Puerto Rico, the highlights.

We left last Sunday for a quick trip to San Juan to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary.  I took along my fancy new Android smartphone to take some on-the-go pictures--I soon learned that I do not know how to work 85% of my fancy new Android smartphone, so please pardon the quality of many of these photos. 

In an impulse move the day prior, I bought some Malabrigo yarn to take with me.  After working with it, I fear I am now forever spoiled by its delicious squishiness and will not be able to go back to other yarn brands that previously suited me just fine. 

I wound it on the outbound flight and got some funny looks.  But as a new knitter who knits often in public, I'm getting used to it.  And I was able to cast on and knit a couple of inches of winter hat 2 of 5 on the plane (this hat is for me--a fun slouchy, cabled pattern).

We stayed at the El San Juan in Isla Verde.  It was nice, but I think if we go to Puerto Rico again, we'll stay in the Condado area.  We had a lot of fun poking around the neighborhood to find eateries beyond the hotel offerings.  It totally paid off as there are now several regional dishes I consider all-time favorites (Chuletas Can-Can and Mofongo especially).  I also took my margarita tasting duties quite seriously.

We spent one day hiking through the rain forest.  We used the adventure tour company Rocaliza and could not endorse the company more.  The guides were fantastic and gave us an experience of a lifetime.  We knew we were in for a serious hike when they immediately pulled out our helmets and harnesses and pointed up the river.  I foolishly looked for a foot trail, but no...we were climbing up stream through the river and rocks.  

Now, I consider Charlie and I as fairly fit individuals--we work out, we run, ya da ya da.  And yet we had challenges aplenty as we hiked.  It was no joke and not for the faint-hearted--we have the bumps and bruises to show for it. 

On our descent, we rappelled down an 80 foot waterfall.  The guide told me to not worry when one of the walls of the cliff "just disappears"--ummm, excuse me?  I was instructed to free hang in my harnass for a few feet until I saw another wall to my side and then just proceed rappelling down. 

Alrighty then. 

I was of course nervous but it was amazing--the water fall to my back...the mental exercise of making my fingers move and work my gear (they were happier holding on)...the crazy rush of adrenaline.  I'll never forget it.

We also did three zip lines.  I crashed into one of our guides on the first go because I didn't really understand how to stop...here is a shot of me bracing for impact on the second zip line.  He got out of the way that time.

At the end of the hike, we stopped at the home of a family who live in the mountains.  They cooked us a delicious meal, a sampling of simple, home cooked Puerto Rican dishes.

The next day, we rented a scooter and drove to Old San Juan.  We visited the Forts and the many shops in the quaint town.  Charlie, who is used to riding his Harley, and I had plenty of laughs on our sad little scooter as it topped out at 35 MPH and struggled up the steep hills of the city.

 

 

We put in some pool and beach time, but honestly not a ton.  We both managed to read a couple of books and I finished knitting my hat--I'll post finished pictures of it soon. 

It was such a blessing to have Charlie's folks watch our boys while we escaped without worry to celebrate a special milestone in our marriage.  But we were happy to return, with a rested spirit and renewed energy, to the family and life we've built together.  I am becoming such a sap as I age, I know.

Onward!

Sandra