Normally, I’m a little cautious at the airport. I get there in plenty of time – and usually stay there, even if the layover is a lengthy hardship. I’m just too paranoid about missing the flight.

But I lived a little today. Faced with a six-hour layover in San Juan, I checked my bag at a luggage dropoff station (cost, $5) and took a cab into town.

I’ll admit I was a little nervous – not just about the time but about my laptop I left behind. I calmed down once I found La Mallorquina, which my guidebook called Puerto Rico’s oldest restaurant.

The place had colorful walls and ceiling fans and a long wooden bar – exactly the type of place you’d expect to see a rum runner. I ordered a bowl of asopao – a rice and shrimp stew that tasted a bit like gumbo (only not as thick…and with peas…ok, they were fairly different!)

I spent another hour or so wandering around Old San Juan’s streets. I saw the city’s two major forts but didn’t explore because I feared the time crunch. I actually made it back to the airport with several hours to spare before my Grenada flight.

On the way back, I have an eight hour layover. I may book a tour to see the forts or rent a car to see El Yunque rain forest or…suggestions welcome!

Lunch break in Old San Juan is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road