Hannibal and his elephants arriving from North Africa made their trek from here to the Roman Empire. Battles between the Carthaginians and Romans for control over this uniquely positioned port. And years later, the quest for silver and lead. 

The vista - amazing with all its historical influences.  The weather - appalling. 

In spite of this, we were in the company of Trini, a Spanish guide as knowledgeable as she was enthusiastic.  When some of our party decided to call it a day she encouraged the rest of us to accompany her to the highest of the five hilltops that had once anchored Cartagena’s city walls. 

Aromas of coffee, chocolate
and paella

And delicious hams

But first we took refuge from the deluge in a bustling café, enjoying a cappuccino with new friends. 

We watched the waiters who positively floated throughout the restaurant serving coffee, drinks, desserts and home made paella from a massive copper pan positioned next to enormous legs of ham secured to the marble counter tops.

 

The rain continued to fall but we were safe in the company of Trini.  Wetter than wet we climbed to the highest peak, viewing the abandoned bull ring below.  

From the hilltop we took in the city panorama - the highlight - a Roman amphitheatre, only discovered in the 1980s. The eclectic architecture from various ages was truly amazing - the impact of the Arabs, Carthaginians and Romans along with the mining entrepreneurs of the 19^th and 20^th centuries blending together to create a rich cultural heritage.

Newly discovered Roman amphitheatre - the 
soggy climb well worth the effort 

Trini had tied it all together for us.  The rain did not bother her one jot.  Her long hair, now soaked - she had relinquished her umbrella to one of our group.  She just seemed appreciative that we were still there but we were hanging on to her every word.

Trini reminded us that being a good tour guide is always about giving the people a good time.  She was brilliant - and what an inspiration!