Ruins overlooking port
Jett remained in the hospital on Day 16 (Wednesday). I survived a night on the hospital room sofa (more like a weight bench with very little padding). While she received 2 more units of blood, I went exploring, more to get information on ways to get out of the city than to sightsee. But I did happen across some interesting scenes in the city.
I have learned that Cartagena was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Carthagenians and the name means either “New Carthage” or, more generically, “New City.” There are numerous ruins in an around the city. Most are Roman, though one portion of the original fortifications from the 3rd century BC remains – the Punic Wall. I passed by this wall but did not go inside to view it. Instead, I went to the train station to check out the train options. I am thinking that the best option will be to take a train to Madrid, get a hotel overnight, then fly out of Madrid to Miami. Of course that all depends on Jett getting released from the hospital, so I couldn’t book the tickets.
I also learned that Cartagena is, today, Spain’s primary naval port.
While walking around the city, I discovered that Jett was not the only one with physical problems. At one point in my 3-mile walk I had to stop and rest because my sciatica started acting up, first with pain shooting down my leg, then with my left thigh going numb. It went away, but it is cause for concern.
I also started sneezing and by the time I returned to the hotel, I could tell that I was getting my first cold in over two years. Not a great time to get sick. But, really, what did I expect, staying in a hospital?
Ruins in archaeological park
19th century gate?
Shady streets
Train station