Day 1-Travel to San Juan Puerto Rico
Daily update provided by Mrs. Smith.
We made it with no major hiccups!
First order of business....find food. The kids had their first Puerto Rican meal and some were more adventurous than others with their food choices.
We then walked back to the park near the hotel, had some "ice-cream", visited the local beach, and were lucky enough to hear volunteers talk about their project with the Leatherback Turtle.
We went back and saw 49 baby turtles make their way to the ocean. In order for this to happen it took a lot of time, patience, and volunteers.
We were pretty lucky to be there at the right time!
We made it with no major hiccups!
First order of business....find food. The kids had their first Puerto Rican meal and some were more adventurous than others with their food choices.
We then walked back to the park near the hotel, had some "ice-cream", visited the local beach, and were lucky enough to hear volunteers talk about their project with the Leatherback Turtle.
We went back and saw 49 baby turtles make their way to the ocean. In order for this to happen it took a lot of time, patience, and volunteers.
We were pretty lucky to be there at the right time!
Day 2- El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach
Daily update provided by Mrs. Houser.
Day 2 in Puerto Rico was truly an exciting day. We traveled to El Yunque National Forest and hiked through the beautiful rain forest. It's fascinating that some of the soil was clay...I'll have to investigate that. No snakes but we did see a lizard, and a dead rat...probably dropped by a predator. The rainforest hike also included an informational visitor's center and a tower with views of the forest, ocean, and island.
After the rainforest we had some beach time at Luquillo Public Beach. The water was warm and the people watching was great :)
Dinner was at El Verde BBQ. Carnivores paradise!
Until tomorrow!
Day 2 in Puerto Rico was truly an exciting day. We traveled to El Yunque National Forest and hiked through the beautiful rain forest. It's fascinating that some of the soil was clay...I'll have to investigate that. No snakes but we did see a lizard, and a dead rat...probably dropped by a predator. The rainforest hike also included an informational visitor's center and a tower with views of the forest, ocean, and island.
After the rainforest we had some beach time at Luquillo Public Beach. The water was warm and the people watching was great :)
Dinner was at El Verde BBQ. Carnivores paradise!
Until tomorrow!
Day 3-Old San Juan
Daily update provided by Joey.
I wasn't aware that as a high school graduate on summer vacation, I would be forced against my will to do a homework assignment here, but I guess I am. Just remember that this update is written under protest. So, today on day 3 we drove to Viejo San Juan (old San Juan for you English speakers) and we explored the historic streets of one of the first settlements in all of the Americas. First we looked at a very old prison and it was scary because those poor prisoners had such dark and scary cells. Then we walked part of the wall that almost completely surrounds San Juan. Next we visited the big fort "El Morro" where we learned all about the different functional parts of the fort. El Morro and another fort on the other side of the harbor were built to protect the city from attacks via water. Then we visited the fort "San Cristobol" (which was a soggy .8 mile walk because monsoon season started during our walk) which was to protect the city from attacks via land. Then we went to a park where pigeons landed on us and we fed them. It's called pigeon park because about 12 trillion pigeons live there, some were cute and Maya's had a club foot. And we finished our excursion by roaming the beautiful cobblestone paths of old San Juan and looking at very historic things like the Crocs Store, the Sunglass Hut, and Ponce de Leon's house. I think that's everything so bye, I don't know who's writing next.
I wasn't aware that as a high school graduate on summer vacation, I would be forced against my will to do a homework assignment here, but I guess I am. Just remember that this update is written under protest. So, today on day 3 we drove to Viejo San Juan (old San Juan for you English speakers) and we explored the historic streets of one of the first settlements in all of the Americas. First we looked at a very old prison and it was scary because those poor prisoners had such dark and scary cells. Then we walked part of the wall that almost completely surrounds San Juan. Next we visited the big fort "El Morro" where we learned all about the different functional parts of the fort. El Morro and another fort on the other side of the harbor were built to protect the city from attacks via water. Then we visited the fort "San Cristobol" (which was a soggy .8 mile walk because monsoon season started during our walk) which was to protect the city from attacks via land. Then we went to a park where pigeons landed on us and we fed them. It's called pigeon park because about 12 trillion pigeons live there, some were cute and Maya's had a club foot. And we finished our excursion by roaming the beautiful cobblestone paths of old San Juan and looking at very historic things like the Crocs Store, the Sunglass Hut, and Ponce de Leon's house. I think that's everything so bye, I don't know who's writing next.
