Preparing to Depart Puerto Rico

As my final departure from Puerto Rico and this chapter of my life approaches, I reflect on something my mother always told me. That Hindsight is 20/20. Looking back at the last six months, all I see is the beauty of this place and some lessons I learned along the way. Whether that is the natural beauty of the land, the generosity of the people, or the things that just made me laugh out loud.

Where else do you see shopping carts left in the center storm drain of a parking lot because it was too wet to put them some place where they did not block the road? Then they looked at me funny when you moved them so traffic could drive by. Where else are horses everywhere you look? Tied to trees, eating on the side of the road or just being rode by kids as their first form of transportation. The funniest of all these was old Honda driving down the street, leading a horse to give it some exercise. I have seen things here, which I never would have imagined. If you read the last blog, you read about the old western standoff. Although some of these things were not so funny when they happened, like embarrassing moments they become funnier with time. I cannot help but laugh at the “machismo,” I wish all you could have seen the looks I got for being friendly and saying hello. Who would have thought that we don’t have a sign over our head, stating if we are taken or not? It is funny because they give you a glare, and think they look tough.

Now assuming you do not violate the “Machismo,” the generosity of the people is noteworthy. Those that give, give very generously. If I ever needed directions, and I did at times, the people were willing to help or find someone that could. A cold beer, a shot or some grub was given if you ended up in line, at the beach or anywhere people are having a good time. The bon fires with the crew were always a good time for some bonding. Wherever I ended up on my sometimes-circular routes, there was always someone to help me out. Unfortunately when the addresses cannot be entered in the GPS, your bound to get a little lost. Couple that with the lack of street signs, lights and reflectors, you’re guaranteed to get a little lost. It never bothered me too much because getting lost is just part of the adventure. Many of them do not have much to give, but will offer good conversation and very diverse life experience. There is a very diverse mixture of native Puerto Ricans to people that have chosen to live here. They hale from all over the world.

As everyone knows, the natural beauty is what stands out to me. It is where I feel most at peace. I see the sunset whenever I can, and have been left speechless by the scenery. I don’t have to write too much on this, my pictures have depicted much more than I can write. I have met some wonderful people out here and I have conducted myself the best I could. I can leave here without regrets, satisfied that I saw everything I felt I had to see.

Now I start a new chapter in Miami, Florida after I recharge my batteries with the family for a few weeks. I am thankful for the friends I made, and the work I completed. I shall write soon. Until then, enjoy every moment.

The Rainforest!

  I recall in fourth grade, we learned about the rainforest. As a class assignment, I wrote an awesome poem. Well at least for a fourth grader. Since then I have always had a fascination with the rain forest. This last weekend, I took at trip to El Yunque National Forest, which happens to be a rainforest in Puerto Rico. It was an early morning departing my house at 0515 in the morning. After driving in the wrong direction a few times, I arrived at the National Park. True to its name, it rained.

  The trip was a long and, well interesting drive. As you have heard the Puerto Rican drivers can provide some interesting sights. I saw what I would call a standoff. Now imagine if you will a multiple car accident that closes part of the road. Traffic is being directed off the road over the median by the officer to bypass the area and some drivers took matters into their own hands. Instead of being patient, they were exiting the road earlier onto a one-way frontage road, and driving the wrong direction. When they met cars going the proper direction, they stared each other down like the good, the bad and the ugly. Unfortunately, honking horns was the soundtrack to this scene. The strangest part was that the cops did nothing to stop it.

  Allow me to get back to the rain forest here. I came off the freeway and went through a small town. After a few mis-directions, I drove through the park and was amazed by the dense surrounding verdure of trees, shrubs, canopy and rivers running through. The light was soft coming through the canopy. Spots of sunlight were visible on the leaves, roads and puddles. Occasionally a large branch would span across the road. I took a few photos of the two rivers that ran under the road. After about 45 minutes, I finally came out near the official entrance to the park.

  From here it just got more spectacular. The road was well maintained with tall trees, large leaves and breathtaking waterfalls. I parked the car and made my way to the information center. After some quick advice, I made my way to the first trail, camera in tow. During the day I hiked to Los Picachos, Pico El Yunque, Monte Britton and Cascada La Mina. I was so busy seeing all I could that I forgot to eat. But that is all right, I met some great people and a three beautiful women.

  Los Picachos, Pico El Yunque, and Monte Britton took most of the day. Otherwise known as the three peaks, providing the most spectacular view and scenic trails. The lowest of the peaks is Los Picachos with an overgrown viewing platform. I could see the two higher peaks and the coast on both sides. The canopy of forest below came to the base of the platform and spread in all directions. All I could see for miles was the canopy of the forest below and the wind blowing around me.

From the lowest peak, I could see the tower of the tallest.

