We have found that the locals are very friendly, and willing to help in dire situations. Yesterday we had a hell of a time trying to locate a bus schedule. When we stopped at a gas station outside of old San Juan, we had about 3 people telling us where to go. One asked us if we needed a ride. One found us later on the streets and told us which way to go.

A lot of cruise liners port out of old San Juan, So you see many American tourists. And here in Old San Juan, there is everything from Wallgreens, to Payless shoe stores. It is very Americanized.

Although most of the locals here do speak English, I am afraid to talk to them in my language. For fear that they won’t speak it. I guess right now I know how it feels to be in America and not know English. However, I am trying to learn the local language . Once we left old town, we found that not as many people speak English, and it is harder to communicate with people.

(The walls of old San Juan)

Top 3 reasons to stay at a guest house in old San Juan:

1. You meet ridiculous people.
2. You get to share a bathroom with everybody.
3. It’s like one big happy family, Even the owner came and had drinks with us and our neighbors.

(We found this random garden. I thought it was somebody’s backyard.)