For this unexpected port, we did an unexpected excursion. We took a trike ride out of Cartagena to visit the abandoned silver mines. We learned that Cartagena was the epicenter of silver mining during the occupation by the Romans, through the corrupt dictatorship of Franco, until just about 30 years ago. Since WWII, the mining was done using very, very toxic chemicals that created the worst ecological disaster in Spain’s history. Though they have been working to remediate the chemicals, there are hundreds of mines and most of it is a waste land. The EU has invested millions of dollars to help Cartagena deal with the aftermath.

Our trikes were driven by expats from England. They were jolly and informative and we enjoyed our tour. In the afternoon, we took a trolley tour around the town, and then walked the main thoroughfare with friends. As this is Easter Holy week, the town was decorated with banners and drapes. There is a parade each night of holy week and the town’s people were in a festive mood.

Cartagena, founded in 227BC, is Spain’s 6th largest city with 214,000 residents. It is the home of the Spanish navy, and enjoys a temperate climate year-round. As we were departing the port, small fireworks were being set off that I was able to capture in a couple of photos.

Next port in 1 day: Barcelona, Spain