So Corny will set foot on American soil ...

[Corny]

Yep, you read that right. I'm gonna waive my rights away and actually set foot on US American Soil. Not on the mainland though, but in Puerto Rico.

I'll stay there two weeks with my partner. We've accommodation in San Juan, but plan to do much exploring on the rest of the island.

We have all the obvious things on the Todo list already:
- Acrecibo
- El Yunque
- Flamingo Beach
- Vieques/Bio Bay
- Old San Juan
- Mangrove Woods in the south (not sure where exactly yet)


Maybe some JUBbers have further advice or secret tips

[looseliam]

Sadly, the secret tips I have for Puerto Rico don't work too well for those in relationships

Have fun and wear sunscreen.

[refujiunderground]

puerto rico?? thought you was going to say new york or florida.

[Keeland]

Maybe some JUBbers have further advice or secret tips

Buy twice as much medical insurance than you think you'll need and wear a tinfoil hat.

[Corny]

Hu? Anyway, my socialist communist health care works even in the US

[Keeland]

Hu? Anyway, my socialist communist health care works even in the US

Canada's socialist communist medical coverage runs out at the point of what the equivalent costs here. It would be long gone after using a single Kleenex tissue supplied by a U.S. hospital — $2 million, I think. So we have to buy private coverage.

Edit: Take your own Kleenex and sell each tissue to other patients at half price — $1 million.

[Corny]

I have additional private coverage that flies me home to German doctors anytime (if it is sensible, so not with a back injury ). Costs me like 12 EUR/year.

[looseliam]

Hu? Anyway, my socialist communist health care works even in the US

I have additional private coverage that flies me home to German doctors anytime (if it is sensible, so not with a back injury ). Costs me like 12 EUR/year.

oh, yea? Yea, well, well... well... say squirrel!

[T-Rexx]

Maybe some JUBbers have further advice or secret tips

Brush up on your Spanish.

It may be an American territory, but English won't get you very far there.

[EuroSoccer]

Enjoy your time there Corny

[Corny]

It may be an American territory, but English won't get you very far there.

We know Thankfully, my partner speaks Spanish fairly well

[Paws]

I have additional private coverage that flies me home to German doctors anytime (if it is sensible, so not with a back injury ). Costs me like 12 EUR/year.

The joy of proper European health care and insurance

[ronboy]

Corny,
May I suggest you also check out Plaza Las Americas.....
My sister-in-law, who is from Puerto Rico, highly recommends it.
It will give you a taste of decadent, upscale American shopping.....
This is, I believe, is the largest shopping destination in the entire Caribbean!

http://en.plazalasamericas.com/

[Keeland]

If you can, check in to JUB once in a while.

Pictures or it didn't happen.

When do you arrive?

[blackbeltninja]

You might need malaria pills.

-d-

[Corny]

Corny,
May I suggest you also check out Plaza Las Americas.....

It's on the list for some cheap jeans

If you can, check in to JUB once in a while.

We'll see

You might need malaria pills.

Not in PR, according to our docs and the German CDC.

[JohannBessler]

From all accounts, Puerto Rico feels nothing like the United States. You really will feel like you're in a different country.

[JohannBessler]

^Furthermore, I understand that parts of San Juan are very dangerous. You wouldn't want to go into those barrio areas under any circumstances.

[KaraBulut]

You might need malaria pills.

Not in PR, according to our docs and the German CDC.

Malaria, no. Dengue fever, yep.

[palbert]

American soil. Well, sort of.

[maxpowr9]

Also the Bacardi factory is in PR which is a must to visit. We love drunk Corny!

PR may become the 51st soon too as their the economic situation is pretty dire. I assume we can lump the Dakotas together to balance it out.

[Corny]

From all accounts, Puerto Rico feels nothing like the United States. You really will feel like you're in a different country.

Sooo?

^Furthermore, I understand that parts of San Juan are very dangerous. You wouldn't want to go into those barrio areas under any circumstances.

