Sitting in the square having a coffee is a great way to people watch in Cartagena. There seems to be something happening behind every wooden shutter of every building as well as in the street. I was struck by how friendly the local people were to the tourists who are gradually overtaking their community.

Several Botero and other sculptures grace the walled city of Cartagena, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. I was struck by the three images of the the Colombian woman I saw from my cafe vantage point in the plaza: the Botero statue, which was very seductive, the fruit stand woman, who was past her prime in physical beauty, but still was a striking presence. Her elbow mimicked the pose of the Botero statue and her demeanor reflected strength and pride. Finally, the third woman, napping on the sidewalk in the oppressive heat, oblivious to the historical context surrounding her and that she might represent some aspect of womanhood.