I'm enjoying the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, La Isla del Encanto! I came here as a child with my family back in 1976 and remember beautiful beaches and having a great time but I was a kid then and saw everything through the eyes of a child. Today I'm seeing through the eyes of an adult and I must say, I'm liking what I see. I always joke around telling my friends that I have island genes which is why I am naturally drawn to the ocean and an ocean way of life.
My flight here was great if I don't comment about the TWO dogs that were in the cabin. Now listen I like dogs, I just don't like hearing them bark uncontrollably especially on my flight. I mean seriously! I get that we live in an era where animals have become family and to go and have a coffee at Starbucks and find myself sitting outside surrounded by dogs that either want to bite me or won't shut up is politically correct but on a flight where I don't have the option to get up and leave is a bit much for me. Well, I don't know about you guys but I've not gotten that far in political correctness. Anyway.....
Day one of my stay here was one where I vowed that while in Puerto Rico I will do as the Puerto Ricans do so I taxied it up to Old San Juan to spend the day there and take in the culture, the food and the ambiance. Oh, did I mention that I rented a car? Yes I did rent one which has been a complete waste of money since it's been sitting in the parking garage of the Marriott and will probably stay there till I muster up enough courage to actually drive here. Though I was warned before coming here, I truly did not believe that in Puerto Rico they make up their own rules while on the highway. As my friend said "Just drive 90 miles an hour like they do and you'll be fine." Uhhhhh I don't think so. Old San Juan or as I like to call it El Viejo San Juan (EVSJ) is a fantastic place to visit. Get ready to walk and walk and walk some more. It's really the only way to experience it to the fullest. Thank God I listened to my daughter when she told me to wear sneakers because of the walking. She knows I'm not a sneaker type of girl. Heck while most are comfortable in their jeans, I prefer a dress. I don't wear sneakers unless I'm going to the gym and lately, well let's just say I've not worn them and leave it at that but I am so thankful that I listened. EVSJ is made up of old, vibrant, colorful buildings lining up on both sides of cobblestone, narrow streets. I was in my element of choice. You see, secretly I have this desire to one day retire near the ocean while writing my book, painting and selling my paintings at the local art fairs so this place was a perfect fit for me.
I had lunch at a local joint called El Jibarito. The food was OK but their Piña Coladas with a shot of rum were absolutely heavenly and made up for my Mofongo (look it up) lacking all taste. There were plenty of local artisans selling their work at amazingly inexpensive prices. Of course I picked up some wall art for myself and for my kids and for me again ;) I was able to mingle with the natives, walk in and out of several art stores and even hear my share of whistles as I walked by. Hey, don't laugh. After a long day of walking up streets that have holes bigger than my foot, getting caught in two rain showers and it being HOT, I was quite flattered thank you very much :)
Views of San Cristobal and the magnificent ocean.
Typical EVSJ streets. So cute and colorful!
All in all, this is definitely a place to visit and don't forget your camera because at the turn of every corner there is an opportunity for you to take a picture of a memory that you will fall back on in the years to come. Today I'm taking it easy because the weather is not cooperating so soon I'll walk down to the beach and either put some color on this body when the sun comes out or just lounge by the pool with my Piña Colada enjoying the view. Ahhhh is that not what everyone does while on vacation in paradise? My next adventure? I think I'll hit El Yunque (the rain forest) and of course I'll share my journey via this blog and my pictures. Cheers!
