Port #1- San Juan, Puerto Rico

We arrived on Monday at the port of San Juan on the island of Puerto Rico. Judy had not been here before. I was in San Juan once during the International Science Fair for High School Students twenty some years ago.

After docking around 2:00 PM, we had a tour of Old and New San Juan. Below is Ricardo, our faithful guide.



The tour of new San Juan was not impressive. We had several stops on our way to the Old San Juan area. Notice how the tourists are still holding hands after 39+ years of marriage.



Sarah is enjoying the Puerto Rican sun. While, on the other hand, Sam is napping in his Baby Bjorn. What a way to travel!



In Old San Juan, we toured (VERY QUICKLY) the Castillo de San Cristobal, the largest fortification ever built by the Spanish in the New World. Declared a World Heritage site in 1983, this massive fortification covers 27 acres.



It was at the Castillo de San Cristobal that many years ago the opening reception for the International Science Fair was held. I remember the gourmet treat was roasted pig. Yes, the whole pig was looking at me with its cooked eyes in place. The taste of the pork was not to my liking. I wish we had more time to explore the fort.

I also wish I could have shown Judy the fort of El Morro which is located nearby. Here is a view of El Morro.



I would visit the El Morro often durng my first San Juan visit. El Morro, which is officially known as Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, was declared a World Heritage elite by the United Nations in 1933. El Morro is Puerto Rico's best known fortress. Spanish troops fortified this 'morro'. which means 'promontory', to keep seaborne enemies out of San Juan. This dramatic castle welcomed us as we arrived in San Juan and was the last view of the island as we left.

Our tour ended in Old San Juan. We walked the narrow streets and found the La Bombonera Restaurant. The bakery items in the window intrigued us. Here is our family group in the La Bombonera.



Where's Sam? Oh here he is!



We order malloree which is a flat pastry that is sliced, warmed, and served buttered. It was yummy. Judy ordered rosquilla which as like a pretzel that was coated with egg whites. It was OK. You will notice that I am enjoying the Puerto Rican coffee and these new taste sensations.




After our snacks, we walked back to the pier. Along the pier, many vendors were exhibiting their wares. Here is a fellow who specialized in creating jewelry from fish scales.



Judy purchased two nana dolls from this lady for our granddaughters, Flora and Lucy. Nana dolls represent the African midwives and medicine women. The lady sold the dolls to support her while she researched her African and Puerto Rican family roots



I, of course, had to buy some of Edgardo's coffee at the Cafe Cola'o. In addition we bought some coffee as a gift for our son-in-law John. Edgardo is explaining to me how his coffee is superior to what we had in the La Bombonera. I agree - his Puerto Rican coffee was better.



Upon boarding the ship, we had our dinner in the grand dining room. It was a special dinner, Italian Night, and our waiters, who were from 65 different countries, sang Italian melodies on the grand staircase. What a neat day!