More San Juan

On our first day we had to go shopping. Marion's bag did not make it to San Juan so Continental Airlines bought some essentials for us.
The bag finally arrived the evening of our second day.

We took the bus to Old San Juan and took the shuttle all the way around the loop. On the second pass we got off near Fort San Christobal.
We had chicken sandwiches and beer for lunch at the Berlin Cafe. Then we did the fort. It started to rain as we entered the lower guard house.

Fort San Christobal

At the end of a long dark tunnel
we emerge on the main courtyard.

A great view of El Moro Fort
from San Christobal

The city is close by.

East Bastion through a window

Thunderstom over the Caribbean

Colorful street along the Wall

Marion and El Morro

Descending the Ramp from the top level

At Plaza Colon

Columbus appears to be presenting
a Pigeon
to Queen Isabella

Columbus Statue in Plaza Colon =========>

Bacardi Rum Factory

After the fort we made our way to the Ferry which crosses the bay to Catano. The fare was only 25¢ . We were headed for the Bacardi Rum Factory. An enterprising Cab company will take you in their van for $4 each person each way. Not sure of where to catch the bus we went along with 8 other fare paying customers on the 2 mile ride. That's $40 the Cabbie collected one way.

The symbol of Bacardi is the Bat. They Explained the connection but somehow
I forgot it.

The Tour Features two free drinks... a very well done museum....
Some entertaining briefers. I liked the Bartender who juggled the rum bottles without spilling a drop and who poured a perfect measure by counting to 4 while he poured.

There is a company store where we bought a bottle of their 8 year old rum and a Bacardi Bat pouring spout for $3.50.

I have not tried the measurement trick with my new pourer.

Since we are on vacation we decided to take the bus back to the ferry. We arrived just after the bus sped past. It would be a half hour wait. As we waited a Jitney cab came by and offered us a ride to the station. We got aboard. I tipped him for the gracious gesture.

Our Last Lunch
at El Parada (The Bus Stop)

Notes on other stuff:

We used Priceline to get the Hotel Reservations. The Hotel Excelsior was what we were awarded. It turned out fine. The Hotel is in transition to a Courtyard by Mariott so there was some noise by day from the jackhammer. The Air conditioning had two settings... Very cold and Off.

There are a lot of fancy restaraunts in San Juan. Two in the Hotel. the first morning I found cafe El Parada across the street which all the locals seemed to favor. Breakfast $2.75 Eggs, Ham, Toast, Juice and Coffee.

We had both Breakfast and Lunch there with Luke and Linda.

Other Restaraunts we did were Mijito's and LaFonda El Jibarito.
Both featured Puerto Rican basic stuff. Ratings *** $$.
The Red Beans and Rice are To Die For.