Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - Old San Juan

Ready for an adventure!
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And the next day, there we were back in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some of our classmates were going straight from the ship to the airport and home, but a group of us had decided to extend the vacation to enjoy more time together and also to hang out on this beautiful island, relaxing.

Cobbled streets of OSJ.
Photo by Chris.
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The delayed gratification of Old San Juan awaited, but first we had to check in at the Hampton Inn in Isla Verde again. It was kind of like coming home, and some of the folks who had stayed downtown before the cruise decided to come on over to our place for this last installment of our reunion. If you're gonna hang out together...hang out together, right?

Before we knew it, we'd piled into a taxi van and were on our way to Old San Juan, where we planned to tour the San Juan National Historic Site, most notably El Morro. We had assumed we would be dropped off at the entrance to the fort, but no. The drop-off point was at least a mile away. We were told to grab the free tram that goes around in a loop around the tourist area, and that there's one that goes by every few minutes. Sweet! 

And they did come around every few minutes, but they were always full. Totally full. Absolutely full. Never an available seat. So, we decided to start walking. After all, it looked pretty close. And that's the thing about the tropics. Things look pretty close, and they are, but it's hot and it's muggy and the sun is beating down on you, even through the clouds. Long story short, not everybody was able to make it out to the fort, which disappointed me greatly. After all, El Morro is the Big Draw. As I mentioned in a previous post, it's a World Heritage Site. To miss it while being so close to it is a shame. But if your feet are hurting and you're thirsty for something icy and you're just exhausted, there are vendors and park benches and shady places to hang out while you wait for your group to come back.

From El Morro to Condado.
What a view!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

"Battle of San Juan"
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For those of us who were able to proceed to El Morro, it did not disappoint. It is alive with history. On this particular day, it was even more alive with history than usual. There was a re-enactment going on of the Battle of San Juan in 1797. We watched the costumed players for a while and then made our way inside the fort, where we enjoyed beautiful views of the surrounding area, took photos, explored, and imagined what it would have been like to wear all that heavy clothing in this climate. Did I mention how hot and humid it was? Be prepared. Stay hydrated. Wear sun protection. And be sure to check out the deep recesses of the Castillo, where you'll experience actual coolness!

San Juan Cathedral
Photo by Chris.
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Continuing our walking tour of the area, we stopped at the Cathedral of San Juan, which has been around for 500 years (1511). Yes, there are buildings in the New World that are old! Naturally, it isn't like the great European cathedrals, but it is still impressive and serves the community well. Puerto Rico is a very Catholic place. There was a small wedding going on by the altar, so we did our best to be respectful, disappearing into the background. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Enjoying a pina colada (yes, they make "virgin" ones, too)!
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We proceeded through Old San Juan's picturesque streets to the commercial areas of the town in search of souvenirs and a opted for a mandatory pina colada at Barrachina, where the drink was first served. Don't you agree? But we were starting to get hungry, and we'd promised to gather together with our whole group for dinner at the Courtyard. Sadly, it was time to go. Until next time Viejo San Juan. And there will be a next time!

Until next time, OSJ!
Don't even think about finding a parking space here.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Links to other  San Juan posts:
Arriving in San Juan
All Aboard the Celebrity Summit
Anniversary Cruise:  Puerto Rico, Day 1
Anniversary Cruise:  Puerto Rico, Day 2
Anniversary Cruise:  Puerto Rico, Day 3

Class Reunion Eastern Caribbean Cruise - All Aboard the Celebrity Summit

A walk on the beach - Isla Verde
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Harry and I got up bright and early (7:30 a.m.) because there were children running and shouting in the hallway (thanks, kids...), got ourselves ready for the day, and went downstairs to join our classmates for the breakfast buffet. I then went for a walk on the beach, partly because I love the way the sand feels between my toes, the way the air smells so fresh by the water, the way the breeze cools my skin in the warm sun. And partly because walking on the beach reminds me of my mother's love for walking on the beach.

