The Scurvy Dog's Puerto Rican Blog

The Coqui Inn of San Juan

A Mixed Blessing..

I want to state upfront that I really liked this place.. A laid back experience with a definite island vibe. I would stay here again, for sure.

However, its not the Howard Johnson by any stretch of the imagination. If that is your minimum comfort requirement, then this place is not for you. I suspect (but need to confirm) that the Coqui Inn is pretty much ‘average’ for much of the islands locally owned hotels.

The rooms were small from what I could see. Each had their own air conditioner, a small TV and a nice little refrigerator with mini freezer. I did not find the ice machine until the last day there… they keep some ice, loose in a big plastic cooler right next to the lobby for everyone to dip into. [Read more…] about The Coqui Inn of San Juan

El Yunque National Forest

The ONLY rain forest in the US Forest System

I elected to do a regular tour.. It solved the transportation issue and gave me some insight into what the locals think. I choose E&B Tours.. I was picked up at my hotel in a nice big van and was joined by 5 other people taking the same half day tour. Edwin, our guide and driver was very friendly and spoke English well enough that I never had a problem understanding him.

Once we passed the main entrance, our first stop was the El Portal Rain Forest Center. It had several dedicated displays.. all very well done. I loved the architecture of the place. I asked for a brochure and got a simple black and white hand out… budgets must be tight these days. There is a gift shop and a small concession there, but it was still early. [Read more…] about El Yunque National Forest

The Bacardi Distillery, ohhh yea!

I rode the A5 into Old San Juan again, but got off a little early so I could get shots of the cruise ships unloading. Then I took the opportunity to take the ferry over to Cataño where the Bacardi Distillery is for the big tour. [Read more…] about The Bacardi Distillery, ohhh yea!

Riding the Tren Urbano Transit System…

One of my goals was to try out the Caribbean’s only mass transit system. It costs a buck-50 each way so its pretty cheap. It cuts across the Greater San Juan Metroplex serving several communities. Its just under 11 miles long with 16 stations spread along it. Puerto Rico spent a pile of money setting it up and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I had planned to get off at each station and photograph the (mandated) art that was unique to each station. [Read more…] about Riding the Tren Urbano Transit System…

Old San Juan…

Its everything they say it is & then some

The architecture and narrow, blue cobble stone streets are right out of the past. Very romantic. Too bad I was there by myself. Doh! [Read more…] about Old San Juan…