Below is an interactive map that provides information about the places we will see on our walking tour of Old San Juan.
Day 4-Ziplining and Manatee Rehabilitation Center
Daily update provided by Lauren.
I have never been this excited in my life. In the morning all I could think about is the manatees, but before we could go see them we went zip lining. The drive into the mountains was beautiful, almost breathtaking. The view from Toroverde was beautiful, absolutely stunning and from the mountains we could see the coast. On our first zip line everyone was nervous, but after the first few we were all having fun! Even though it rained in the middle of our trip we kept going. The last of the 8 lines was the longest, about 1/2 of a mile. Because it was the longest there was a chance of getting stuck towards the end. This didn't happen to all of us, but it happened to me. On one zipline I didn't make it all the way and had to pull myself in and on the last one I stopped so far out that the guy at the other end come out and pull me in. The whole adventure was definitely worth the experience. Only a few of us did "The Beast" at the end our the tour. It was about a mile long and we were strapped in head first. Again I and some others needed "saved" by the nice Puerto Rican guy. Our next thing for the day was going to see manatees! As we rushed over to see them we bought cute little green balls from a guy at the stoplight called canapes. Canapes come from the quenepa fruit. At the manatee place we learned about all the things they eat and why they are endangered. At the end of the tour we were able to see the manatees in their pools! There are 2 adults, 1 teen, and 1 baby manatee. By the time we were done everyone was tired and hungry. We went back to the hotel and found a place to eat. I personally think that the United States needs to get a "waffle place". For the rest of the night we played cards, which is always a good laugh together!
I have never been this excited in my life. In the morning all I could think about is the manatees, but before we could go see them we went zip lining. The drive into the mountains was beautiful, almost breathtaking. The view from Toroverde was beautiful, absolutely stunning and from the mountains we could see the coast. On our first zip line everyone was nervous, but after the first few we were all having fun! Even though it rained in the middle of our trip we kept going. The last of the 8 lines was the longest, about 1/2 of a mile. Because it was the longest there was a chance of getting stuck towards the end. This didn't happen to all of us, but it happened to me. On one zipline I didn't make it all the way and had to pull myself in and on the last one I stopped so far out that the guy at the other end come out and pull me in. The whole adventure was definitely worth the experience. Only a few of us did "The Beast" at the end our the tour. It was about a mile long and we were strapped in head first. Again I and some others needed "saved" by the nice Puerto Rican guy. Our next thing for the day was going to see manatees! As we rushed over to see them we bought cute little green balls from a guy at the stoplight called canapes. Canapes come from the quenepa fruit. At the manatee place we learned about all the things they eat and why they are endangered. At the end of the tour we were able to see the manatees in their pools! There are 2 adults, 1 teen, and 1 baby manatee. By the time we were done everyone was tired and hungry. We went back to the hotel and found a place to eat. I personally think that the United States needs to get a "waffle place". For the rest of the night we played cards, which is always a good laugh together!
Day 5-Caves and Arecibo
Daily update provided by Bryce E.
Today we went to some caves and we learned a lot about the different species that inhabit the forest around and inside the cave itself. There were a lot of cockroaches and bats inside the cave. The view at the end of the cave was amazing because it overlooked a valley, but it smelled like fish. Our tour guide told us about a bird that sounded like a star wars gun and also about the large snake who lives in the cave. Her name is Matilda. Matilda likes to eat bats. We didn't get to see Matilda but I wish we had. We then went to the Arecibo radio dish/telescope, which was in the movies Contact and Goldeneye. It was really cool to see how large the dish actually was and learn about how it works and what the information is used for. We didn't get to see Jodi Foster, so that was disappointing.
Also if you want a smooth, calming, and easy drive through the mountains do not come to central Puerto Rico. It hurt and I was scared.
