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..."
"Lorna, you are not in your 20s, but you look great. Your face reminds me of one of my favorite Italian actresses!"
"Rodney, are you thinking about Gina Lollobrigida?..."
"Yes! How did you know?"
"Because my husband, bless his soul, noticed the similarity and nicknamed me Lollo..." I saw tears in her eyes.
"Lorna, I am sorry. I didn't know that mentioning her name would hit a nerve..."
"It's not your fault. My husband arranged our trip to Puerto Rico 6 months ago for our 30 years anniversary. But 3 months ago he suffered a fatal heart attack and died hours later. I was in shock for weeks and didn't leave the house. Then my best friend reminded me that my husband wouldn't have wanted me to stay at home and suffer. She convinced me to go on this trip. Actually, she was supposed to join me, but her old mother got sick and she had to tend to her..."
"Lorna, you endured a lot lately and the disaster in Puerto Rico is not very welcoming either. At least I'll try not to bother you too much. However, if you wish to talk or you need any help, please do not hesitate...."
She smiled through her tears, "OK gentleman. Will you take me to dinner?"
I bowed down to her, "Yes lady, I'll be honored to accompany the prettiest woman in the room for a dinner in the palace..."
Her laugh was music to my ears, "Rodney, you are funny! But I agree with you - There is no doubt that in our room I am the prettiest female! Unfortunately, I am the ugliest female too..."
"Ma'am, I see that you've decided to fight with me... It is unacceptable! If I think that you are beautiful, I do not want to hear any arguments! Remember that as a man I am always right!..."
"Rodney, you really ARE funny! That's wonderful, because these days a good laugh is what I need."
"Lorna, laughing may be helpful. I think that 2 other 'things' may be beneficial. Spending at least 10 minutes in the jacuzzi and perhaps a massage as well. Having back pains and not treating the problem may prolong your suffering."
"Rodney, we hardly know each other and you are already trying to take care of me... Do I remind you of your ailing grandmother?..."
"Lorna, my grandmother died many years ago. Actually, Lollobrigida was always one of my dream-girls. You really look so much like her..."
"Young man, are you flirting with me?!..."
I winked at her, "Lady, if I knew that I had a chance..."
She stared at me for a long moment, but did not talk.
We arrived to the restaurant. There were 3 other couples sitting.
Surprisingly the menu had a good variety of vegetarian, meaty and fish options.
The waiter arrived and clarified that this was an old menu.
The selection was much less impressive than advertised...
It included 2 options of chicken based dishes, a vegetarian plate and 2 kinds of fish -
Snapper and Tarpon.
I gazed at Lorna, "What do feel like eating now?"
"I'll have the snapper. Do you have a soup or salad?"
The waiter said, "It's not officially on the menu, but I can make a salad for you with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. Will it be OK?"
"Yes. It will be very good."
"And I'll have the chicken Milanese with boiled potatoes."
"Good choice. It will take us about 10 minutes. Would you like a drink with your meal? We have good selection of wines, beers and sodas."
Lorna took Pinot Grigio and I ordered a local beer.
I don't know if the food was really good or we were very hungry, but everything was tasty...
During the dinner I noticed that Lorna occasionally moved from side to side on her chair. Her behavior suggested that she was struggling.
"Is the chair uncomfortable? Mine is comfortable. I can bring you another chair or I can switch with you."