  Pico El Yunque held the most spectacular feeling to it. It is the second highest peak, but also the most exposed. There is no tower and no viewing area. I found myself on an unfettered group of rocks with a spirited wind flowing by. The view is again spectacular, but the wind made this peak truly memorable. It felt like it could lift me up and carry me to the sea. Traveling along was a thin mist of clouds just below me, moving so fast it was barely visible. I would have to lean in on occasion just to keep my balance. It was easy to get lost in the moment and allow the rest of the world to just fade away. Just the wind, and the view were enough to experience pure joy.

   The highest peak had an amazing view and a spirited wind as well, but offered a little more protection. It looked to be an old shelter tower of some sort and offered the view of the moving clouds below. It was referred to as the cloud forest by the rangers below. I suppose because the clouds move below and above you. There is a very interesting light dynamic when the sunlight hits the thin clouds in contrast to the forest below. A moving vivid light is produced above this dark, deep green canopy of endless trees. There is always movement, whether it is the clouds or the forest. I cannot do justice to the beauty this truly is with words. I can portray the feeling, but pictures tell more, even if they still cannot capture the true essence.

  The life below the canopy was just as dynamic as above. The path winds through a dense forest of trees and underbrush. Creeks carry the clear water down to waterfalls that mist anyone that passes nearby and paths cut by the ample rain run the entirety of the trail. The rocks are gracefully smooth and covered with moss while the lizards look for patches of sunlight to warm up in. Spider webs are supported ten feet in several directions. As I walked along the trail, I could hear the canopy move and the rain falling. When I was expecting to feel some large drops, only a few reached me. The large leaves and adaptation of trees absorb most of the water and make even a hard rain very pleasant on the forest floor. The deep dark green is interrupted by burst of color from the flowers that bloom creating a very dreamlike state on the meandering path. The only downside was my hunger, but there was no time to eat with so much to see and distract me.

Looking up at the canopy.

A small creek by the trail.

  The last destination for the day was La Mina Falls or Cascada La Mina. This was the more tourist side of the park, so the path was a little more crowded than the trails to the peaks. I had to walk slowly, but it was at the end of the day so I suppose the break was good for me. The trail followed a river going down to a 15 foot waterfall. There were a lot of people in the cold water. Well cold or Puerto Rico. I did not swim because I had the camera, but I met some great people. My post rainforest feast was much more enjoyable due to some new friends met at the waterfall.

  Well I suppose I will let the pictures do the talking from here. It is a dream come true, to say the least. I imagined how it would look and feel, but it does not compare to the real thing. Like many cases in nature, the real thing is so much more than I expected.

Charmed by Authenticity

The Ferry Arriving at Vieques.

The final arrangements are being made for my transfer and this chapter of my life in Puerto Rico will end soon. I will be taking my talents to South Beach at Air Station Miami. From what I have heard, it should be a good time there. Before I leave Puerto Rico, there were some things I had to do, see and experience. The Bioluminescence was something I decided I could not pass on. I chose to go to a small island off the south east coast of PR known as Vieques, to the brightest bio bay in the world. The trip was more than I expected and nothing short of spectacular.

Leaving Fajardo.

 

Vieques is about four hours of travel including both driving and a ferry. The GPS was able to get me to the general area, but I was on my own once I got there. Fortunately, the signs were fairly clear once a highway patrolman directed me in the right direction and pulled me over to help. I suppose he could see that I was lost, or maybe because I was speeding. Either way, I found the place with plenty of time to purchase a ferry ticket and get some grub. I boarded the 1300 ferry and took a seat at the back and outside. Puerto Rico is quite beautiful from the ocean. As always, the weather was warm and this gave me the opportunity to take some photos of the trip. With the exception of a few small landmasses along the way, the ocean was the only thing in my sights. The ferry pulled into the port at around 1415 and I made my way into town.

Vieques Wildlife.

  I was surprised to see the simplicity of the place. For the most part, the buildings are simple and there is a small town feeling to it. I got the sense that if you were to live there, you would know everybody. After a few wrong turns, I found my way to the place I was going to stay for the next few night. The Tropical Guest House was perfect for me. It was a simple room for me to rest and clean up in. The owners and managers are the ones that truly made it enchanting. Their hospitality was above and beyond what I had expected. I was given a list of numbers for reliable cab drivers, directions, and places of interest. I had my bio bay tour that night, so I took a few photos and got some rest.

The bio bay tour started at Sun Bay. I met them at the parking lot and from there we loaded into their vans and headed to Mesquito Bay. The guides were very entertaining and explained the importance of preserving this bay. The ride over was like Mr. Toads Wild Ride through mud soaked dirt road barely wide enough for the van. As we departed the shore in the kayaks I could vaguely see the glow on the water as the light was fading. When the light had faded, and the clouds had rolled over the moon, the stars were barely visible ahead. The soft green glow could be seen with any movement of the water. We went to the center of the bay and tied off to a buoy. I jumped off the kayak and into the very warm, salty water. The moment my body hit the water, I was surrounded by a soft green light. Watching my hands move under the water was magical, as if energy was flowing from my hands. I could see the faint glow of my lower body and the green drops running down my arm as I lifted them out of the water. I looked up towards the stars and was thankful for the opportunity to see such a beautiful sight. It was nothing short of a miracle. By the time I made it back to Isabella II where I was staying, most of the restaruants were closed. I was able to get some pinchos, or shish ca bobs on the street. I was fairly tired, so I retired for the night.

