Puerto Rico is treating us well! We have been embracing the local lifestyle at our Airbnb (recommended). Side note: Airbnb gives you an opportunity to stay with a local host in your desired country and rent anything from a sofa to a private room, or an entire house. The options are endless; it really just depends on your budget. Our host, Jossie, happens to be the best in Puerto Rico (I may be a little bias since we are quickly becoming BFF). Jossie, along with her husband, are a beautiful couple and after nearly one week with them, we feel like we’ve known them for years. It’s nice when you feel so comfortable in someone else’s home.

Now, before I go on about our adventures this past week, I should clarify something…Puerto Rico is part of the United States! Big surprise, I know. We have run into many tourists who feel a sense of entitlement when they are visiting and also, speak to people as if they are in a foreign country. In fact, it’s common for visitors to ask where the nearest currency exchange office is located. Do your research before you go on vacation please! Although to be fair, it can be a bit confusing due to the political, economic and social compromise. In fact, Puerto Rico is not considered a State, but rather a commonwealth. This simply means that PR has local independence and can display their local flag publicly. Nevertheless, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. (I apologize for the lecture).

On the day of our arrival, we were so excited to feel the warm 85-degree Caribbean weather. After Jossie picked us up from the airport and we settled in at her house in the San Juan area, the heat became progressively worse. It really wasn’t bad, but we San Diegans tend to be a bit sensitive J. Luckily there was a Wal-Mart with Air Conditioning nearby, so we picked up some snacks and water before resting up to tour the city.

In the past few days, we have explored quite a bit and met some wonderful people along the way. We didn’t have a rental car at the time, so we spent the first couple days walking everywhere! We saw many familiar spots (Starbucks of course) and enjoyed new sites such as, the theater of Bellas Artes and the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. We took breaks along the gorgeous beaches of Condado and Isla Verde during our walks and enjoyed the view. God’s creation is so beautiful! I can’t help but feel a sense of peace and gratitude every time I am near the ocean.

The National Historic Site of El Morro

Public transportation, or the “guagua” as locals call it, has not been an issue for us. We have been to the old San Juan area a
couple times now and have enjoyed sightseeing and trying great food. For those of you that don’t know, we are quite passionate about food and this blog will certainly illustrate that J. Old San Juan reminds us a bit of Verona and Venice in Italy. The vibrant colorful shops and the cobblestone roads give this area such character. Some of our highlights in this area: The National Historic Site of El Morro (breathtaking), La Catedral de San Juan el Bautista, Café Puerto Rico, and Pirilo.

Finally, I am not one to dwell on the negative. However, I realize this is all part of the experience and so, I must mention it for documentation sake. Three things have caused me to feel conflicted. The first, and most challenging for me, being away from the family. Yes, I have been on vacations that have lasted much longer than this, but it’s not the same. There is no return ticket waiting to be printed in my inbox. It’s a little different and requires adjusting. The second, mosquitos! Why is it that mosquitos follow me everywhere I go? Enoc is bitten and nothing happens. I am bitten and they swell up like cherries and are hot to the touch. Let it be known that I am facing one of my fears with this particular one. We are told that any repellent with deet does the trick, so I am testing the theory. Lastly, no toilet seat covers over here. Enough said.

Scroll down to see all the delicious local food we’ve tried. Also, don’t forget to visit the gallery where you can view photos and videos.

Mofongo: A fried plantain-based signature dish from Puerto Rico. The mofongo can be filled with your choice of meat or seafood. The one in the photo above is a chicken mofongo from our new favorite spot Cafe Puerto Rico in Old San Juan. This is a must try when you are in town.

Fried Squash filled Ravioli topped with goat cheese and pesto from a local rustic pizzeria that was highly recommended in Old San Juan named Pirilo.

Pirilo Pizza Rustica in Old San Juan. On Yelp and Tripadvisor, this place has 4.5 starts and we certainly approve. The photo above shows a half greek and half Margherita pizza. Tip: the small is enough for two with four large slices.

We were honored to try a home cooked dinner and signature Dominican Republic dish by Juan’s (Jossie’s husband) mother.

Sancocho (also known as a “cocido” to many of us): A hearty meat and vegetable stew.

This dish was delicious!