San Cristobal Photos
Weds., 2/2/05
We start at the highest point with the plan of working our way down and around to the docks and Diamond. Our documents state it will be at Pier 1 West, Embark Time 3PM. We have to walk uphill about 2-3 blocks to enter San Cristobal, but I want to take a more scenic walk, so against Debbie's advice I take us on about a 12 block detour, but we got to see the roof dogs overseeing the comings and goings on Calle Norzagaray. We wouldn't have wanted to miss that! Then we walk back down to near where she started us, in order the climb the short steep hill to enter the fort. (I am glad she insisted on the Ace Bandage!) It is breezy and warm and not too cloudy, so I am glad that Debbie insisted on slathering our exposed parts with sunscreen and carrying our sunhats.
We pay to enter both forts and this receipt is good for 7 days in case we decide to come back at the end of the cruise we can. We love history and architecture. Debbie asked the girl who took our admission if they ever have guided tours, she replied no, but that she would call the ranger on duty and ask if he would speak to us. He directs us up to his location. We met Jorge Davila and he went out of his way to bring the fort to life for us. He was thoughtful and generous in spirit as he shared his time and wealth of knowledge with us. He walked us around and unlocked the dormitory for our "photo op." There were a lot of people there with models and cameras, according to Jorge, working on an article for a "boat magazine." So, he thought we should not be left out and posed us for picture 4 inside the dormitory which he told us is off limits to visitors and "no touching." I guess he was so pleased to be asked to share that he just couldn't do enough special for us. We really appreciated his going above and beyond and sent e-letters commending him up the NPS and DOI chain of command. He really brought Old San Juan to life for us and made it an extra special day for us. If you are ever there, ask for him! (PS: Debbie's same tactic at El Morro did not have anywhere near the same success. We did speak to a ranger, who only went over the brochure/map with us and sent us on our way. Oh, well. We will attribute it to the fact that it was busier at El Morro later in the day than it was at San Cristobal in the morning.)
