Puerto Rico 2023

 Today, we arose early to meet Brian in the lobby. We drove for a tour of El Yunque Rainforest ( https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/visit-el-yunque-national-forest ).   It was amazing.   We hiked through a ton of mud to a river and went down a natural slide and jumped from an overhanging rock into a deep pool. So much fun.   On the way back, we stopped at Brunchy’s ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/brunchys-fajardo ). Good eggs and thick pancakes.   Brian had a guava and cheese fried turnover.     After returning to the resort, we spent some time in the Coqui waterpark. We went in the lazy river, on the waterslide and took a nap at poolside.   For dinner, we went to Edelweiss Restaurant ( https://edelweissbargrill.com/ ).

Today was our first day with Brian Ballester (Puerto Rican Tour Guide Extraordinaire).   He took us on a tour of Charco Azul (water/hike/swim adventure). We swam in cold water, saw very neat caves that reminded me of the caves in Antelope Canon (but in water in PR) and did some cliff diving. Mike thought he was going to be able to jump off of the 35 foot cliff, but chickened out at the last minute.   Most of the gang jumped off the 15 foot cliff.     Lunch was at La Isla in Puerto Rico ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-isla-san-juan-2 ).   After the adventure, Brian took us to Playa Vacía Talega in Loíza, PR.   Playa Vacía Talega is a crescent-shaped beach in Piñones. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/playa-vacia-talega/8979   The beach was beautiful, and we swam in the water which was very blue.   We returned to the resort and spent some time in the hot tub. Dinner was in the hotel at Café Bella Vista with pizza, salad and some rum.

 Started the day again with a trip to the fitness center.  After exercising, we went to the pool in the AM as it was a beautiful day. We left around 1:30 to go to Degree 18 ( https://degree18juice.com/ ).   It was a great smoothie, vegetarian goodies, and Acai bowl restaurant.   The owner even had connections to Michigan.   We arrived in San Juan a little late because of traffic and a concert in San Juan for our walking tour.     Dinner was in a cute Mexican restaurant in SJ.   I finally had a Pina colada from the place which invented the drink.   Delicious.  

Today, we went on a boat ride to a private island (Icacos).  We charted a boat and had a 15-20 minute ride from a local PR marina to the island.   The island was undeveloped and we were able to swim in the water and walk along the beach.  Margo and Mike used the snorkeling gear and saw some fish, seaweed, etc underneath a dock.   On the boat, we had snacks of Crab Salad, oranges, watermelon, Ritz crackers, cheese, smoked meats, nuts and Oreos.  There was also plenty of water for us as well. Dinner that night was at the Rincon del Faro.  (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/rincon-del-faro-fajardo). We ordered a bunch of native Puerto Rican dishes which were delicious.  

Early AM gym visit again. Worked out with Jeff, Emelia and Arin Miller   I ate breakfast with Brooke at OATS but Margo and Shaina had breakfast at Las Brisas Courtyard Cafe.  We spent the day at Palamino Island.  We ate lunch on PI at the outside cafe.   We spent the day on the beach with the Millers.  Shaina and Brooke worked out late and we went to dinner at the Ballyhoo Bar and Grill Restaurant (on the local Marina at the Resort).  The food was pretty good, but they ran out of chocolate dessert. The Eagles played the Giants at The Linc and it was a (far too) close game.  The Birds eventually eked out a victory. We had a drink with the Miller's before dinner and the waiter messed up the type of rum we wanted.  The drink was pretty good anyway.  Margo had a Mojito and Emilia has a vodka drink.

  Awakening at 7:30 to get a workout.   Went to the O.A.T.S. Cafe for and Açaí bowl and a coffee. Delicious.  Açaí sorbet, bananas, strawberries, coconut milk After a quick shower, we went to the pool.  Pool was nice and weather was great.  Before dinner, enjoyed a drink with Emilia and Jeff Miller in the Brese Bar/Lounge during happy hour. Because it was Xmas eve, we ate at the resort.