We had a gathering out by the pool to discuss plans for the day. You know what? It's hard to make a plan for the day when there are a lot of people involved who haven't preplanned their day. But that's okay, because this reunion wasn't about rushing around from one attraction to another. It was about being together and enjoying each other's company and conversation. And, already, the time and distance that had separated us had evaporated. We were looking forward to seeing the others on the ship!

The problem with hotels is that they have check-out times. Conveniently, those mini-van taxis park themselves right outside the front door of the hotel. Imagine that! And the fare to the cruise terminal is the same as the fare from the airport to the hotel, even though the distance is several miles more. Imagine that! If you hold your purse (which, naturally, on a trip like this, is going to be the size of a beach bag) in your lap, it doesn't count as baggage. But if you happen to throw it or your camera bag or whatever in the back, well, that'll be another dollar. Word of warning.

We arrived at the cruise ship terminal an hour ahead of time. We were thinking about checking our luggage there and going out to explore Old San Juan for a while; but, before we knew it, we had sailed (no pun intended) through the check-in non-lines, boarded the ship in record time, and were on our way to the lunch buffet. I was seriously impressed with the Celebrity Summit's efficient, fast, and early check-in process. My head was spinning. By the way, you'll have an opportunity to have your photo taken as you board the ship. Try to comb your hair and fix yourself up presentably, or you will look like a zombie with a stupid grin on your colorless, exhausted face. Word of warning. No, I didn't buy the picture.

No sooner had we piled our plates up with goodies and found a place to sit right by the entrance than the announcement came that our cabins were ready. Seriously?! I couldn't believe it.

Not all the greetings were this enthusiastic.
But close.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Marsha and Kathi looking relaxed.
Love this photo!
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We sat in the area right next to the entrance to the buffet line in order to call classmates over as they came in, and each person was greeted with enthusiasm, vigorous handshakes and/or hugs. It was heartwarming and exciting and emotional. We forgot all about getting off the ship as conversations led to meeting times, trips to the ice cream bar, walks on the deck, and unpacking in our rooms. Speaking of unpacking, our luggage arrived almost immediately. What?! Again, super impressed.

Bob & Harry on the veranda.
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We had reserved cabins in two categories: outside cabin with window, and concierge class veranda. Everyone in concierge class was super happy with the service, the room, and the balcony. We had a window cabin, and we were also super happy with the service. But the room smelled like mildew, which I cannot abide. It turned out to be the shower curtain, though it looked fine. A word to the service desk caused that to be swapped out promptly with a new one, and the room smelled great the next time we walked in. That was a relief. And so, if there's something you don't like about your room, don't just tell everybody else in the group about it. Pick up the phone and call the service desk. But some issues, they can't help you with. For instance, if you book three to a room, and one of you isn't a child, then you'd better check ahead of time to see what kind of room you've been assigned. Some ships have pull-down bunks. Others just have fold-out chairs. And there's a world of difference. Just ask the three ladies in our group who chose this option in order to afford the trip.

Bob, Karen, and Harry on deck.
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We shared a dinner table with Harry's brother, Bob (also a class alumnus), and Bob's wife, Karen. And here's what Harry and I had for dinner: I started with the Thai spring roll, followed by tangerine soup (cold...delicious...), then seared ahi salad. My prime rib was prepared perfectly medium rare and was served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Harry enjoyed the shrimp louie appetizer, french onion soup, and amazing jerk chicken with mashed potatoes. Oh, no! What's that? It's the lifeboat drill! And we hadn't eaten dessert yet.

We were quickly ushered out of the dining room, our waiter assuring us that our table would be waiting for us after the drill (and it was). We made our way down to the promenade deck, where we found our station and paid a limited amount of attention (as did everyone else) to the ship's crew. There was the obligatory life jacket demonstration and brief instructions on what to do if it's truly an emergency. It was all very business-like and was over quickly. Kind of like the airline safety talk. We returned to the dining room for our desserts. I had “dulce de leche” custard, and Harry had crème brulée. The food, all of it, was most satisfactory. So far, so good.

