WHEELING BEHIND THE WALLS OF CARTAGENA -- PART 1

THE FINEST SPANISH COLONIAL CITY ON EARTH 

Everything around us was awash in a pale, golden light, like some magical city in a fairy tale. 

Evening had turned the intense, tropical sunlight to a soft glow, and we drank it in, gazing across rooftops of the city to one side, and out toward the Caribbean Sea on the other.

It’s more than a little ironic that the massive stone wall that surrounds the old town of Cartagena, Colombia -- a wall built to keep out marauders, pirates and the likes of Sir Francis Drake – is wheelchair accessible at points. 

We had sought out one of the makeshift ramps to climb atop it and take advantage of the vista, perfect for snapping photos.

But Cartagena is like that; it defies expectations. 

The city was founded in the 16^th century, yet is surprisingly wheelchair friendly. 

It feels half a world away, yet can be reached in less than three hours by air from the States.

It is as exotic as a North African souk or an Asian mountain village, but is far more affordable.

Although some consider Colombia a slightly dangerous destination, this port city is safe enough even for cruise lines to use it as a regular port of call.

 STORY CONTINUES TOMORROW -- MARCH 2