Well, good thing that I'm not into drug dealing.

Malaria, no. Dengue fever, yep.

There are pills for that? Well I'm not bringing any bug spray, usual advice is to use that what the locals do.

Also the Bacardi factory is in PR which is a must to visit. We love drunk Corny!

Yes, on the list. But my partner said that you can't see the actual production, which makes me a sad geed. But the pina colada bar is also on the list

[JohannBessler]

Well, good thing that I'm not into drug dealing.

)

You might wander into those areas by mistake. My understanding is that San Juan is quite compact.
I've been told that the Pinkerton Detective Agency puts out maps that advises tourists of the bad areas in a given town. It might be worth your while to look into that.

I mentioned that Puerto Rico isn't like the United States for some practical reasons. First, you might get ideas about the United States from your visit to PR that aren't necessarily grounded in reality.

One other thing you might want to know. One older gay guy I knew, who'd been in PR many times and eventually settled there, says that the level of customer service may not be up to the same standards as you might be used to, Corny.

For one thing, they don't practice that same in-your-face friendliness that is the norm in the Continental United States; in fact, the service staff can be downright cold to Anglos. Whether or not this is an issue for you depends upon what kind of person you are. Many Europeans really don't like that in-your-face friendliness, anyway, and would rather be left to eat in piece.

Also, however, service in general is slower--in some cases, dramatically slower. Once again, whether or not this is an issue depends upon what kind of person you are.

[JohannBessler]

At any rate, if you go there fully informed, I think you'll have a great time. Very pretty weather and pretty architecture, too, with lots of sun.

[maxpowr9]

Yes, on the list. But my partner said that you can't see the actual production, which makes me a sad geed. But the pina colada bar is also on the list

Yeah I read in the past year, they changed it so you watch some stupid video about rum and the slave trade.

[KaraBulut]

[QUOTE=KaraBulut]Malaria, no. Dengue fever, yep.

There are pills for that? Well I'm not bringing any bug spray, usual advice is to use that what the locals do.

Sadly, it's viral. There are no pills.

The mosquitos breed in fresh water. You'll be fine in San Juan. At El Yunque, Arecibo and Ponce, wear your mosquito repellent, though.

[M4P]

Have a wonderful vacation in the sun

[CTF]

In Old San Juan there's a hole in the wall Cantina that serves the BEST house made Sangria.

Oh, and take the trip by ferry from Old San Juan to the Bacardi plant. You get to see the Bay and the surrounding sites. You'll love it!

[Corny]

I mentioned that Puerto Rico isn't like the United States for some practical reasons. First, you might get ideas about the United States from your visit to PR that aren't necessarily grounded in reality.

Yes, I'm 5 years old, never saw a globe and for the first time abroad

For one thing, they don't practice that same in-your-face friendliness that is the norm in the Continental United States;

Well this would be a HUGE pro over mainland US ...
Also: your experience? Or, like usual, something a friend of yours told you? Because I have been in contact with several natives during the past weeks, planning accommodation and tours, and ALL of them were super friendly. Except one guy from New York who is the manager of an apartment rental. Go figure.

The mosquitos breed in fresh water. You'll be fine in San Juan. At El Yunque, Arecibo and Ponce, wear your mosquito repellent, though.

My partner already got something local

In Old San Juan there's a hole in the wall Cantina that serves the BEST house made Sangria.

Now, that's the info that I'm looking for! Do you still remember the name/location of that place ?

Oh, and take the trip by ferry from Old San Juan to the Bacardi plant. You get to see the Bay and the surrounding sites. You'll love it!

Yes, as I said, it's planned

[youfiad]

Hu? Anyway, my socialist communist health care works even in the US

I would double check that if I were you. A german student at my school that I had the unfortunate circumstance of having to work with had to go home for his surgery because the the it was cheaper to have it done in Germany than here.

