Old town Cartegena was a mix of old architecture and new shops. Windows displayed the latest fashions, while street vendors sold souvenirs and bottled water. It was HOT and muggy, a far cry from the Florida weather (unseasonably cold this year) we had left in Sarasota. Cartegena is a coastal city, heavily influenced by the Spanish influence from the days following Christopher Columbus' several trips to the Americas. Those early Europeans were not kind to the local natives, and in addition to "local labor" they imported a number of black slaves to build their cities and forts. It was also a place where "confessions" were enticed by torture, and our tour guide seemed determined to show us every instrument of getting to "the truth". They did it all, and people often confessed to alleged crimes (including being witches) to end the torture. Today we've abolished torture and replaced it with taxes.
At the end of the tour, which focused heavily on the impact of the Spanish Inquisition in the new world, we were treated to a "refreshment break" as part of the tour package. My spouse chose bottled water, but I dared to try the local beer. When the pop top came off in my hand, I took it back to the disbursing agent who clearly was prepared for this apparently routine problem - solved by the old fashioned "church key" bottle and can opener. I would not recommend Columbian beer - but I did find it ironic that after touring more churches than I could count, the event was wrapped up by the use of a church key. South Americans practice their religion in every manner imaginable.
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