Day 4 - Puerto Rico

Day 4; 3 November

San Juan, Puerto Rico

We made the dash now it is time for shore leave. We came into the harbor this morning about 0715 with a welcoming rain shower. Now that the ship is washed and shiny and presentable we made the pier in developing sunshine. The temperature quickly climbed to HOT despite on and off sprinkles. We secured to the terminal pier port side to the pier and as our cabin is port side, we got a fine view of the harbor and the harbor entrance, complete with old fort. This view would change later in the day when a huge cruise boat tied up across from us and our view became glass, bright white paint and pale people peering into our cabin windows. Nap with curtains closed today.

We chose a simple adventure today just to sample the architecture, history and food of the island. This was a walking tour of part of old town and off we traipsed with our guide Noami and a small herd of other nautical vagabonds. The 10+ block walk on slippery old cobblestone streets, along the base of the old fort then into the old city was great exercise during which we were treated to stories of the history of the island. It quit sprinkling but was still hot. Our culminating event was a stop at Vaca Brava where the chef and assistants provided us with a hands on lesson in preparing proper Puerto Rican Mojitos and a dish of plantains with chicken. Then more history of the island up to the current time and off we went to walk back down the hill toward the harbor. Some folks split off to go shopping while we opted to wander back to the ship. All aboard is 4:30 pm anyway.

We had a ½ hour delay departing as a passenger was evacuated by ambulance. By 1730 we were free and 1800 clear of the harbor.

cooking class