Today we went to some caves and we learned a lot about the different species that inhabit the forest around and inside the cave itself. There were a lot of cockroaches and bats inside the cave. The view at the end of the cave was amazing because it overlooked a valley, but it smelled like fish. Our tour guide told us about a bird that sounded like a star wars gun and also about the large snake who lives in the cave. Her name is Matilda. Matilda likes to eat bats. We didn't get to see Matilda but I wish we had. We then went to the Arecibo radio dish/telescope, which was in the movies Contact and Goldeneye. It was really cool to see how large the dish actually was and learn about how it works and what the information is used for. We didn't get to see Jodi Foster, so that was disappointing.
Also if you want a smooth, calming, and easy drive through the mountains do not come to central Puerto Rico. It hurt and I was scared.
Day 6-Cabo Rojo and Crashboat Beach
Daily update provided by Connor.
On day six of this amazing trip we had an early wake up and had to be on the road by 7:45, 6:45 your time back home. It was our first day eating breakfast at the Howard Johnson in Ponce that we checked into the night before. At least there was some pretty good coffee from the Nescafé machine. We first drove about an hour and a half which quickly became a joke about any drive time the rest of the day. Along the way there we saw a blimp (Aerostato) and learned about how the government surveys the oceans and Mona passage around Puerto Rico for drug traffickers. When we reached our destination we got to take a look at some of the most beautiful views of the ocean on the cliffs next to the Cabo Rojo lighthouse. Then we went on a short hike around salt flats and wildlife refuge where we saw a lot of cacti and not a lot of other wildlife, but some of the cacti looked like they were wearing top hats. A lot of the old utility vehicles that were used for moving the salt were so rusted their cabs were made of wood. Next we drove about an hour and a half to Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla for some fun, sun, dock jumping, and snorkeling. Finally we went to go eat dinner at Boca Loca where some of us ate a whole red snapper, eyeballs included. See you all soon, and I hope no one had any serious damage from the storms.
On day six of this amazing trip we had an early wake up and had to be on the road by 7:45, 6:45 your time back home. It was our first day eating breakfast at the Howard Johnson in Ponce that we checked into the night before. At least there was some pretty good coffee from the Nescafé machine. We first drove about an hour and a half which quickly became a joke about any drive time the rest of the day. Along the way there we saw a blimp (Aerostato) and learned about how the government surveys the oceans and Mona passage around Puerto Rico for drug traffickers. When we reached our destination we got to take a look at some of the most beautiful views of the ocean on the cliffs next to the Cabo Rojo lighthouse. Then we went on a short hike around salt flats and wildlife refuge where we saw a lot of cacti and not a lot of other wildlife, but some of the cacti looked like they were wearing top hats. A lot of the old utility vehicles that were used for moving the salt were so rusted their cabs were made of wood. Next we drove about an hour and a half to Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla for some fun, sun, dock jumping, and snorkeling. Finally we went to go eat dinner at Boca Loca where some of us ate a whole red snapper, eyeballs included. See you all soon, and I hope no one had any serious damage from the storms.
Day 7-Mangroves and Bioluminescence
Daily update provided by Anna.
Hallelujah! We got to sleep in today! At about 10:30 the Mothership rolled up to Krispy Kreme where we bought four dozen donuts. Then we headed to Sub
way to pick up subs for lunch. When we got to La Paguera, Cindy didn't quite know where we were supposed to go, but we eventually made it to the University of Puerto Rico Marine Sciences dock. We went by boat out to a reef where we learned about and got to hold many different kids of coral, sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumber, and an anemone. We then headed to the mangroves and learned about the "four" different kinds of mangrove trees. Next we got a bit of snorkeling time where we saw jellyfish, lobster, a baby pufferfish, and lots of other fish. We ate dinner in downtown La Parguera and then headed back to the university for the best part of our day, the Bioluminescence nescent Bay. We swam in a glow stick. That is the only way I can begin to describe it. It was amazing. After a few hours in the water, we experienced the night life of La Parguera. Today was an all around amazing day.
