Probably the last post

Dear Friends and family,

After over a year of craziness, I believe this will be my last wedding post. Mostly because I am leaving for Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning, and will have limited access to email. I hope that two weeks from today we will all be slightly hung over enjoying breakfast before we go our separate ways for a little bit.

A few things I wanted to say to those of you traveling to Puerto Rico for the first time:

• Puerto Rico is a mix of Latin America and US in every way. It is caught up between two cultures and it can be confusing. San Juan is very Americanized, but the further you get from the capital the deeper you sink into Latin America. Be prepared for unexpected things. If you go in expecting something specific you may be disappointed.
• Most of you are well traveled people. I don't have to tell you to be vigilant in a foreign place. Puerto Rico has a history of car-jackings, so keep your car doors locked. Because of this fact the law in Puerto Rico says that after midnight you do not have to sit and wait at a red light. You can treat a red light as you would a yellow light. No joke, it is the law.
• That being said, Puerto Ricans are not known for obeying the traffic laws so you should always proceed with caution. On the subject of crime I will say I am 35 years old and have never been a victim of witnessed a crime and I grew up in Puerto Rico, and lived in San Juan alone for one year. I would never leave my doors unlocked, or my things unattended at a beach though- because I have heard stories.
• Another law in Puerto Rico is that you must wear your seat belt when the car is running at all times, even in the back seat. You also are not supposed to talk on your cell phone when you are gassing up the car.
• On the subject of gas: most places will require you to pay before you pump. (again-crime). Prices on the signs are in liters and not gallons, so it will be significantly cheaper than what you are used to.
  
• Basic travel courtesy: before you start yapping in English to someone you might want to ask if they speak English. If you are nice about it, service personnel will go out of the way to help you. My educated guess is that in San Juan 85% of the people speak English. Around the island it may be more like like 60%. Most businesses have at least one person who speaks English-more than likely with a touch of a New York accent.
• Last but certainly not least, Caribbean time. People are a bit slow, late, laid back. Don't expect the American way of we want to serve you right away and get out so we can seat the next customer. They take their time, so can you. No rush, think Europe. Of course Michael and I will expect you to be punctual to everything we plan with you because we are bit crazy like that.

The numbers. I will be in Puerto Rico on 6/3/9. My cell is 706-614-5606. Michael will get there on 6/9/9 his cell is 404-372-2021. I will be staying with my parents their home number is 787-851-6168. You need anything, and I mean anything you call me. Maybe you are lost and need directions. Maybe you are not sure what you are ordering at a restaurant. Maybe you need a translator in a pinch. Call me. Anytime. Seriously.

We love you all so mucha nd are very excited about you coming to PR. Don't be scared. The horror stories are about lowering expectations. = )

Lisa & Mike