Cevicheria Restaurant

December 27

Everyone stayed in until afternoon communing with their computer screens or napping. What a revolting development. Crew were messing with Gary's Acer while low finance occupied the onboard Mac. Pent up, unused energy finally broke free about 1600 forcing a walkabout to Centro. Found early dinner at a quaint (pardon me for saying so, Sue) restaurant on Calle (cah-yay means street) Stuart near Plaza San Diego. Paella would have been even better with a smidge less salt.

If not previously mentioned, Cartagena is knee-deep in law enforcement of all types. Can't turn a corner without bumping into a uniform. Probably why the area is so safe. Also heard the city is a demilitarized zone because druggers want a safe place to shop. The area appears to be awash in cash. Prodigious amounts of money are made by drug cartels pursuant to massive "war on drugs" by US, which pumps vast resources into the country for, manifestly, no effect on prodigious amounts of money made by drug cartels.

As noticed also in Puerto Rico, Spanish cultures seem to promote provocative women's attire. A straying eye so easily alights on the tight blouse or unrestrained cleavage (sexist pig or healthy male?). Dark under-belly (pun intended) of this, however, is self-censorship, seldom practiced by high percentage of less alluring individuals.

Tomorrow is last day for crew to lay waste to Cartagena. Seductive, last-minute baubles, which will subsequently gather dust, must yet be obtained. Monastery with the grand view must be visited. Fabulously touted restaurant must be patronized. Souvenirs and presents must be purchased. Or maybe we'll just screw off.

Jack