Hallelujah! We got to sleep in today! At about 10:30 the Mothership rolled up to Krispy Kreme where we bought four dozen donuts. Then we headed to Sub
way to pick up subs for lunch. When we got to La Paguera, Cindy didn't quite know where we were supposed to go, but we eventually made it to the University of Puerto Rico Marine Sciences dock. We went by boat out to a reef where we learned about and got to hold many different kids of coral, sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumber, and an anemone. We then headed to the mangroves and learned about the "four" different kinds of mangrove trees. Next we got a bit of snorkeling time where we saw jellyfish, lobster, a baby pufferfish, and lots of other fish. We ate dinner in downtown La Parguera and then headed back to the university for the best part of our day, the Bioluminescence nescent Bay. We swam in a glow stick. That is the only way I can begin to describe it. It was amazing. After a few hours in the water, we experienced the night life of La Parguera. Today was an all around amazing day.
Day 8-Hiking in the "desert" at Guanica Dry Forest.
Daily update provided by Mrs. Houser.
Blazing hot today. We cut our hike in the dry forest short due to the heat. The trail (what we saw of it) was scenic and arid. The brown leaves on the ground reminded me a little of autumn. The foliage was dry but beautiful. Then we explored the boardwalk in Ponce on the coast near our hotel. The coast here has few beaches that we could swim in because there is a lot of plant life and not much sand. This area is drastically different than the northern coast but beautiful none the less. Had some pool time when we got back to the hotel. Until tomorrow!
Blazing hot today. We cut our hike in the dry forest short due to the heat. The trail (what we saw of it) was scenic and arid. The brown leaves on the ground reminded me a little of autumn. The foliage was dry but beautiful. Then we explored the boardwalk in Ponce on the coast near our hotel. The coast here has few beaches that we could swim in because there is a lot of plant life and not much sand. This area is drastically different than the northern coast but beautiful none the less. Had some pool time when we got back to the hotel. Until tomorrow!
Day 9-Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center and Hacienda Buena Vista Coffee Plantation
Daily update provided by Kori (Torr).
Today started off with a trip to Subway where we picked up our breakfast and lunch for the day. Then we arrived at the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center, where we explored the grounds and learned about its history. This area was discovered by the people of Ponce when Tropical Storm Eloisa flooded the river and revealed multiple plazas, ball courts, and burial grounds that were once used by the indigenous people including the Tainos. Our next stop was the Buena Vista Hacienda Coffee Plantation. Our tour guide explained the history of the plantation and the family who once owned it. She also described the production process of coffee and chocolate, which we learned, are quite similar. Overall, the main focus of the plantation was to “live and work with nature”. Next we drove to downtown Ponce and hopped on an air conditioned trolley to learn about the history of the city; however, a few of us took this opportunity to “rest our eyes”. After a dinner of delicious pizza (carribean flavors included), we headed back to our hotel to pack up for our trip to Culebra and get ready for an early morning.
Today started off with a trip to Subway where we picked up our breakfast and lunch for the day. Then we arrived at the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center, where we explored the grounds and learned about its history. This area was discovered by the people of Ponce when Tropical Storm Eloisa flooded the river and revealed multiple plazas, ball courts, and burial grounds that were once used by the indigenous people including the Tainos. Our next stop was the Buena Vista Hacienda Coffee Plantation. Our tour guide explained the history of the plantation and the family who once owned it. She also described the production process of coffee and chocolate, which we learned, are quite similar. Overall, the main focus of the plantation was to “live and work with nature”. Next we drove to downtown Ponce and hopped on an air conditioned trolley to learn about the history of the city; however, a few of us took this opportunity to “rest our eyes”. After a dinner of delicious pizza (carribean flavors included), we headed back to our hotel to pack up for our trip to Culebra and get ready for an early morning.
Day 10-Surfing, Paddleboarding, and flying to Culebra
Daily update provided by Bryce N.
