What a wonderful way to welcome the new year, get up early, and go on vacation! Okay, getting up early, not so great, we're not morning people in our lives on Newark-Granville Road. Keeping it real, some of us are not the best travelers, but we did it! We departed at 3:30 am, parked at the awesome The Parking Spot, and had plenty of time to board the 5:30 am departure for BWI. At BWI we found an awesome breakfast, had our mimosa/champagne toast, got in some steps, and left on time, thank you Southwest, for San Juan, Puerto Rico. We were on the beach and in the Atlantic Ocean by 4!
We needed this vacation. As a family of five, we had not taken a just-us trip in years, not counting trips to see family. As a family of five, we had not sat on the beach, toes in the sand, jumping waves in years- it was time. And the best time for us- the first week in January- so we needed warm. Joe and I considered many destinations and I'm grateful we went with "easy" meaning no passports and something that would allow us to explore and experience a new culture, Puerto Rico was that more!
Pictures below and a few highlights to share, I'm getting this up and may add to it, asking the kids to weigh in:
1. Soaking it in:
Beach- the ocean water was the perfect temp, had really great waves, and it was so clean. There were also rocks around the hotel that provided a beautiful landscape and backgrounds to truly relax.
Rain Forest- https://www.spotintours.com/tour/rainforest-yunque-tour LOVED this- hiking up, once we got to the rock part so we could do the rock/waterfall slide/cliff jump- it was challenging. Kids scampered up, Joe did great, the guide coached me and I did it. Sally asked- did you know it would be this challenging? I don't love heights and don't trust my balance- the guide kept saying- you've got this and I did. I love being in the water and it was a treat to share that adventure with the family. Lots of little takeaways- embrace the mud- the wetter the better, step on the flat. Adventures provide important life lessons. Also learning about the flora and fauna, the big moss, the colors, the impact, and the adaptation nature has- all beautiful.
2. Home Away from Home:
Place: we were able to secure a suite and that made a difference- everyone had their space and some privacy. I highly recommend The Condado Vanderbilt, a mix of old and new, beautiful pools and beach access, as well as great restaurants within walking distance. We did rent a car so we could support our adventures! Joe did great as our driver! I called it my Greenbrier South- casinos nearby - the boys made it an evening adventure!
Table Time:- Cheers to the drinking age, the first thing the kids looked up when we shared our destination. It was fun to be with the kids in a legal way- Sally at 18- had her birthday there- and we were able to sit at the bar and enjoy. The food was delicious and we soaked in small restaurants, island time delivery providing extended family time around the table!
3. Learning Along the Way:
History- Joe listened to the history of San Juan and updated us all with interesting facts. Spending a day in old San Juan was lovely- walled cities provide a special experience.
Culture- Pork Highway- you must go- and go hungry! This was the first place we were directed to visit when telling a frequent visitor to this Island Territory: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/rutas-del-lechon-puerto-rico We agree it was worth the drive south of San Juan, we stood in line, talked and ate mouth-watering roasted pork. This is where I learned how much I love Yuca! Experiencing the culture is important to us and the Rutas-del-lechon is quite something!
So much more I could say or type, the kids have all said thank you multiple times. Joe and I talk about returning and highly recommend this destination. We're lucky to have this access and opportunity. I'm grateful for vacation time, me time, do nothing, but relax time. I don't post much on social media when traveling. I don't check and reply to emails, but once, maybe twice. I leave my phone and spend lots of time reading and walking and being with those I love dearly. I share for the record books and to encourage you to do the same. I share and post to remind myself of this special way to launch 2023! Happy New Year to all. I look forward to what 2023 brings!
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| Kids are in there swimming- furtherest out |
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