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.

A Different and Unexpected World

First and foremost, Happy Fathers Day to my father, and all the others trying to be as amazing. Thank you for all your patience and knowledge throughout the years. Like I told you, if I am able to be half the man you are, I will have done well.

Life is a good and the adventure continues from a different viewpoint. I completed my SCUBA certification and went on the Puerto Rico Wall Dive. This is located several miles off the south part of the island where the depth drops from around 65 feet to 2000 feet. The area is teaming with sea life and the sea wall is absolutely incredible with the dramatic void below me as I was gracefully gliding over this very diverse waterscape. There was a large outcropping coming off the wall. A large array of rocks shaped as a half sphere hosting coral and very diverse wildlife. Three of us were diving, including the dive master. I went down to 95 feet and saw a five foot yellow and white moray eel. It amazes me how they can move so smoothly through the caves in the rock and corral. They seem to be afraid of divers and hide when we get too close. In contrast to the eel, there was a very curious triangular head shaped fish. It swam with us nearly the whole time at around 90 feet either nipping at our fins or just trying to figure out what we are. I could write pages on what I saw. It is absolutely stunning. To be at a place where it drops to 2000 feet, and seeing that void was like a different world. I can only imagine what was swimming below me.  I do not have any pictures of the dive, but I am hoping to get some from the camera they brought on the dive.  I will post them if I am able to acquire them.

In addition we had a group of three spear fishing for Lion fish. It was very interesting to see, I thought it would be a little more challenging, but the fish don’t really try to get away. Unfortunately they do not belong in the Atlantic Ocean and are causing some problems. So I suppose it is good they don’t know how to fight back.

This is not to say that my previous certification dives were not amazing as well. They were shore dives, not as deep, but still teaming with life. I was able to see and swim with a Sea Turtle. I don’t believe he really took notice of us, but it was still fun to watch him swim. The Sergeant Majors are entertaining as well. You can say they are like the pigeons of the water. They swarm around you because they think you have food. Nipping at your hands, fins and anything that they think is food. Supposedly people feed them when they dive, so it is understandable. They don’t hurts, but are very friendly to say the least. Combined with the variance of colorful coral, sea plants and warm water; it is an amazing experience. Crash Boat Beach was one of my favorites places due to the fallen support structures from WWII that are now home to sea life. Although all the areas here are gorgeous, it just depends n what you want to see. I suppose that where you dive is like the rest of the world, just a different style of painting.

As for work, I am just waiting on orders and finding out where I will be transferred. Until I write again or see you, enjoy every moment.

Life Goes On ... as it always has

All is resolved and the wait is finally over. With a lot a lot of character, perseverance and luck, I was able to rise above and seize the opportunity to take on another chapter in life. I cannot deny that I barely held myself together at times, but I suppose it is not a true test if we are not pushed to our limit. One thing for certain is that my time here is short. I will be transferred to another unit, I don’t know where, but it was the best course of action. This adventure in Puerto Rico will end, but the time I had here will not be forgotten. Fortunately, I have learned a few new life lessons to help me along the way.

In my time here, I have seen some very beautiful sights, met some incredible people, some not so great people and explored the underwater world. My Short list includes the rainforest and Bioluminescent Bay. There is a lot that Puerto Rico has to offer, and it is definitely not like home or anywhere else I have been. Port Clarence was the most unique, but that is difficult to top. The water is very peaceful, clear and filled with life. The rain as I said is melodramatic, and the sunsets are stunning. The plant life is diverse as the imagination and if you love to lounge out on the beach, there is no lack of space. Although I will only have around six months here, it feels like it will be enough for the moment. Six months is a long time to feel like you suppose to be on vacation. I honestly miss the variance of seasons, from winter to summer. Considering everything that this place is, I can see why people love it here.

It has been a firm reminder of the truth that many opportunities are just for a moment, yet will shape up for a lifetime. You never know how long you will be able to enjoy a blessing. If you can gracefully move on and let go, then life has the potential to be as wonderful as imagined. That is not to say that it is going to be easy, but who said life was suppose to be anything? In my short years, my life is not what I imagined, nor expected. I hope to see everyone soon. Until then, Enjoy Every Moment.