Steve and Fair Isle have spent the last month in Cartagena. I went back to the UK for some work and family time then everyone came out here for a holiday! Having the family to stay is something we can do relatively easily while we are in the Med. Murcia airport is 20 minutes away and car hire is cheap so long as you have your own insurance. Jane and Phil, who we met on the marina, recommended iCarhireinsurance.com. I'd be interested to hear is anyone else uses them?
Cartagena is a good place for sailing. We found plenty of beaches for swimming though you do need to watch out for the jellyfish. My mother got stung swimming close to the beach but off the boat we were fine. I guess jellyfish like the shallow water? We have three girls. Emily is married to Dan and has the baby Isaac (6 months). Chessie is a student of fashion in London and Millie is a history student at Cambridge. Chess and Millie both graduate next year so this is the last time we have to have holidays in high(ish) season. Hurrah! Meanwhile we made a video of the week. You can see it here:
The best fun was jumping and diving off the boat. Cool deep water. No jellyfish and a shower onboard. And then more sunbathing. Ofcourse.
Along with the swimming and sunshine, the girls reluctantly went sightseeing. The amphitheatre is impressive and amazing to think it was only uncovered 20 years ago. When I say reluctant, what I mean is that they don't usually like museums but I have to say the exhibitions in Cartagena are very well done and interesting for everyone. Even the girls. On top of that they are being used by the festival. Thousands of Romans, Moors, Carthaginians, Goths and Visigoths entering the amphitheatre of the first day of the ceremony. It was wonderfully atmospheric.
And then the festival finale. The grand battle on the green outside the castle. There were crowds to see this one but still it felt like the town was performing for itself rather than the tourists which is the charm of Cartagena. I feel part of the town staying here, rather than an outsider. I haven't felt that anywhere else since we left Plymouth. I hope it continues through the winter. I like it.
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