I almost walked right into this beautiful creatures web.

The Black Sand Beach.

 

A Small hive leaving the Black Sand Beach.

Navio

They claim they are wild, but I have my doubts.

Well rested from a good night sleep, I was ready to take on the island. I heard about a black sand beach and was determined to find it. The cab driver knew the general area, but after that I was on my own. It sounded like a good adventure to me. I suppose I inherited my mother’s spirit for adventure. After I navigated my way through a field and down to a creek, I figured I was on a path to the beach. I nearly walked in to a large spider, but it provided some good photos. I made my way down the winding creek and found myself at the black sand beach. I met a local couple and some tourist like myself. They were kind enough to let me join them for the remainder of the day to a few more secluded beaches including Navio. This beach was a gorgeous white sand beach you see in the post cards from these places. Body surfing, snorkeling, and some time later, we were headed back to civilization. On the ride back to my hotel, I was shown a very beautiful viewpoint in the center of the island. The sunset had already passed, but I could see the beauty of this island. The wild verdure, sparely touched by the people that inhabit the landscape.

This unexpected and wonderful day was followed by a delicious fresh Lobster Pasta dinner with a very animated chef. He remembered me from the night before and joked that the place was closed. It made me feel more like a friend, rather than a tourist. I later made my way to a local bar and drank a little more than normal, but we all have to let loose once in a while. I ended up seeing the locals I met earlier that day and was able to properly thank them for their hospitality.

When the oldest tree on the island died, someone carved it and placed it for the public to see.

The view from the old fort.

Esparanza

This Tree is more than 400 years old.  One of the oldest on the Island.

My last day was just as much of an adventure. I took photos from the old fort and prison. Then decided because I had several hours to fill that I would head to Esperanza, on the other side of the island. Esmeralda is the tourist side of the island, yet it feels like a small harbor town. The buildings are built like they are designed to be temporary. It holds a certain charm to just relax and enjoy the moment. After a small meal and some great conversation I started looking for a cab. Unfortunately there were none to be found. It took me more than 45 minutes to get one and I made it back to the ferry ten minutes before it was suppose to depart, only to find out it was full. A group of locals were kind enough to share some Puerto Rican Moonshine and get me a ticket for the later ferry. I did not make it back home till 0100 on Monday, but I made it to work, so it worked out.

I was charmed by the authenticity. Vieques to me was an Island that does not try to be anything else. My hotel was hospitable beyond expectation, the people are generous and the scenery is stunning. I was a tourist there, but I was treated like a friend. I saw the beauty of a simple life style that accommodates the chance to enjoy every moment. I feel fortunate to have gone there, because that is what I imagined when I thought of Puerto Rico.

A Much Needed Road Trip

I apologize for the tardiness of this blog.  I wrote this a few weeks ago and never got to posting it.

 It is strange how we imagine a place considering its history and what we have seen before. Puerto Rico is one of those places that has reinforced the idea that you never know what to expect. These are photos of the main square, not including the less beautifully maintained areas surrounding the area. I suppose that is what you find anywhere you go.

The trip started as a much-needed drive to somewhere, I decided on the lower part of the island and Ponce. It took a little while to find that area, but it was nice when I was able to get some grub and take some photos. The fountains are always nice especially with the heat acting as a mister. The food was all right, nothing spectacular, but the drive was about to get more interesting. I decided to drive through the interior of the island. After two closed roads and an hour and a half added to the drive, I finally made it home. The roads were tight and the drivers a wee bit nuts, but it was kind of fun after all was said and done without any accidents.

 

 As for the towns of Ponce and Adjunta, they are a typical town in Puerto Rico. The town square is an absolutely stunning displaying mementos, history and achievements of the area. The pride of the culture is apparent in the upkeep and presentation of the Churches, fountains, historic fire stations and building. The fire truck in Ponce is from 1928 and pumps 200 gallons per minute. I was told it still works to this day. In the historical building I liked how the tile reflected the details of the building. There were art pieces displayed around the interior perimeter including some sculptures. In addition, I appreciate the old trees that reveal the age of the place. Although some of this is done for tourism, it is a very intricate part of the culture. I can imagine how the streets looked when the roads were dirt and a busy port supported the city.

Life is happening as I suppose it is meant to be. I found out where I am going and now just working through the process of transferring. Leaving Puerto Rico takes a little time. I shall inform everybody when I receive my final orders. Until then, enjoy every moment.