Sunday – We were up at 6 to enjoy breakfast before heading
out in vans for Palenque. It was a rather rough ride, but so worth it!!
Palenque was founded by escaped black slaves.
The town has kept its language, traditions
and lifestyle, unique. We were told that no one who was not born there can teach
in the schools, hold any office or marry a local person. We visited a healer
who explained many remedies, a hairstylist who told us the meaning (and use) of
traditional women’s styles. A traditional house was basic but very practical.
We all tried to make music on local percussion instruments, with varying
success. Our final stop was for a lively and very entertaining dance
demonstration, which we were invited to join at the end. Several people did
join and it looked like they had fun, even if they didn’t master the moves. We
were back on board and sailing again by about 10 am (yes, really 10am) and I confess that I fell
asleep and had to be awakened for lunch, which was based on Palenque Afro-Colombian cuisine. Delicious!
The Executive Chef onboard, hosted a fruit-tasting session, where
we sampled local fruits, then we all loaded into paolas (bike rickshaws)
to
tour the city of Calamar. It was a bigger, more prosperous place before various
transportation and commercial changes shifted things to Cartagena and the
coast. We enjoyed an energetic and impressive dance demonstration at the cultural
centre, then emerged into pouring rain. Our paolo driver was most helpful with
umbrellas and a supporting arm. Back onboard, it was time for pre-dinner drinks,
and then another great dinner with excellent conversation. By the time we left
the table, it was time to turn in.
Photos of the Day
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