Today was an exciting day form beginning to end. We woke up around 5 o’clock am to get to a Golden Arches Supper Club (McDonalds) for breakfast. Puerto Rican McDonald’s has a “large” breakfast menu selection (wink wink). After a nutritious breakfast we made our way for Playa Fortuna for surfing and and paddle boarding. For everyone, this was their first time surfing. The first group to go surfing (Connor, Lauren, Noah, Mrs. Houser, Maya, and myself) did pretty well. The others (Joey, Anna, Korey, Bryce E, Gary, and Meredith) went for a VERY relaxing trip paddle boarding up the Rio Grande river (No, not in Texas), which is where the fresh water from the rainforest river that meets up with the ocean. There were some cool views of the mountains and forests near by. After awhile the groups switched, so everyone got to try both things. While paddleboarding we passed a nice looking golf course that is on both sides of the river. The paddle back was a little more difficult because we were fighting the current and the wind. Once we got back we joined the other group and continued to surf. Once our fun was over we headed to Luquillo Beach kiosks for lunch. Once we got lunch, we made our way to the airport for one of the most exciting and fearful plane rides of my life. Since the planes could only hold seven people, we had to take two flights. The second flight was delayed for a half an hour. When the rest of our group landed we got our rental golf carts and arrived at our Air BNB. For dinner we enjoyed food at a lovely taco restaurant called Zaco’s Tacos. Some of us had tacos and others had burritos. The strawberry layer cake was one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. After supper we came back to the house to get rested up for our next adventure.
Today was an exciting day form beginning to end. We woke up around 5 o’clock am to get to a Golden Arches Supper Club (McDonalds) for breakfast. Puerto Rican McDonald’s has a “large” breakfast menu selection (wink wink). After a nutritious breakfast we made our way for Playa Fortuna for surfing and and paddle boarding. For everyone, this was their first time surfing. The first group to go surfing (Connor, Lauren, Noah, Mrs. Houser, Maya, and myself) did pretty well. The others (Joey, Anna, Korey, Bryce E, Gary, and Meredith) went for a VERY relaxing trip paddle boarding up the Rio Grande river (No, not in Texas), which is where the fresh water from the rainforest river that meets up with the ocean. There were some cool views of the mountains and forests near by. After awhile the groups switched, so everyone got to try both things. While paddleboarding we passed a nice looking golf course that is on both sides of the river. The paddle back was a little more difficult because we were fighting the current and the wind. Once we got back we joined the other group and continued to surf. Once our fun was over we headed to Luquillo Beach kiosks for lunch. Once we got lunch, we made our way to the airport for one of the most exciting and fearful plane rides of my life. Since the planes could only hold seven people, we had to take two flights. The second flight was delayed for a half an hour. When the rest of our group landed we got our rental golf carts and arrived at our Air BNB. For dinner we enjoyed food at a lovely taco restaurant called Zaco’s Tacos. Some of us had tacos and others had burritos. The strawberry layer cake was one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. After supper we came back to the house to get rested up for our next adventure.
Day 11-Kayak to a wildlife refuge and visit Flamenco Beach
Daily update provided by Maya.
We woke up this morning & had breakfast outside on the chairs overlooking the bay. We packed up our golf carts & headed out towards the coast! Our instructors for the aquafari kayak tour guided us through how to use our tandem kayaks which was something I've never seen before. The head instructor described a little bit of what we would be seeing on our tour which included: jellyfish, brightly colored tropical fish, corals, sting rays, starfish, & even green sea turtles! We put on our snorkeling gear, jumped off our kayaks, & started to explore. We saw everything the guide told us we would & so much more! It was amazing to see such beautiful animals right up close! After our kayaking tour, we drove back to our rental house to relax & eat a small lunch before heading to the beach. The beach we went to today was called Flamenco beach. Flamenco beach is known for its white sand & clear waters. We got a small snack and drinks at the kiosks near the beach. For dinner we headed to Dinghy Dock, a cute restaurant right along the water. There we fed our leftovers to huge fish off the dock. We headed back to the house & played cards & cribbage & headed to bed!
