We arrived at San Juan around 8:00 a.m. and were unceremoniously told that we had to leave. This is the worst part of the trip. Disembarking in San Juan was a little bit different. There are no immigration formalities on board. You tell the crew goodbye, walk down the gangplank and into the terminal, where you pick up your luggage and clear both immigration and customs at one stop.
We had a driver arranged in San Juan, to take us to the El Conquistador resort. He never appeared and we ended up with a wonderful cab driver, who charged us $50 less than the arranged car. We arrived at the hotel around 10:30 and were able to get right into our room. FT spent the day at the pool. I napped and spent some time at the pool.
Friday night we took a kayak tour of bioluminescent bay. The sparkling single cell organisms are unbelievable. We took the second tour of the evening. All of us are non kayakers. FT and DD were in one kayak and DS and I were in a different one. FT's coordination impaired kayak was definitely a challenge for the guides who were fantastic, better than that, they had to be towed most of the way. We paddled, well DS and I did, through mangrove channels to a bay. At times it was so dark you could barely see the kayak in front of you. The organism were so concentrated the water flowing off the kayaks sparkled like diamonds were flowing through it. It was a wonderful adventure.
Saturday breakfast was a shock to say the least. DS got a glum look on his face. Turns out he had been having banana pancakes every single day for breakfast on the yacht and of course they weren't on the menu here. DD had to skip the chocolate croissants and I had to start the day without lamb chops. And both DD and DS were in withdrawal from SD hot chocolate. Louie had spoiled them by no matter where they were sitting bringing them a full pot, more than enough for a couple of cups each, every morning. Thank you Louie
The hotel has a private island that is very nice. FT and I took the ferry over and spent the day there. It was nice, not Jost nice, but nice.
On Sunday we called our cab driver who took us on a tour of the rain forest. As I mentioned we discovered a very good driver in San Juan. The service I arranged was not waiting at the pier and did not show up on a timely basis. Turns out a taxi was cheaper than the any car/limo/van quote I received. From the pier to El Conquistador - $80 for 4 plus $1.00 per bag and the $1.50 toll. His name is Regis Polanco and he will meet you at the airport or pier and was on time. I admired a CD he was playing - and he handed to him when he dropped us off at the airport. Phone number is 787.473.7872 and e-mail is 472-7872. (note: I am not receiving any compensation of any time for this recommendation.)
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