Tuesday 27th August. Cartagena.

A month ago tomorrow we flew from the UK. Yes, we knew we would have to kill time here. The alternative was, cancel the flights and re-book, without re-imbursement, closer to the arrival of the ship, and Poki.

The commencement of picking up Poki.

Rather than get a cab we had decided to walk to the port for a 2pm meeting with the Port and our shipping agent. Only a half hour walk but in the direct and blazing sun we were both wet through with perspiration and had to walk back after.

Our agent had not prepared me for being let free in the huge container loading and unloading area, without directions! It took several people with limited English to direct me to the right place and where a 20′ Maersk container was sitting. I got to reconnect the battery and drive her out of the container. I can’t begin to tell you how good that felt. It wasn’t all beer and skittles though. The good news is, the UK port loaders had done a great job of securing her in the container. No damage.

She started first time.

With the years of starting difficulties, I’m always nervous when starting her. Needless, since the repair in Swakopmund in Namibia, she now starts immediately.

My time with Poki was limited and they would not let me drive her out of the port. Customs need to be involved and that won’t happen till later tomorrow. So she was locked up again and left. I was very reluctant to leave the door key but the foreman assured me that she would be safe and under 24hour camera surveillance.

Jen was panicking as she had to sit in an air-conditioned room and await developments. Two hours later my return elicited a sigh of relief. They both thought I had got lost.

Josue, the young shipping agent was not able to join me, nor was Jen, as they try and limit the number of people wandering around, plus there was only one hard hat and hi-viz vest. I was quite happy about that as Josue was complaining of a sore throat and feeling unwell!!!!

On a completely different subject. I’m intrigued by a motorised bicycle that is in common use here. the little two-stroke motor is slung under the crossbar and propels the rider effortlessly and at good speed.

They seem to be most often used as food/Piza delivery bikes, with a big box on the rear carrier. Just what you need Ash & John..:) It should be noted, we have seen NO electric cars or scooters operating here.

Cartagena Port Efficiency

I have to say, this is a very well run port operation. None of the chaos of Africa. In fact, as a general comment, there is little in the way of the oppressive begging and petty beauracracy that plagued us in every country in Africa. Lets hope that continues. However, the young female port worker who assisted in opening, or overseeing the opening of the Poki container, suggested that it was expensive learning English…:) there was conveniently nothing I could do about that, as Jen is Chief Financial Officer and I’m penniless…:)

Wednesday 28th. A waiting day

It’s all we can do. An early morning walk to customs to file the release request and now we are back in the room waiting for the cogs of the administration to tell us we can go and pick Poki up.

A snooze and by 3pm we received the word. Come and get her! A quick cab ride with our bags to the next lodgings then down to the wharf. An hour and 30min later we are parked in a secure, gated residence. It’s modern and self contained. An added bonus, there is shade and I had all but the back box screwed down to the roof rack, by dusk. Shade or not, my T shirt was soaked and I’m hoping we didn’t pick up Covid from our shipping agent. While doing that, Jen went grocery shopping. Lovely salmon steaks and fresh vegetables for dinner.

A question for Bridget. Got a name for this bird?

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