We docked in Cartagena, the third largest port in the world,
at 10 AM. From our starboard side
balcony, we had a great view of the city and the marina before us. The activity
ashore seemed to suggest a relaxed, unhurried lifestyle and the town itself,
picturesque. 
According to the web’s Encyclopedia
Britannica, The harbor is acclaimed as the finest on the east coast of Spain.
It is a deep bay surrounded by hills and approached through a narrow entrance
guarded by batteries. It is the site of Spain’s chief Mediterranean naval base.
Cartagena exports some olive oil,
dried fruits, and minerals and has an arsenal and extensive dockyards. As you
might suspect, the busy deep water port is a primary source of employment as
well as tourism is an important sector in the local economy "as evidenced by the
expansion of cultural institutions such as ARQUA (the National Museum of
Underwater Archaeology) and the excavation and restoration of Roman ruins."
Ken enjoyed a stroll through the
city and got a view into the Roman Theatre for a brief step back in time. What history must abound in the silence of those reclaimed ruins.
As we enjoyed a wonderful diet conscious dinner in a restaurant appropriately named Devinely Decadence, the ship eased away from the dock, into the channel and tomorrow' destination, Palma de Mallorca.
