La Isla del Encanto!

Traveling is one of the most exciting things that I like to do. It is a unique experience because I can taste exotic dishes; listen to music, be part of another culture. This time we decided to travel to Puerto Rico. Even though, I went to Puerto Rico before I never visited the old San Juan, it was beautiful. There is a contrast between small houses with pastel colors and the ocean. No parece para nada viejo... pero asi le llaman! I felt welcome among all the Puertoricans. In the middle of the park they had a little concert, playing all these different instruments such as, bongos, congas, guiiro, guitars, maracas, and panderetas, people were just happy singing, dancing, eating surrullitos and bacalaitos. Con muchoooo Sabor latino!

Puerto Rican cooking is somewhat similar to both Spanish, Cuban and Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences, using such seasonings and ingredients as culantro, papaya, cacao, apio, plantains, yuca, etc. Tainos call their cuisine "cocina criolla". I tasted one of their specialties, Mofongo. Hmmmm... yummy...it was very good but filling! Mofongo is made of plantains, garlic, meat or seafood. It is a long process but worthy to taste at least once in your life. :)

In the old San Juan people were very warm and friendly. In the Fortaleza there were a lot of families, and children flying kites. It was a very relaxing time where I just sat down with my husband and contemplate the ocean, the people, the beauty of creation.

Of course, I wanted to take pictures of every detail, however, I couldn't find my digital camera and we end up taking pictures from a non-digital camera. However, I am just very thankful that we had the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place.

"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet along the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it."-Author Unknown

This is the ocean view from our bedroom! It was amazing to see how the ocean and the sky became one! Admire the sunset and listen to the coquis at night. I didn't want to come back home. Till next vacation!