It was summertime and I wanted to go to a not-too-far place with nice beaches.
Where would I go?
While thinking about potential destinations, I saw an ad promoting the attractions of Puerto Rico.
It sounded as good as any place to relax on the sea shore.
It's not too far, direct flights are possible and average temperature in mid day is in the high 80s...
I reserved flights and a good all inclusive resort for a trip to San Juan in 10 days.
Four days later I heard on the news that a thunderstorm was approaching Puerto Rico. It was supposed to reach the shores of the island within 36 hours.
The next day the thunderstorm became a hurricane.
It hit the island hard, causing floods, falling trees, structural damage to many facilities and power outages.
I called the resort 2 days before my arrival to verify that the resort was in good condition to accept guests.
"Sir, there was some damage, but we are working on it 24/7. By the time you will be here, everything should be functional and ready for you."
My direct flight from O'Hare airport to San Juan took about 4.5 hours. It left on time and arrived slightly earlier than predicted.
I observed some of the devastation on my taxi ride to the hotel: Tree trunks still spread on main roads, down electric power lines, roofless buildings, upside down cars.
It became clear that the hurricane caused a lot of damage on the island.
When we arrived to the resort, the initial impression was not very encouraging.
Many of the trees were split open or their limbs broken. Debris was all around.
Three trees fell on balconies and several rooms were closed with signs announcing that they were temporarily inhabitable.
It looked like a disaster area with few amenities that were SUPPOSEDLY fixed, including the main pool and the jacuzzi.
I entered the registration area and noticed several unhappy customers.
I waited in line with my Bose earphones in my ears, listening to pop music.
When it was my turn, I showed the young girl my reservation.
She glanced at me apologetically, "Sorry sir, but due to severe damage to the hotel, we won't be able to give you exactly what you wanted. There are 2 options. Either you want a very small single room with a couch to sleep on, or a double room that you'll have to share with another guest."
"Neither option sounds tempting... can you help me find a room in another hotel around here?"
"Unfortunately, the hurricane hit all of us and nobody was spared. Few hotels that initially had few available rooms got filled hours after the hurricane passed. You will not find any room in a 20 miles radius!"
"If I agree to share a double room with somebody else, who will be the other guy?"
"Actually it's a woman, sir... But we can create a separation with a curtain between the two of you..."
"So you are saying that there is really no other option?!..."
"I am really sorry... The hotel management hoped to fix most of the damage by now, but due to the vast destruction in the area, all the maintenance people are working nonstop in the city."
"I see that I do not have another choice... I'll take the double room then."
"Very good sir. By the way, the other guest should be here in an hour."
I went to see my room. It was on the second floor and looked nice and clean.
The staff already made the separation and I could choose which side I wanted.
The bathroom was on one side and the kitchenette with the TV on the other.
I elected to wait till the other person arrived and together we'd decide the arrangement.
I left my carry on and backpack on the carpet and rested on the bed to watch TV.
Two hours later there was a soft knock on the door.
I opened it and saw a tired older lady with a suitcase and carry on, "Hi, my name is Lorna. I assume that you are the other guest in this room."
"Yes ma'am. My name is Rodney. It seems like the two of us will have to share this room for several days."
"What can I say, my plans have changed a couple of times already in the last 2 months. With some luck, the room issue may be the least of my problems."
"Lorna, which bed do you prefer to sleep on?"
She checked both sides before answering, "I don't really care, because it's not like only one of us will use the bathroom and I am sure that both of us will want to use the kitchen and the TV..."
"Lorna you are probably tired. If you want to take a shower and then rest, we can decide everything later."
"Rodney, you are right. The long flights from the west coast killed my back. If you do not need to use the bathroom... It may take me at least half an hour to loosen my achy muscles."
"Go ahead Lorna and take your time. I am not sure if they told you, but the jacuzzi is open until 10 pm, so the jets may help your back muscles."
"Thanks, but let me refresh in our tub first."
When Lorna occupied the bathroom, I went down to check the hotel amenities.
I mean the ones that were still usable...
The restaurant place was spacious and intact. The evening menu was posted outside. I went to the pool area. The outdoor pool had no water in it and it was filled with broken tree branches and other debris. The indoor pool was smaller, but functional and the water was warm and pleasant. The jacuzzi could accommodate up to 8 people. I operated it and the 104 degrees bubbly water functioned as expected. Good!
There was also a small exercise room with too many instruments spread around. Obviously the original room suffered some damage and this was a temporary one. But certain pieces of equipment worked well, including the treadmill, an elliptical and few dumbbell weights.
I went up to the room and watched the news. Nothing important, except for another hurricane that was expected to pass north of the island next week.
Lorna came out of the bathroom wearing a long soft robe and a towel wrapped around her hair. She had no make up on. Was she in her 40s? She was about 5'5", 130lbs.
She smiled at me, "I liked our bathroom. It's large. the shower is great and the tub very comfortable."
I smiled at her, "And I went downstairs to check what else was available. The good news is that while the exercise room may not be at it's best, it's still usable. The indoor pool and the jacuzzi are OK and the restaurant operates as usual, as far as I understand it."
"It's nice to know, because going outside the resort seems like a bad idea. The devastation in the area is just depressing."
"Lorna, I haven't eaten in awhile and I plan to go in an hour. Would you like to join me?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I am too tired now. I'd like to rest for an hour. So you can go and eat earlier if you are hungry. I will probably go in an hour and a half..."
"Lorna, I brought a small Ziploc bag with a variety of nuts. I'll eat a handful now, satisfying my stomach for another half an hour, so we'll go to the restaurant together. Is it OK if I make a reservation for 7 pm?"
She looked at her watch, "Rodney, this will be perfect... If you want to watch TV, I'll sleep on the other bed."
"Good night girl and see you at 6:50."
She closed the curtain.
I called the restaurant to book a dinner for 2 at 7 and then decreased the TV volume to minimum. I watched an NBA basketball game.
During the game I didn't pay attention to the time and concentrated on the match.
Suddenly the curtain opened and... a gorgeous woman showed up!
Lorna had on a nice long gray dress with 3" high heels shoes. Her shoulder length hair framed her cute face perfectly. She had on light make up, mascara and pinkish lipstick.
Unlike before, she looked beautiful! Yes, she was older, but... attractive none the less.
I whistled appreciatively.
She blushed, "Rodney, stop it... The last time somebody did it in my presence was decades ago..."
