SAN JUAN MAKES A COMEBACK!

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea

Sunny, 85F

After St. Maarten, we did not know what to expect in San Juan. The four of us disembarked about 10 a.m. and noted that there was no straw market in the terminal as usual. We walked along the waterfront a couple of blocks and saw many signs of reconstruction—communication trucks, generators, and flood lights for night work. Many shops were open, others were closed but their open doors suggested rebuilding. Carpenters and other tradesmen were hard at work inside with hammers, paintbrushes, tarps. Even Diamonds International was closed for remodeling/rebuilding.    

Traffic always seems to be an issue in Old San Juan and then we learned that festival begins tomorrow. From what we heard, Puerto Ricans are ready for a festival.  Donna and I dodged along the narrow sidewalk in and out of jewelry stores and arts and crafts shops. Tim and Lawrence worked hard at finding places to sit and wait while we examined pottery, lamps, watches, and other fine items.

I love the colors in the Caribbean, bright and sunny and cheerful. Again I noticed the spirit of the people, grateful for what they still have, despite storms that have destroyed the source of electricity for at least 70% of the population, and other problems like water supply, sanitation, and loss of income. It has only been in the last few weeks that tourism has started to pick up.

We continued our walk to Barrachina, the restaurant/bar known for being the first to create the Pina Colada. When one enters Barrachina, one walks into a courtyard for a vision of palm trees, lush greenery, flowers. Wrought iron tables and chairs await guests. We were seated inside and ordered our American lunch –sandwiches. The colorful exotic birds we usually see were nesting on eggs. After lunch we ordered Pina Coladas without alcohol—the best on the planet! Pineapple and coconut—what’s not to love?

After lunch TK and Lawrence decided to return to the ship while Donna and I continued to walk along the blue cobbled streets. With only two cruise ships in port, we did not see many people. One shop had necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that the shop owner said were made by a 73 year old lady who makes lace with a needle. The colors were sumptuous, and each piece was unique. It reminded me of my grandmother’s crochet work. I could not resist buying a pair of earrings—red flowers I will wear for Christmas. I love thinking about how someone works so carefully and thoughtfully to make a piece of beauty.

At Walgreen’s on the way back to the ship, we encountered a man from Louisiana who said he had been in the area since September working on rebuilding cell communications on the island. We wish for the best for the people of this island. They deserve a fine festival celebration in the next few days-they have endured.