I was absolutely in love with San Juan. Iwas just there for the weekend, and my Spanish skills are poquito at best. So everyone that I met, I began with "Hola, habla engles?" As soon as they tried to explain that they knew a little, I was off, gesticulating wildly, showing my map, and interspersing English with a few Spanish words. They were charmingly helpful. I especially loved Old San Juan. I stayed at the Howard Johnson and the elevator was from ancient times. I actually got stuck in it for few minutes. The room had a wonderful bathroom, and though small, was perfect fro a single person. I did smell urine though, and there were no windows. That worried me. Breakfast was the regular continental fare, cereal, tea, juice, apples. No Puerto Rican fruits were available. But I did get to eat Mofongo, Alcapurrias, and anything that was served with plantains, also a Jamaican staple.
I can't help but feel sad that we Jamaicans have destroyed our island to the extent that tourists are told not to leave hotels by themselves. I walked along the Condado strip at night, I walked through Old San Juan at night, with no problems whatsoever. Think how tourists would love to explore Montego Bay, on foot. Spanish Town has such historical value, but with the gang warfare, no tourist is going to rent a car and just drive down there with a map in hand. I took the public bus, which thankfully is free until November. I could walk around, camera out, and not feel threatened. Can you imagine a tourist sitting 'One white girl on a mini bus?" She would be so harassed.
I found San Juan to be perfect for the independent traveler, as people were more than happy to take my picture for me. I took tours and made friends with people from Cali, East Harlem, and San Diego.
The rainforest, El Yunque, is beautiful. Jamaicans beware, if you go you'll see things you already now, like Dasheen and Papaya trees, but if you see the Coqi frog, take a picture for me. It is the island animal. It rained while we were there, and it was humid at the same time. Louis, my tour guide was amazingly knowledgeable. The best part is he knew Jack Keroac's daughter. Amazing! If you go, go with EcoTours, and ask for Louis. If you want, I have his number too. Then stop by Loquillo beach. Beautiful white sands, warm sun, at the foot of the rainforest.
Don't forget to take the trolley-free-around Old San Juan. It takes you to two historical sites, El Morro and San Cristobal. Beautiful architecture. Stop by the Barcardi factory for some free rum, but go with a group, the fare from the bus park where the free ferry leaves you is $8 if you're alone.
The only problem was that I sensed some apprehension toward me because of my dark skin tone.So everybody has their problems. One family almost jumped into the ocean when I asked if they would like me to take a picture of the entire family for them, instead of the husband trying to stretch his arm like that guy in Fantastic Four. They were very clear that they thought I was harassing them. Oh well, on the flip side, I met an older man who told me that old people like morenas and his mom was dark like me. So slightly weird conversation but he was a nice guy.
But still, people, try to mek Jamaica betta nuh?
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