The fun thing about using Airbnb is that you’re staying in someone else’s home, so you never know what to expect.
With Tony away for the night, we had the place to ourselves.
With the long day we had exploring the city paired with jet lag and pure exhaustion, we decided to go to bed early.
Since no one else was there, we left the door ajar to get a nice breeze. But around 9:00pm, I awoke from my sleep to the sound of a shuffling noise. From the opening of the door, I saw the shadow of a man on the bathroom door that was right outside our room. I thought I was dreaming, but the shadow grew darker and more obvious.
Being so out of it and coming out of a deep slumber, I didn’t know what was going on and thought it was an intruder. So from my bed I said loudly,
“Hello? HELLO????”
When no one answered, I woke up my hubby to investigate the matter. He sprung out of bed and stood outside the bathroom door where “the shadow” was hiding!
Without even knocking, he opened the bathroom door and discovered something quite shocking…
It was Tony!
And thank God he was only brushing his teeth!!!
It turns out that the event Tony attended ended earlier than expected, and he decided to come home that night.
After a good laugh about the “shadow intruder who wanted good dental hygiene”, we slept more soundly and awoke to a beautiful day ahead of us.
We started our Sunday with mass at the charming Iglesia de San Francisco (Saint Francis of Assisi Church). Located literally right around the corner from our apartment, it was adorned with beautiful frescoes and murals. Beneath the church is a catacomb where parishioners are buried.
After mass, we exited the church and descended the steps that spilled into the courtyard. Tourists and locals alike filled the plaza to watch more circus performers showcase their talent on the last day of Festival del Circo.
After a late start to our morning, it was time for breakfast. The back of the church bulletin advertised a place called Caficultura, so we decided to check it out. The nice thing about Old San Juan is that everything is within walking distance. Just down the a few blocks in front of another courtyard, we located the restaurant bustling with patrons inside.
After a 15 minute wait, we were seated and got our first glimpse of the menu. It didn’t take long for me to figure out what I wanted to try… Tostadas Francesas (Brioche bread coconut milk french toasts with pineapple marmalade & fresh coconut shavings!)
It was as delicious as it looks!
The thing I also love about San Juan is that unlike restaurants in the United States where everything is super-sized, their portions here are just right! Never once did I feel overly stuffed.
After fueling ourselves with a delicious breakfast, it was time to make our way to the Bacardi Rum Distillery for a tour that hubby was especially looking forward to. For $0.50 one way, we boarded a ferry that took us across the harbor to Catano. From there, we boarded a bus that took us to Casa Bacardi for $3.00 per person.
Our first glimpse of the Carnival Valor from the ferry terminal.
We decided to purchase the less expensive $12.00 Basic Tour that included a trolley ride around the campus, a stop at the visitor center, a video of the history of Bacardi, a souvenir cup and a ticket for a complementary beverage to be enjoyed at the tasting area.
The campus was very impressive!
Tasting area
After our pleasant afternoon, it was time to head back to Old San Juan, pack our bags, thank and say goodbye to the “Shadow Intruder” (LOL!) and navigate the crowded streets to board our vessel, the Carnival Valor.
Goodbye Old San Juan!
Old San Juan was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect, but between the warm people, the delicious food, the gorgeous sites and the beautiful culture, it’s somewhere that I’d like to return to one day.
Until next time, Old San Juan!
Filling my passport with family, travel and bliss 