We woke up this morning & had breakfast outside on the chairs overlooking the bay. We packed up our golf carts & headed out towards the coast! Our instructors for the aquafari kayak tour guided us through how to use our tandem kayaks which was something I've never seen before. The head instructor described a little bit of what we would be seeing on our tour which included: jellyfish, brightly colored tropical fish, corals, sting rays, starfish, & even green sea turtles! We put on our snorkeling gear, jumped off our kayaks, & started to explore. We saw everything the guide told us we would & so much more! It was amazing to see such beautiful animals right up close! After our kayaking tour, we drove back to our rental house to relax & eat a small lunch before heading to the beach. The beach we went to today was called Flamenco beach. Flamenco beach is known for its white sand & clear waters. We got a small snack and drinks at the kiosks near the beach. For dinner we headed to Dinghy Dock, a cute restaurant right along the water. There we fed our leftovers to huge fish off the dock. We headed back to the house & played cards & cribbage & headed to bed!
Day 12-Scuba diving and snorkeling
Daily update provided by Noah.
How did our last day on Culebra go? Well it started with Connor slapping me with towel an hour and a half before we had to leave. Followed with me grumbling, "Why did you wake me up so early?" As it turns out our room was the last one up. After everyone broke into into our plentiful food supply and "sunscreened" up, we headed to our adventure for the day. We arrived EARLY, for everyone back home this was a rare occurrence. Then along came the usual enjoyable paperwork and the making of new friends 🐓🐈 (roosters and cats). 14 of us packed comfortably into the boat. When we arrived the first group of divers (Mrs. Houser, Lauren, Joey, Connor, and myself) were given a Diving 101 course. Everyone passed the class and moved on. Once everyone was in the water the instructor went over basic skills to give us experience in case something happened. The hardest part was fighting back your brain telling you, " YOU CAN'T BREATH UNDERWATER"! Sadly after we finished the drills we lost two members of our group. It was no longer an adventure with out Mrs. Houser and our little adventurer, Lauren. As we slowly made our way deeper (about 45 feet) the amount the things to see increased. We saw an assortment of fish and coral. Including fire coral, which causes severe pain if touched...so don't touch it Lauren. While my group was down under the rest of the group was snorkeling around the shallower parts of the reef system. Following our return to the boat, we were treated to hand made sandwiches with chips. After lunch everyone else had a chance to go diving. Some people didn't want to go, so Joey and I were lucky enough to be given the chance to go again! Mrs. Smith didn't think she was getting air, but she wasn't breathing OUT! We stayed down for 45 minutes and I know that I want to get certified to dive! When we returned to Culebra, Mrs. Smith turned us loose on the town to forage for food (the town is about 2 blocks). In the end the youth and " adults" all ended up at Heather's pizza. We went back to the house and played Canasta, Cribbage, talked, and listened to music.
How did our last day on Culebra go? Well it started with Connor slapping me with towel an hour and a half before we had to leave. Followed with me grumbling, "Why did you wake me up so early?" As it turns out our room was the last one up. After everyone broke into into our plentiful food supply and "sunscreened" up, we headed to our adventure for the day. We arrived EARLY, for everyone back home this was a rare occurrence. Then along came the usual enjoyable paperwork and the making of new friends 🐓🐈 (roosters and cats). 14 of us packed comfortably into the boat. When we arrived the first group of divers (Mrs. Houser, Lauren, Joey, Connor, and myself) were given a Diving 101 course. Everyone passed the class and moved on. Once everyone was in the water the instructor went over basic skills to give us experience in case something happened. The hardest part was fighting back your brain telling you, " YOU CAN'T BREATH UNDERWATER"! Sadly after we finished the drills we lost two members of our group. It was no longer an adventure with out Mrs. Houser and our little adventurer, Lauren. As we slowly made our way deeper (about 45 feet) the amount the things to see increased. We saw an assortment of fish and coral. Including fire coral, which causes severe pain if touched...so don't touch it Lauren. While my group was down under the rest of the group was snorkeling around the shallower parts of the reef system. Following our return to the boat, we were treated to hand made sandwiches with chips. After lunch everyone else had a chance to go diving. Some people didn't want to go, so Joey and I were lucky enough to be given the chance to go again! Mrs. Smith didn't think she was getting air, but she wasn't breathing OUT! We stayed down for 45 minutes and I know that I want to get certified to dive! When we returned to Culebra, Mrs. Smith turned us loose on the town to forage for food (the town is about 2 blocks). In the end the youth and " adults" all ended up at Heather's pizza. We went back to the house and played Canasta, Cribbage, talked, and listened to music.