[Thad1527]

I was in Puerto Rico many years ago with my ex, who taught and translated Spanish and had local contacts in Puerto Rico. I loved it. I'm sure you will too.

We stayed at a guest house in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan. I loved the neighborhood and its beach! You WILL get a feel for the USA there, seeing the US Postal Service mailmen in action making their deliveries to houses that seem much like those in Florida.

My favorite place to eat? Kasalta Bakery, which is still there. Everything was good!

El Yunque is well worth the trip; it's a beautiful tropical rainforest. We went to Ponce, a very pleasant small city on the south coast, for a day and enjoyed it also.

Old San Juan is historic and beautiful. Even if you're not staying there, have a drink at the bar at the Hotel El Convento. Yes, it's a converted convent that's one of the prettiest hotels on earth. In Old San Juan, don't miss Casa Don Q, a tasting room and mini-museum sponsored by the local Don Q rums. It's free...and a free drink!...and you can make it a quick stop in your explorations.

And be sure to see the Caribe Hilton, too. The grounds are fun to wander around. There's a lot to see.

[MisterMajestic]

Yeah Corny..We know you’re not gonna Post ANY Full Body pics of you and your Man so be sure to post your BEST headless shots…We’ll get M10000 to Crop Alexander Beyer & Andrew Sachs heads to your bodies for a more natural Visual aid.

Haben einen sicheren Flug & viel Spaß in Puerto Rico und genießen Sie den Strand und Super Wetter.

[joshj50]

2 weeks is too long, I got pretty bored after a few days, take a side trip to one of the nearby islands for a few days.

[MisterMajestic]

2 weeks is too long, I got pretty bored after a few days, take a side trip to one of the nearby islands for a few days.

Josh that was YOUR experience Buddy...2 weeks VACATIONING is NEVER too long even if it's on the MOON...Did you go by yourself, with friends, or with a Boyfriend?

[JohannBessler]

Yes, I'm 5 years old



Well this would be a HUGE pro over mainland US ...
Also: your experience? Or, like usual, something a friend of yours told you? Because I have been in contact with several natives during the past weeks, planning accommodation and tours, and ALL of them were super friendly. Except one guy from New York who is the manager of an apartment rental.

My source was an elderly gay man who'd been there several times, and ended up living there. As far as I know, he still does live there.

By the way, you speak English quite nicely for a five year old. I wonder if you can pronounce "squirrel" without an accent?

[Corny]

I would double check that if I were you. A german student at my school that I had the unfortunate circumstance of having to work with had to go home for his surgery because the the it was cheaper to have it done in Germany than here.

Totally depends on the kind of surgery, severity and medical necessity. But if anything happens, you're fine. Also, it's possible that when he's on a student exchange, that he's not covered by his usual healthcare, because he's not just a tourist.

We stayed at a guest house in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan. I loved the neighborhood and its beach!

That's where we're staying

My favorite place to eat? Kasalta Bakery, which is still there. Everything was good!

That looks good

El Yunque is well worth the trip; it's a beautiful tropical rainforest. We went to Ponce, a very pleasant small city on the south coast, for a day and enjoyed it also.

We are not sure about Ponce yet, but we might go there.

Thanks a lot for all the San Juan tips, we might check them out!

[CowboyBob]

Pictures or it didn't happen.

[star-warrior]

Are you going there just to try the pat downs?

[joshj50]

Went with family and friends, saw/did pretty much everything there was to do in just a few days, stayed in the Ritz Carlton and there was a casino next door, went there one night which was fun, went to a bathhouse another night which was awful, pretty dirty and no good looking guys. The people there are not the nicest in the world, a lot of them live in pretty poor conditions. They all looked pretty depressed. I would not return to PR.

Josh that was YOUR experience Buddy...2 weeks VACATIONING is NEVER too long even if it's on the MOON...Did you go by yourself, with friends, or with a Boyfriend?

