Puerto Rico - Your Ticket to Paradise

Puerto Rico - how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. From your turquoise, pristine waters to mouthwatering food, colorful architecture, castles, picture perfect weather, and lovely people.

In my opinion, Puerto Rico is a slice (or two) of paradise. This was my first trip to the Caribbean, and I really lucked out by picking a winner. While I intended to venture into San Juan, I stayed in Old San Juan all five days because I couldn’t tear myself away. It’s so aesthetically pleasing and self-guided walking tours are a breeze.

Tips

*I took a taxi to and from the airport due to my arrival/departure times. I was overcharged, so be wary of that, as there are fixed rates in place. I don't recommend Metro Taxi, as they overcharged me $9.00.

*The Visitor's Center near Plaza de Colon has fantastic maps and friendly faces to answer your questions.

*Most of the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone, so pack good walking shoes (leave the stilettos at home:)

Accommodations

Posada San Francisco Hostel - I stayed in a 4-person female dorm room for only $25/night. The location is exceptional and offers helpful staff, social events, nice common areas, and balconies overlooking the plaza. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the bathrooms - they could use some updating. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to other budget travelers.

View of Plaza de Colon from hostel balcony 

Food and Drink

*See my individual post for food entitled "Puerto Rican Foodporn"

*La Taberna Lupolo - killer craft beer list

*Restaurante Don Tello on Catano Island near the ferry dock for local brews

Nice view of the skyline from the ferry

Shops

*Marisel Herbal Bath & Body - I bought some yummy handmade soaps

*Ayurvedics Natural Store - this store has it all including fresh smoothies

*Franky’s Vintage Store

*Gift Shop at Poet’s Passage

*Super Max Grocery Store

Marisel Bath & Body

Culture

*Castillo San Cristobal

*Santamaria Magdalena Depazzis Cemetery

*San Felipe Del Morro

*San Juan Cathedral

*San Juan Gate

*Raices Fountain

*The Totem

*Abraham Lincoln School
*Plaza de Colon
*Butterfly People Art Gallery
*St. John the Baptist

San Felipe Del Morro

St. John the Baptist strikes a pose

Raices Fountain

Santamaria Magdalena Cemetery

San Juan Gate

Castillo San Cristobal

Abraham Lincoln School

Entertainment

*Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano - Owned and operated by former Beach Boys keyboardist Carli Munoz

*Poet’s Passage - Tuesday night Poetry Reading
*Take the ferry to Catano Island for .50
*Stroll the city walls, Marina Bay and waterfront
*Watch the sunset at El Morro

Honored to see the one and only "Lady Lee Andrews"

Love the way Catano does palms

I desperately wanted to be a stowaway

Stroll and imagine along the City Walls

Spectacular beauty at El Morro

The Enchanting Olbrich Gardens

 

I'm partial to autumn for many reasons, including getting lost at Olbrich Gardens. This is one of Madison's finest gems, and there is no better time than the present to check out the stunning beauty. My recent visit was during a top-notch weather day with crisp temps and abundant sunshine. Fall foliage is evident, and there are oodles of colorful flowers to tickle your fancy.

It's easy to forget where you are, especially when you enter the Thai Pavilion. The red and gold ornate structure is impressive. There is also a Thai garden and reflecting pools to add to the splendor. Take a few photos and pull a teaser telling friends and family that you are somewhere in Southeast Asia:) 

There is so much to see and do at Olbrich Gardens. Check out their website and start planning your own fall visit before the flakes invade this beautiful weather -  http://www.olbrich.org/.

MEXICO CITY'S UNIQUE TRAITS

I fancy quirkiness when I travel, and found more unique traits in Mexico City than anywhere else. I fell hard for this astonishing city, because it's alluring, loud, gritty, chaotic, hospitable, and mesmerizing.

My observations:
*I rarely saw a stroller being used; babies were carried and young children walked.
*The subway is only 5 pesos. I repeat, 5 pesos (less than .40¢). Also, the trains run on rubber tires.
*The police cars always have their lights on.
*Lots and lots of abandoned buildings still standing from the major earthquake in 1985.
*You can ONLY drink bottled water.
*Windows don't have screens.
*Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Take note of that when crossing the street. 
*Police presence is extremely heavy. I have never seen officers wearing assault weapons or standing in the back of moving open trucks before.
*WiFi is quite accessible all over the city including parks.
*Beware ladies - with the exception of most restaurants, public toilets don't have seats. Also, toilet paper is typically available when you enter, not in the stalls.
*Merchandise is for sale at just about every street corner, and at times, I felt like I was at an auction:)
*In some neighborhoods, a street would be lined with stores that sell the exact same items. For instance, in the Zocalo neighborhood, I admired a music store and realized that every store on that street was a music store.
*Do not hail a cab from the street.
*An adorable miniature coat rack for your coat and purse will be brought to your table at restaurants.

This post wouldn't be complete without some quirky photos!

 

 I ♥ you Mexico City, and thank you for an amazing cultural experience.