Sitting in Miami airport now waiting for a plane to Cancun, Mexico on American Airlines. Just seen Man United eliminated from the Champions League by Milan…..so not a happy camper. Its been a series of flights to get here and there is a seven hour stop involved before getting to Mexico. All started with me leaving Barbados at the crack of dawn to catch the LIAT airline flight to St Vincent. A short stop of two hours in St Vincent and then on to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This was the easiest and cheapest route out of Barbados and on to Mexico as there was no possibility of getting on to one of the more direct flights due to the outflow of specatators after the end of the cricket world cup. It certainly was a long tournament starting way back at the beginning of March. The flight from St Vincent to Puerto Rico went well and I immediately took at taxi to a rather damp and overcast Old Town. Had read up on thi part of San Juan and there had been several recommendations to chekc out this old district. Seeing that I was only spending one night in Puerto Rico, it was only right to see the best spots.

My taxi driver dropped me off at my supposed accommendation only for me to find out that the property had been closed down for rennovations. I asked around for alternates and one of the hotel owners suggested a place called EL TACE guesthouse. Rang the doorbell and a little old man with dirty trousers and a sweaty white vest came walking down the stairs. This was the first time I would be using Spanish on my trip. Its totally different talking to someone in person compared to reciting back what you have been listening to on a CD. It had been my primary way of learning while in London…..this was the litmus test! We walked up a rusting staircase with a few cobwebs giving way as we ascended. On the first floor he led me to a door and showed me the room. Not bad- a fan, double bed, tiled mosaic floors, an old dusty smell to it and a fridge which made a rattling sound. Would do me just fine for the one evening. Showed him my passport, signed a declaration paper and we got on just fine. My Spanish had not let me down. He left me, closed the door and went on his merry way. Very sweet and reminded me of my grandfather in SA, albeit that he spoke Scottish and his vests were cleaner. RIP. 

Took a walk around the old cobblestoned streets of the city and over to a really interesting graveyard on the cliffs overlooking the sea. A really beautiful church and the huge walls of the old city made this a great half day walk. Glad I made the decision to spend some time in Puerto Rico. Great architecture and stunning side streets alive with dancing and people going about their business. One of the stops on the cruise liner routes and plenty of tourists ambling about looking for a bargain. Scores of police on the streets weary of any trouble that may flare up. It was May Day yesterday and there were big celebrations planned. Headed back to the room around 10pm after watching some salsa dancing and hit the sack. Slightly interrupted sleep as the sounds coming form the celebrations were continous and lasted well into the early hours of the morning.

Alarm did not go off and ended up sleeping an hour longer than planned. Woke up in a panic and quickly packed (no time for a shower), said my goodbyes to the old guy and flagged down a taxi. Misisng this flight would have a spiral effect on the rest of my plans. No panic at the end of it all as traffic was very light and I was able to book in with no problems. That was until my buddies at customs (Puerto Rico still being United States territory) decided to body and baggage search me once again. My ticket had been marked by the booking agent with the “SSSS”….thats three in a row. By now I was expecting a plated certificate commerating this achievement. Interesting fact- my taxi driver had mentioned that Puerto Rico was still a territory of the United States, however the people could not vote in the presidential elections in Uncle Sam´s land. The best bit is that the local people can be called to join the military and there are many fighting under US colours in Iraq. Nice one……cheap cannon fodder when you need it. They found some sunscream in my hand luggage and confiscated it…..bygones!

So one more flight to Cancun (overnight stop) and then on a flight to Cuba. Cannot wait!