[JohannBessler]

^That's all I was trying to say, Corny.

If you want a better source, I can get you one. I believe international travel writer Steve Birnbaum spoke of it at some length.

I don't supply any information in order to anger anyone, or to discourage anyone from visiting. I merely wish to be of service by giving information that smart travellers must be aware of when they visit.

Knowledge is everything.

[bankside]

Is this your first time to set foot in the Americas?

[MisterMajestic]

Went with family and friends, saw/did pretty much everything there was to do in just a few days, stayed in the Ritz Carlton and there was a casino next door, went there one night which was fun, went to a bathhouse another night which was awful, pretty dirty and no good looking guys. The people there are not the nicest in the world, a lot of them live in pretty poor conditions. They all looked pretty depressed. I would not return to PR.

You’re single, I’m single so The next time we'll go together…We Can enjoy the Festivals, the shops, Casinos, Bars, eateries by Day and go back to the Room late at night and French Kiss and Fuck until we fall asleep.

Leave Aunt Betsy & Cousin Floyd at home…

^That's all I was trying to say, Corny.

If you want a better source, I can get you one. I believe international travel writer Steve Birnbaum spoke of it at some length.

I don't supply any information in order to anger anyone, or to discourage anyone from visiting. I merely wish to be of service by giving information that smart travellers must be aware of when they visit.

Knowledge is everything.

...LOL....Oh Dearest Johann....Are you just a TAD-bit jealous that Corny is traveling there for 2 weeks with his lover? Your posts come across as if you're a little jealous...Just'saying...

[-Callum-]

Rumor has it the TSA performs circumcision on all foreigners that touch American soil. Watch out!

[Thad1527]

...no good looking guys. The people there are not the nicest in the world, a lot of them live in pretty poor conditions. They all looked pretty depressed. I would not return to PR.

Funny. I had the opposite impression. At clubs, at the theater, on the street...people looked good...well-dressed and attractive.

However, on the plane home...it was the opposite. Everyone looked horrible...ugly, poorly dressed, slovenly.

I was convinced, Puerto Rico keeps all its beautiful people, and exports the others.

[Thad1527]

And I forgot! I'm sure you won't need it...but Ashford Medical Center is considered the best in the Caribbean. Patients are airlifted there from other islands for emergencies.

[TheSpectatingLoner]

puerto rico?? thought you was going to say new york or florida.

Right? The gravitational pull to NY is so strong, I was ready to hear it.

[JockBoy87]

I visited San Juan for one day and I loved every minute.

I also assumed (wrongly) that there would be a lot less English than there was. Of course, the touristy areas will.

[chatolandia]

Outside San Juan, there's less English speaking, but you will probably be fine, people make an effort.

Another thing, Puerto Ricans are very friendly and can be loud and touchy, it could be awkward for people with less experience.

People tend to be either very friendly or very not friendly, there's little in between. And like most places, the further from the "big city" the friendlier they are.


I know because I grew up there, and I realized how people were when I came back from living in a polite, but not overly friendly city.

If you want to do Mangroves, the east coast it's where it's at. Either at the Cabezas de San Juan, which is not in San Juan, or Ceiba.

To see extensive mangroves out South, you have to drive South West, to the other extreme of the island. Mainly Guanica, it has a dry tropical forest which is a huge contrast to the humid tropical forest in El Yunque. The area around Guanica Bay is gorgeous and full of small beaches, and a gay beach.


if you have more questions feel free to ask, I grew up there, and my parents would take us to all kinds of places in the island when we were kids. A benefit of living in a place that everything is a day trip

[Just_Believe18]

I am disappointed you are not making a traveling U.S. tour of every major area of the country to see us all! I would give you and your partner a royal welcome here in the NW!

[MTLDude]

The observatory in Arecibo is nice... Been there when I was 5 years old... I even stopped the solar system (well, it was a model of the solar system, and I pulled the plug from the wall socket)