Day 13-Fly to the mainland and visit Las Cabezas Nature Reserve
Daily update provided by Gary.
We flew off of the beautiful island of Culebra on two separate flights. Though the views were spectacular, it was time to return to the mainland. The plane was like our van, except it lost a few pounds and learned to fly. Why did it have to learn to fly? Even though it was only 15 minutes of torture, we landed with plenty of time before the other group left. So, like the rest of the trip, we drove in an aimless direction. Technically, it wasn't aimless to Mrs. Smith, but it was normal to just stumble into the van barely awake. By the way, Burger King has lunch all day. After two hours of sandbagging on the free wifi, we drove to San Juan. We went to our last tour of the entire adventure on the north side of the island. We learned all about mangroves, so many mangroves. Did you know that mangroves are native to Puerto Rico and that San Juan should be under four layers of mud and saltwater, but somehow it stays afloat? Though it seemed redundant and it was so hot, I stayed awake. Beat that Ponce! We arrived at a lighthouse on top of the best view in San Juan and one of the best on the island. It was the perfect spot to see many beaches, islands, and a beautiful skyline. The museum wasn't half-bad, either. We got to touch a live sea cucumber and hold bioluminescent dinoflagellates. Only true fans of the blog would know we already saw both of these, but it was one hundred times better that all those churches in Germany and hearing Bryce complain about the churches. Once we were done with the tour, we went back to where it all began: San Juan. I missed the constant honking and bright lights and it seems like everyone is just in such a hurry and needs to drive in the bright green bike lane. We ate at Waffler Avenue, the best waffles I have ever eaten. After that we just chilled at the hotel, like one big and happy family.
If I have learned anything from this incredible trip is that life is about taking risks. There is no way on my own I would have ridden on a bush plane, where the landing nearly caused me to tear my hair out, go to an island where you are seemingly trapped from the outside world, or put my trust in someone else's hands to push me down a line 500 feet above the trees....but I didn't have a choice. I had to jump out of the kayak into a never-ending pool of jellyfish waiting to sting me or I would have be left behind by the guides for the "sharks" to get me.
I loved every moment of the trip. Bon Voyage, PR.
P.S. Watch for red lights, Mrs. Smith, they are real elusive:)
We flew off of the beautiful island of Culebra on two separate flights. Though the views were spectacular, it was time to return to the mainland. The plane was like our van, except it lost a few pounds and learned to fly. Why did it have to learn to fly? Even though it was only 15 minutes of torture, we landed with plenty of time before the other group left. So, like the rest of the trip, we drove in an aimless direction. Technically, it wasn't aimless to Mrs. Smith, but it was normal to just stumble into the van barely awake. By the way, Burger King has lunch all day. After two hours of sandbagging on the free wifi, we drove to San Juan. We went to our last tour of the entire adventure on the north side of the island. We learned all about mangroves, so many mangroves. Did you know that mangroves are native to Puerto Rico and that San Juan should be under four layers of mud and saltwater, but somehow it stays afloat? Though it seemed redundant and it was so hot, I stayed awake. Beat that Ponce! We arrived at a lighthouse on top of the best view in San Juan and one of the best on the island. It was the perfect spot to see many beaches, islands, and a beautiful skyline. The museum wasn't half-bad, either. We got to touch a live sea cucumber and hold bioluminescent dinoflagellates. Only true fans of the blog would know we already saw both of these, but it was one hundred times better that all those churches in Germany and hearing Bryce complain about the churches. Once we were done with the tour, we went back to where it all began: San Juan. I missed the constant honking and bright lights and it seems like everyone is just in such a hurry and needs to drive in the bright green bike lane. We ate at Waffler Avenue, the best waffles I have ever eaten. After that we just chilled at the hotel, like one big and happy family.
