We docked at San Juan at 1:00PM and this is the first time that i have been here that we were actually able to see our lead in to Puerto Rico. It has always been early mornings
before and so this time we got to see it all. It was very hot on deck so imagine what it will be like in the city.
The girls and I strolled off the NA (Nieuw Amsterdam)
actually with no clue as to what we might do ashore. Sue & I have both done the Bacardi Rum tour, aldo the Old Fort tour as well as touring around the city.
We started to
walk along the Pier and there were lot's of tours available to book right there. Since it was so hot out those little busses with their airconditioning sure looked inviting so we decided to go for it.So for $10.00 we took an hour tour of Old & New San
Juan. Which actually lasted an hour and a half.
Our little bus was only about 3/4 full but it was so warm that our driver decided to go rather than haveing us sit in the heat
waiting for others. He was really great and did take us to places that we hadn't been before.
Our driver/guide told us who lived in some of the condos;
Rikey Martain, J Lo,etc.
He drove us to a lovely beach where we got out to take photos, wade in the water or get a cool drink. None of us on our van had ever been there
before, so it was a treat. After the tour he took one couple back after they ran to the ship for their bathing suits.
Then when we reached the old Fort, which we had all
been to before, he then went to an area overlooking the old military Park which had been used up until the 50's. Then the old above ground cemetary. We then toured past the Goveners Mansion and some more sites.
He then let passengers off at different stops in the shopping streets and my girls got off as well but it was so hot that I couldn't even contemplait walking the streets. I went back to the ship after
strolling around the pier and snapping a few photos.
I then went aboard ship and right to the neptune Lounge for an ice cold glass of water. I then went
to sit on our deck to watch the sights but the sun was shining right on it so I came back inside, closed the drapes and downloaded my photos.
I had just finished when the girls
came back to get some" more" money as they saw things in town that they "juat needed". Like designer bags on sale (still awfully expensive). Sue had also seen a pair of sandals that I had been looking for so I gave her some money for those
and off they went again.
They still hadn't gotten back by dinner time so I went alone but our other tablemates were there so I had company. They arrived back while
i was at Dinner but they went to the Lido for something to eat. I knew they were back as soon as i opened the door as they had lots of shopping bags all over the beds. I found them both sleeping out on our deck exhausted from all their shopping in that
heat. Ah, but they were happy sailors.
It certainly wouldn't have been my ideal afternoon but they loved it. It also gave mother and daughter some time together without Grannie
tagging along. Yeah !!
There was a Caribbean Festival on deck tonight celebrating the culture, cusine and climate of the Caribbean with live music, drink specials
and an assortment of delicious Caribbean food.
Sailaway was at 10:30PM and what a nice evening but it cooled off as the wind came up once we were out and away from the
harbour.
At 11:00Pm was Showtime with the Indonesion Crew Show. I really don't knaw how they do it. They work so hard all day and then have enough energy left to entertain
us with traditional music, song and dance from their homeland.
Tired as we were it was great to see their happy faces. What an excellent job they do and there is certainly hidden
talents amongst them.
Late night, late to bed. We should all sleep good tonight.