Take the Vacation

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of vacationing on the island of Puerto Rico.  My cousin and I spent 5 amazing days there to celebrate her milestone birthday!  Originally, we were going to travel to Ireland, but we both agreed that spending time on a beach would be better.  I’m so glad that we chose the beach!

 

We didn’t plan too many sightseeing events.  We wanted to relax and didn’t want to be concerned with schedules.  Both of us work hard.  She has two jobs, and heck, so do I.  It was so freeing not having to worry about hitting a medication schedule or taking care of my husband.  Don’t judge me.  If you had to work 40 plus hours a week as well as be a full-time caregiver, you’d understand.  Until that’s your life, don’t judge.

 

On our first full day, we visited Castillo San Felipe del Morro near old San Juan.  It was breathtaking.  I love history, and Puerto Rico is full of it! There are 6 levels to El Morro, but we only explored 4.  The place is HUGE!  Also, we were dressed cute, and didn’t really have on walking shoes.  El Morro is right off the ocean as it was a fort that was built by the Spanish.  Construction began in 1539 and was completed around 1790.  It’s still standing today!

 

After vising El Morro, we walked around the outskirts of Old San Juan. Let me tell you that the photographer in me was SO inspired!  I would love to return there with a model, or a group of photographers.  We would really be able to create fantastic content for one another.  I wanted to do that on this trip, but it didn’t plan out.

 

We did have two excursions with Fiesta Tour PR.  It’s a husband and wife, Chris and Ch’nese owned business, and they are awesome!  Our first excursion was to the beach, Loiza, and then riding an ATV through the rainforest.  Chris, the husband, was our guide for this tour.  Being at the beach was calming, and a much-needed respite.  I cannot swim, but I can look cute in a bathing suit!  The ride through the rainforest was exhilarating!  It was my first time on an ATV. I’d be less than truthful if I said that I wasn’t scared, but I quickly got over that feeling.   We were rainforest that we toured was the Carabali Rainforest Park, and our guide, Harry Potter, was fun.  I highly recommend both companies.  Also, don’t forget to tip your service people!

 

Our second excursion was to Piñones, and Ch’nese was a guide.  We went to Copi first where we took a Bomba class.  I didn’t do too bad.  We toured more of Piñones and had lunch on the beach.  Our next stop was to Casa Afro.  What was so great about Fiesta Tour PR is that Chris and Ch’nese listened to what we wanted to do while visiting the island.  They are both very personable, fun, and so sweet!  If you ever visit the island, I highly recommend booking them for excursions!

 

And to the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, I will return!