If I have learned anything from this incredible trip is that life is about taking risks. There is no way on my own I would have ridden on a bush plane, where the landing nearly caused me to tear my hair out, go to an island where you are seemingly trapped from the outside world, or put my trust in someone else's hands to push me down a line 500 feet above the trees....but I didn't have a choice. I had to jump out of the kayak into a never-ending pool of jellyfish waiting to sting me or I would have be left behind by the guides for the "sharks" to get me.
I loved every moment of the trip. Bon Voyage, PR.
P.S. Watch for red lights, Mrs. Smith, they are real elusive:)
Day 14-Travel home to Wisconsin
Daily update provided by Mrs. Smith.
Travel day! The kids got to sleep in, because we didn't leave the hotel until 11 am!
First, we stopped at Loiza Chocolate Factory to buy some sIngle origin organic Puerto Rican chocolate. The store was hard to find, because there were no signs on it (the lady working told us there was no sign because of taxes and fees). We then returned the mothership and eventually made it through security!
Here are some final thoughts from the kids....
Favorite activity or adventure: -Bioluminescent Bay
-Crashboat Beach
-Scuba Diving
-Surfing
-Ziplining and surfing (because I never thought I would try something like this).
-La Mina Falls in el Yunque
Favorite place:
-San Juan
-Old San Juan
-Culebra
-El Yunque National Rainforest
-"Iguana Island"-Isla Magueyes
Favorite food:
-Virgin piña coladas
-Empanadas
-Fried red snapper
-Pinchos
-Mofongo
-Rice and beans
-Coconut shrimp
-Pionono
-Alcapurrias
-Canapes
-Mrs. Smith's leftover chicken and rice
I will miss... the most.
-the people
-the ocean
-late nights playing cards and the people
-riding around on boats
-tranquil island feel of Culebra
-the beautiful views
-the food
-the constant laughing and jokes
-the magnificent, glorious, and extraordinary views of every place we went
-the wild chickens waking us up every morning
-the van rides
I will miss...the least.
-the smell of the "mothership" (van)
-the sand
-the speed bumps and potholes
-the suitcase and people filled car rides
-constant reapplying of sunscreen
-the chickens on Culebra
-the sand
-jellyfish and fire coral
-every last piece of terrible, coarse, and ignorant sand
-sand in every orifice of my body
-the drinking water
Travel day! The kids got to sleep in, because we didn't leave the hotel until 11 am!
First, we stopped at Loiza Chocolate Factory to buy some sIngle origin organic Puerto Rican chocolate. The store was hard to find, because there were no signs on it (the lady working told us there was no sign because of taxes and fees). We then returned the mothership and eventually made it through security!
Here are some final thoughts from the kids....
Favorite activity or adventure: -Bioluminescent Bay
-Crashboat Beach
-Scuba Diving
-Surfing
-Ziplining and surfing (because I never thought I would try something like this).
-La Mina Falls in el Yunque
Favorite place:
-San Juan
-Old San Juan
-Culebra
-El Yunque National Rainforest
-"Iguana Island"-Isla Magueyes
Favorite food:
-Virgin piña coladas
-Empanadas
-Fried red snapper
-Pinchos
-Mofongo
-Rice and beans
-Coconut shrimp
-Pionono
-Alcapurrias
-Canapes
-Mrs. Smith's leftover chicken and rice
I will miss... the most.
-the people
-the ocean
-late nights playing cards and the people
-riding around on boats
-tranquil island feel of Culebra
-the beautiful views
-the food
-the constant laughing and jokes
-the magnificent, glorious, and extraordinary views of every place we went
-the wild chickens waking us up every morning
-the van rides
I will miss...the least.
-the smell of the "mothership" (van)
-the sand
-the speed bumps and potholes
-the suitcase and people filled car rides
-constant reapplying of sunscreen
-the chickens on Culebra
-the sand
-jellyfish and fire coral
-every last piece of terrible, coarse, and ignorant sand
-sand in every orifice of my body
-the drinking water
What the?
If you travel to Puerto Rico you will see and experience some crazy things. There is no way we could capture it all (like the maniac motorcycle drivers making new lanes during rush hour traffic). Here are a few pics though!