Old San Juan at Night
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

As the ship pulled away about 8 p.m., we slipped past Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”) and were soon out to sea, making promises to ourselves to visit the place upon our return. El Morro is very beautiful and romantic at night, the lights accenting the walls and reflecting on the water.

The Revue - excellent entertainment
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After that night's show in the theater, which was a sample revue to tempt us to return night after night, we happened to stop at the piano bar with Electra (classmate) and Jason (her husband) on our way to turn in for the night. There, we were superbly entertained by pianist Jordan Peterson (website). Thank you, Jordan (Facebook), for bringing our day to such a delightful end!

Anniversary Cruise! Puerto Rico, Day 1

It was wet. Very wet.
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We disembarked in San Juan a tiny bit behind schedule, which was okay for a couple of reasons. First, that's just how it is, and there's nothing to be done about it. Second, bridge construction and heavy rains were making it difficult for Bob and Karen to make it to the pier to pick us up. They had arrived in San Juan the day before and were staying at the Conrad Condado, which was visible from the ship. They just couldn't get from Point A to Point B.

It's raining. The wind is blowing a gale.
It's all good.
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There was no immediate area for them to park and wait for us. The deluge continued. It was pouring buckets. Cats and dogs. Like in a movie about jungle survival. After multiple back-and-forth cell phone calls [Our cell phones worked there without having international calling], it seemed best for them to “accidentally” pull in where the motor coaches were loading up the passengers who were going on tours or to the airport. The driving rain was showing no signs of easing, and things were starting to flood. A puddle climbed onto the sidewalk and inched its way towards me. We were soaked, but it was a warm rain. The air temperature was very comfortable, so, no problem!

Old San Juan
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As soon as we left the loading area, the rain slowed. What a relief! We dropped our luggage off at the Conrad and went straight to Old San Juan. The bright colors, the lace balconies, the cobbled streets. We loved it! Oh, my, the memories came flooding back from the 40-year-old mental file cabinets.

El Morro
Photo by Chris.
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We visited Castillo San Felipe delMorro (“El Morro”). In the 16^th Century, construction began on this fortress designed to protect San Juan. It is a World Heritage Site, and it is a must-see destination while in Puerto Rico. If you listen very carefully, you can hear the footsteps of the sentries over the centuries. You might even see Sir Francis Drake's ship offshore in his failed attempt to attack San Juan. What a magnificent fortification, with walls around the old city. So colonial and charming and very old.

And such a tremendous lack of parking on the streets of Old San Juan. Up one street, down the other. Not a parking spot to be found. And then, behind the museum, we came upon an enterprising fellow making a few bucks in tips to help folks like us find a spot. Voila! Just like magic.

Enjoying a Pina Colada.
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We happened to saunter by Barrachina. It's about a block from the governor's mansion, La Fortaleza, and it's the restaurant where the Pina Colada was originally created and served. At least, that's their story, and they're sticking to it. In such a circumstance, what can a thirsty traveler do? Exactly.

And then we walked and walked some more. What a beautiful and exotic place. And what a small world: We ran into the couple from St. Kitts we'd met on the ship, and they enthusiastically told Bob and Karen how wonderful the snorkeling is there and how fabulous the water is. Note to self: Go to St. Kitts someday!

Please don't feed them. It only encourages them.
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It was starting to get a bit late in the afternoon, so we retrieved the luggage and started the trek to “our” place...the Hampton Inn. It took absolutely forever in the traffic on the surface streets, and I felt so bad for Bob and Karen. What a drag. There is a freeway that gets you from Point A to Point B in 10 or 15 minutes, but we couldn't find it. Note to self: Check the map next time.

We were pretty hungry by the time we got to Isla Verde. Right across the street from the Hampton Inn, there was a little place called Platino's that offered authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. I was expecting homestyle food of the type I used to eat at lunchtime in Luquillo between shifts at CarlinManufacturing many moons ago, and this was considerably more upscale. But it was still Arroz con Pollo and beans and tostones [fried plantain]. I was a happy camper, and it was only the end of Day One on the island.