Thursday, November 7, 2019 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Thursday, November 7, 2019 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital and most populous city in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de Leon, who named it City of Puerto Rico (Rich Port). Five centuries ago, San Juan was an impenetrable fortified city. Today the capital city of Puerto Rico, is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean welcoming travelers from all over the world. Visitorsw of all ages and interests will enjoy seeing unique attractions and landmarks in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The list of places you can visit is long, including world-renowned UNESCO sites such as the San Juan National Historic Site. Several historical buildings are located in San Juan; among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro, Fort San Cristobal and La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. The charming Old San Juan will transport you back to colonial times. Bring comfortable shoes, because you'll want to walk every cobblestone street, with bright candy colored homes. Explore scenic waterfronts, centuries old forts, museums, charming plazas, excellent restaurants, shopping, and the sure to experience the vibrant culture by attending the festive events just about every week of the year. The New San Juan, the metropolis of the Caribbean, is constantly growing and moving forward. The capital city offers the amenities and entertainment of a modern and lively city with the added allures of tropical beaches, luxurious beachfront hotels, world-class dining, shopping and a sizzling nightlife. Condado, Ocean Park, nearly Isla Verde, are the most popular tourist destination. Here you can have it all, a bustling city life yet relaxing like a tropical escape ought to be.
Having read the above, we did none of it! Chose to go to the largest distillery in the world - Bacardi!! I have my priorities!!!
There were nine of us in a small van, and a thirty-minute ride got us to Bacardi! What fun! We were to not only tour the distillery and learn about the process of making rum, but we were taught how to make three drinks and are now all certified mixologists! Have the certificate to prove it!!
To make certain that we got into the "spirit" of the day, we were each given a ticket for one free drink which we could sip until our tour was ready. Choices were Mojito, Morning Sunrise, Daiquiri, or Rum and Coke. Mojito, of course!!! Gervaise chose the Sunrise, without alcohol - such a pretty drink - red to gold - orange juice and something red!
When a devastating hurricane struck several years ago, most of Puerto Rico was destroyed. Old buildings crumbled, but the only buildings hurt at the distillery were those that were already being phased out. The hurricane hit land as a Category 5, and settled into a steady Category 4, as it spent 30 minutes chewing up the island.
Even the famous rain forest of El Yunqui, was stripped os all foliage - but being in the tropics, it did quickly restore itself - not so the destroyed structures.
The Bacardi company was actually founded in Cuba. When Fidel Castro came to power, the family who'd established Bacardi saw that the government was going to take away their business, so instead of waiting for that event, they moved as much as possible to Puerto Rico (especially the recipe!), and even with that move, the family lost about $76 Million.
However, once established in Puerto Rico, the family was free to grow the business which has continued to thrive and become an international institution - distributing their lovely rum to all corners around the world, near and far.
Bacardi, while famous for their rum, has other associated brands which include the US version of Havana Club, Drambuie Scotch whisky liquor, DiSaronno Amaretto, Eristoff vodka, Casadores Tequila, B&B and Benedictine Liquers. . . . and there's more!
Flags of USA, Puerto Rico and Bacardi
And then to the gift shop, from where I'll be bringing home this treasure!
Having read the above, we did none of it! Chose to go to the largest distillery in the world - Bacardi!! I have my priorities!!!
There were nine of us in a small van, and a thirty-minute ride got us to Bacardi! What fun! We were to not only tour the distillery and learn about the process of making rum, but we were taught how to make three drinks and are now all certified mixologists! Have the certificate to prove it!!
To make certain that we got into the "spirit" of the day, we were each given a ticket for one free drink which we could sip until our tour was ready. Choices were Mojito, Morning Sunrise, Daiquiri, or Rum and Coke. Mojito, of course!!! Gervaise chose the Sunrise, without alcohol - such a pretty drink - red to gold - orange juice and something red!
When a devastating hurricane struck several years ago, most of Puerto Rico was destroyed. Old buildings crumbled, but the only buildings hurt at the distillery were those that were already being phased out. The hurricane hit land as a Category 5, and settled into a steady Category 4, as it spent 30 minutes chewing up the island.
Even the famous rain forest of El Yunqui, was stripped os all foliage - but being in the tropics, it did quickly restore itself - not so the destroyed structures.
The Bacardi company was actually founded in Cuba. When Fidel Castro came to power, the family who'd established Bacardi saw that the government was going to take away their business, so instead of waiting for that event, they moved as much as possible to Puerto Rico (especially the recipe!), and even with that move, the family lost about $76 Million.
However, once established in Puerto Rico, the family was free to grow the business which has continued to thrive and become an international institution - distributing their lovely rum to all corners around the world, near and far.
Bacardi, while famous for their rum, has other associated brands which include the US version of Havana Club, Drambuie Scotch whisky liquor, DiSaronno Amaretto, Eristoff vodka, Casadores Tequila, B&B and Benedictine Liquers. . . . and there's more!
- Rum: Bacardi, Navana Club (USA only), Castillo, Banks, PYrat XO Reserve, Oakheart Spice Rum
- Vodka: Grey Goose, Eristoff, Ultimat Vodka, Russian Prince, 42 Below
- Tequila: Patron, Corzo, Cazadores, Camino Real
- Scotch Whisky: Dewar's Aberfeldy, Craigellachi, Royal Brackla, Aultmore, The Deveron, Glenn Deveron, William Lawson's
- Bourbon: Angel's Envy (a recent acquisition)
- Cognac: Otard, D'usse Cognac, Gaston De LaGrange
- Cachaca: Leblon Cachaca
- Vernouth: Martini & Rossi, Noilly Prat
- Sparkling wine: Martini Prosecco, Martini Asti, Martini rose
- Liquer: Benedictine, St-Germain, Get 27, Get 31, Nassau Royale, Martini Spirito, Patron Liquers
So in future, when you see Bacardi, don't only think of rum!
Then it was bartending school! Here's Gervaise learning a new trade! . . . and me, too!!
Flags of USA, Puerto Rico and Bacardi
And then to the gift shop, from where I'll be bringing home this treasure!
Saw so many different kinds and colors of rum, from the clear to the almost "black". From what I can remember - it is important not only how long a rum is casked, but in what it is casked. Bacardi uses casks that have previously been home to bourbon whiskey and sherry, perhaps other beverages as well. Pray for safe passage in my suitcase - though I didn't get to taste this one, our guide said that it was his favorite and I think he should know! Unlike the Glenfiddich gift shop in Scotland a few months earlier, this bottle did not cost $500!!! . . . quite a bit less!
Back to the ship and then in search of some Cuban cigars. Thought we couldn't bring them into USA, but were told that if we only bought a couple, we could bring them in - he either wanted to make a quick sale and was incorrect . . . or maybe he was right! We will find out!
Back to the ship for some lunch, a rest, and then met two Aussies for dinner in the main dining room. Very nice people, but when dinner was over both Gervaise and I sighed with relief. Their accents were so difficult to understand - we were exhausted.
We'd seen the pre-dinner show with Assistant Cruise Director, Jessica. She has a beautiful and very powerful voice - a really great talent! Decided to skip the after-dinner magician's show and had an early night.
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