First Visit to Puerto Rico

But without too many problems, we stumbled right up on the Doubletree San Juan, checked in, got our chocolate chip cookies … and now we're here in our room, complete with a private poolside patio. We've arrived late, after a long Delta flight. In Coach. With nothing but those crunchy brown cookies to eat. Need I say more?

(When did Delta discontinue their in-flight teppanyaki grill in coach? The last time I flew coach on Delta, I was fascinated by how the Japanese man with the "grill on wheels" could juggle knives and flip shrimp into my lap, even during the worst possible turbulence.)

First impressions: this does NOT feel like a place you should be able to visit without a passport. For one, the people here are too friendly and laid back to be Americans. Second: someone stole all the "Exit" signs on the highway and replaced them with signs that say, "Salida!" What's up with that?

(Please tell me you know I'm joking. If I get even one email saying, "Mark, salida is Spanish for exit," I'll scream.)

Oh, and it's very dark here. But maybe that's because it's midnight and all. 

Off to bed, then. Gotta get up early tomorrow, because, well, because Clyde gets up early, no matter where we are. We'll take in Old San Juan first, I think. What time do they start serving rum, I wonder?