Paradise Island :: Culebra, Puerto Rico

Hello everyone,

Do you know what the best antidote is to living in a cold/snowy place like Boston (or Iowa) during the winter?  Dreaming about being a mermaid on a paradise island...  like... maybe Puerto Rico.  =)

I must say, going through the pictures of our snorkeling adventures was the perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon in Boston.  In case you are also stuck in a snow wonderland and want to see more, here are a few more photos of our time near paradise island called Culebra.

On our last full day in Puerto Rico, our wonderful hotel front desk set us up with a catamaran island tour involving snorkeling.  

Though the ride over was a bit rough and half of the boat got sea sick, once we got there, all agreed that it was completely worth it!  I mean would you look at this view!  This crystal clear water!!

And it got even better once we got to the beach!  We 'parked' the boat, and swam to shore.

clearly, we were very happy!  haha

the sand was the softest I had ever felt, and it was so clean!  

We lounged about on the beach, enjoyed the sun (a little too much, as we found later that night), and tried to take a jumping photo.  

we.... almost succeeded...  haha

we just needed one more frame!  haha

After having spent some time sun bathing, we went back out into the ocean to continue our transformation into mermaids.

 with goggles and snorkeling equipment...  mermaids have these, right?  haha

Anyway, this was the closest we had ever been to a reef, and it was so amazing!  

We also swam closer to the shore to see if we could find turtles.  After all, we were on a beach called Turtle Beach!  Sadly though, we never saw turtles.  We did see a giant stingray though!  That was the most exciting wildlife sighting of the trip  haha

We were initially a bit wary of going with a tour company, but we are so glad we went with East Island Excursions! The crew was very friendly (without being overbearing), the boat was very clean, the food was delicious, and the captain really took the time to get to find us the best place to snorkel!

and we really did have the best time!

a day spent snorkeling, lounging, swimming, jumping off of boats, eating amazing food (especially fruits).. all surrounded by incredible views everywhere?  I would do it again in a heart beat!

Boston is about to be hit again with a giant snowstorm tomorrow.  All of the schools are closed except Boston University, and I have an 8 AM class to teach...  I think it's time for another girls trip to Puerto Rico, don't you think?  haha (but really....)   =p

Hope you are all staying safe, dry, and warm!

Thanks for stopping by!

--Janny

Old San Juan Dreaming

Hello everyone,

It is so cold in Boston these days, and we just had a giant snowstorm last weekend...  In an attempt to push the memory of last year's snowmageddon far, far away from my mind, I thought I would blog about somewhere much warmer; San Juan, Puerto Rico! 

A place full of palm trees, tropical breezes, colorful houses,,,

and the bestie, Linda!  =)

I mean, it just doesn't get much better than this!  

Linda and I wanted to escape the cold of our respective cities, so we decided to plan a little girls trip to somewhere warm.  We thought Puerto Rico would be the perfect first girls trip destination since we wouldn't have to worry too much about the language, the currency, customs, passports or anything like that.

Besides, it's beautiful!

After wandering around Old San Juan for awhile, we made our way to Castillo San Cristobal, one of the two old fortresses in Old San Juan.

and the view.  wow.

The fortress was quite large, and we spent most of the morning wandering around the catacombs of the structure.

There were dungeons and other dark crevices on display too, which was fascinating in a sad gloomy kind of a way...

After exploring underneath/inside, we headed back out to the sunshine and the beautiful views.

The fortress is pretty open to visitors wandering around by ourselves, but it also had different educational sections as well.  We started off with an educational video, and wandered around different sections of the fortress laid out the way it 'used' to be.

this is where the footsoldiers used to live.  I thought the archway was beautiful.  =)

After wandering around the fortress, we went in search of some noms in the Old San Juan proper.

the streets were pretty charming  =)

Our taxi cab driver had mentioned a restaurant we should try, so we decided to trust a local and try his recommendation!

and we found our favorite dish!  Mofongos.  My lawd. they were so. good.

I have to say, the whole Puerto Rican cuisine has my heart... err... stomach!  It was so delicious!  I wish I could recreate it at home.. maybe I'll try!  =)

Anyway, exploring the city was fun, but the next few days we explored the rain forest and the most amazing beach I have ever experienced!  I can't wait to bring the photos to the blog soon!  =)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

--Janny