Just three days ago I was sitting under a 300-year old nispero tree in a former Carmelite monastery on a hot and starry night. Dreaming. The former monastery is now a beautiful hotel saved from the wrecking ball in the nick of time and thoughtfully restored with antiques sourced from Spain. This was our ground base for a week as we toured Puerto Rico over Sophia’s spring break.
This was our second time in Puerto Rico and we were so very enchanted by the first, albeit brief, visit that we vowed to come back as soon as possible. In this case, as soon as possible meant three and a half years (and another baby) later. For many, Puerto Rico is a springboard for more exotic destinations or cruises. However, the island, which happens to be a U.S. territory, deserves quite a bit of attention. Besides having glorious weather, it is also architecturally striking and has just about the friendliest locals. I am forever impressed how much of its own language, culture, and customs this sizable island has retained.
Although San Juan was our base, we spent a bit of time exploring the rest of the island including Arecibo and Luquillo.
The girls, much to the delight of my sister and brother-in-law, are huge history enthusiasts; Sophia and Eliza couldn’t get enough of El Morro, San Cristobal, all the scenery, and kite flying.
The local cuisine was delicious and, I am happy to admit, sampled by everyone in our family. Mofongo was a surprising favorite and the local guava flavors are going to be difficult to get out of my mind.
… and this …
Here is some nitty gritty about our trip: Flights by this and this hotel, here for a day at the beach, a little lighthouse, and delicious eats here, here, here, here, and here.