View from the Summit

We were relaxing on a bench, trade winds in our face. We are at the south entrance to Castillo San Cristobal a fort in San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico. Robin and I were envisioning what 500 years ago must have been like here.

Walking up to the Devil's Sentry Box while peering across the Atlantic, we almost could hear the faint shouts of the Brigadier Commandeer, "all's clear". Can you just imagine how lonely you might feel and how long the days would seem month after month with nothing in sight but a lone seagull? Oh, but when the dozens of towering sails appear just over the horizon, I can only speculate as to the adrenaline rush we all might feel. All soldiers scurrying to their pre-determined post, ready for battle. Months of training, possibly years all come down to this very moment. With only seconds of notice, they must be right, no room for error. If unprepared and asleep at the wheel, Old San Juan could fall prey to England's attack.

I was mesmerized standing atop the scenic overview. It didn't seem to bother me any that it was pouring down rain. The Westerdam of Holland America and The Princes of Norwegian looked like toys in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie. Visiting the highest point of the island allowed panoramic views of St Thomas. For many reasons, this is my favorite island. Robin and I honeymooned here 35 years ago, and we have made four subsequent visits. Tourism remains the number one industry, and it is very evident based on the number of jewelry stores. I have made my fair share of contributions to the precious metals and gemstones portion of Robin's portfolio. However, it's not the stores that continue to lure us back it's the warm hospitality of the islanders and the endless turquoise water.

Even with all this information, technology and modern day amenities, there is invariably someone dissatisfied. No matter how fast, convenient, big or sophisticated things can be, someone's not happy. There is a squeaky wheel in every group; someone's not with the program! Historically, this person talks louder, meaner and demands it their way. It's too cold, too warm, too loud, or he can barely hear it. I can't believe they charge this much for that or how wasteful it is to give so much. I've decided I don't want it. It's too much trouble, too long and considerably overpriced. I lost the receipt but I still demand my money back. No one will be able to relax until he gets satisfied, don't you understand, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.