Puerto Rico, Day Five

On the fifth day we hiked through the El Yunque rain forest in Rio Grande. It was a bit of a challenge for me, but looking back, I'm so glad I did it.

We started off the day with Tripletas (so called by the 3 types of meat in them: pork, beef and chicken). I'm usually not a huge fan of lots of meat- but, when in Rome, err... Puerto Rico...

On the way to the El Yunque we stopped at Bill's Aunt Miguelina's house for a bit. I was happy to meet more of his sweet family, drink coffee and enjoy the view from her home close to the forest. And she sent us on our way with some alcapurrias to have for dinner. Every member of Bill's family I got to spend time with spoke English as best they could, as to include me in the conversation- which was so kind of them, I felt so welcome and at home. When we go next time I hope to have some Spanish under my belt so I can return the favor and converse in Spanish! 

We got to the rain forest and the weather was great- it cooled down as we drove higher and were shaded by beautiful trees. I thought hiking to the waterfall we had planned to see would be a piece of cake. Buuut, I'm more out of shape than I thought and wasn't a very pleasant person to hike uphill with. (Poor Bill... I still feel bad for being a grump.) When we finally got to the waterfall, I wasn't feeling it... so we took a quick dip (the water was super cold, good for the walk back to the car) and headed back. We took our time heading back, I took lots of pictures and my mood improved in a major way. I'm really glad I got to see everything and it was major motivation to be in tip top shape the next time we go so I can enjoy more of the beautiful forest.

On the way home we stopped by a really cute souvenir shop where I got some coffees and teas (and saw a purse that I really loved, but felt it was an impulse buy and didn't get- still regretting it, waa waaaa). At home we cleaned up and Bill's Mom made us a beautiful salad to go with our  alcapurrias from Bill's Aunt.

View from Miguelina's backyard... gorgeous

Waterfall #1

Beginning of our hike to waterfall #2

The only wildlife I was able to capture on camera... I was hoping to see a Puerto Rican Parrot, but they are endangered and hard to spot.

 Alcapurrias, salad and pineapple juice

Puerto Rico, Day Four

On the fourth day we went shopping at Plaza las Americas in San Juan. Bill got some new shoes and I got some stuff at West Elm and Old Navy (ooh, exotic). The mall was huge and really nice... it was fun to walk around and window shop.

After the mall we went to tour the Bacardi Distillery in Cataño. It was super nice, by the beach- we got two drink tickets (I chose Bacardi Razz w/ pineapple juice), boarded a little bus and drove around the property. We watched a video, toured a museum-type area and learned how to make their signature cocktails (basically Bacardi and Coke.. must be Coca Cola Classic, no Pepsi... Mojitos and Bacardi with simple syrup). 

That night we went to El Batey, a dive bar in Old San Juan, and met up with Bill's friends Adriana and Walter. I had a great time meeting and chatting with them, and I'm sure Bill had a great time catching up. I got served a shot of Anis (which tasted like Jager, gross) because it was a "typical Puerto Rican shot", according to the bartender- later Bill told me that it's an old person drink.. ha, gee thanks). 

Later that night, Bill and I walked around Fort San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Castle) and checked out one of the watchtowers... which I later realized is pictured on all of the license plates down there. :)

Plaza las Americas

El Betey

Walter & Bill (looking totally sober)

Picture of the watchtower I stole from the internet,

it was too dark to take pics when we were there.

Puerto Rico, Day Three



Bill's parents took us on a catamaran/snorkeling trip for my birthday present. (Fantastic present!) We drove out to Fajardo to get on the boat. It turned out to be on of the best days of my life. So beautiful and peaceful.

I was a little nervous about snorkeling, but after a couple of minutes I felt like a pro. We swam with the fish (and one stingray) all day, collected shells from the perfect beaches for my Mom, drank many Pina Coladas and rum punches and ate a great lunch on the boat. Such an awesome day on Spread Eagle II (heh)...

It took us about 30 minutes to get to the first (almost deserted) island. We snorkeled in some shallow-ish water before we moved on to another location where we snorkeled in about 15 feet of crystal clear water. Then we boated around, saw some more sights and then, sadly, headed back.

Here's the link for that trip: http://www.snorkelpr.com/pages/our_day_trips.html

If you're ever in the area, it's a must do.

My sweetheart :)

El Conquistador Resort

First stop- Icacos Island

Isla Lobos (Wolves Island)... which we referred to as "A-hole Island",

because it was private and we couldn't swim up to it. :)

15 ft. down

Happy, happy girl

If only every day could be like this.

I just have to keep reminding myself that I'll get to do it all again next year!

Casino in Marriott

That night we went to dinner at Cielito Lindo in Condado

and had some yummy Mexican food.

After dinner, we hung out at Marriott for a bit to play some nickel and quarter slots. I didn't win much, but I also didn't spend much- neither of us are big gamblers, but it was fun... I'd never actually gambled in a casino before. I'd rather go shopping than risk losing $$ on a machine. ;)  

Puerto Rico, Day Two (Pt 2)

We went to dinner with Bill's parents at Mojito's in Old San Juan- I had Mofongo w/ shrimp (traditional Puerto Rican dish... Bill made it for me during our first months together) and a Pina Colada.

We walked around town- we found booths with local artists, jewelry makers, etc. and got some souvenirs for our pals back at home. There were 3 cruise ships in port, so it was quite touristy on that particular day. Old San Juan is full of colorful rows of buildings, shops, restaurants and bars. There are also tons of things to see... we drove there many days of our trip and still didn't see everything.

Puerto Rico Capitol Building

Mofongo... not the greatest picture, but it was yummy. Here is a recipe I found online:

http://moestestkitchen.blogspot.com/2008/08/puerto-rican-shrimp-mofongo.html 

(Edit: Bill looked at this recipe, and you're not supposed to make it with ripe plantains- definitely go with the green ones!)

Cart o' parrots

Part of Castillo de San Cristóbal

Cobblestone streets- glad I didn't wear heels.

 Lots of girls were walking around in heels like it was no big thing-

 I would have fallen on my face. But I'm always pretty clumsy.

This is the outside of Bill's parents' house- the prettiest on the street.

So green and flowery.

Bill admiring the palms his Mom planted