The Zoology conference is huge, and Cartagena is overrun with biologists. It is ongoing, but of course I have found time to explore the area. Cartagena is surrounded by beautiful nature. The mangroves are just outside the city, and yesterday we did a canoe ride to see the birds. There are mangrove tunnels, with the names “tunnel of happiness” and “tunnel of love”. Young boys were practicing their fishing with small nets, and the older men used large nets.

Then today was a boat trip to the Rosario islands, with snorkeling and a chance to swim in the warm Caribbean Sea. Cartagena must be the inspiration for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. There is a long history of pirates plundering the city, and there are old fortresses and walls to repel any attacks. An abundance of colorful fish, and great times with scientists and students studying avian malaria.