We arrived at 7 a.m. in this town founded by the Spanish in 1513. The original people were Chibchas Indians who were excellent goldsmiths and miners, so these were plundered by the Spaniards along with their emeralds and all shipped to Spain. The dock had many cargo containers with the city in the background. I took a tour around the harbour on a replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon, much like the ships used in the slave trade at that time. There were local dancers depicting the changes in dress and culture through time. We saw the La Popa 17th century Monastery on the hilltop and then headed downtown past the Fort San Felipe and went to the old dungeons where there is now a handicraft market. Our next stop was an emerald factory where workers were polishing the stones. Right next door was Juan Valdez coffee house. This is definitely a colonial city with narrow winding streets with cobblestones. very quaint and pretty with flowers hanging on balconies.
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