Travel diary: Puerto Rico – Day 1


We landed in PR at about 3:30 in the morning on Thursday. Since we all had to work the day before, we figured it’d be best to travel at night instead of spending a vacation day traveling. After picking up our rental, we drove to our hotel in Candado and arrived in no time. The hunger pangs were real serious especially for me, considering I had not eaten since lunch the day before. Thankfully, we found a nearby restaurant open 24 hours where we ordered turkey sandwiches which were actually pretty dry and not the best but the fresh frozen mango juice they blended right in front of us made up for it. Once we walked back to our hotel, we showered and by the time we laid down, it was already passed 7am.

Later that afternoon, we woke up refreshed and were ready to hit the town. A friend of ours recommended that we try brunch at Raíces and I’m glad we went there. After some difficulty finding street parking, we opted for a parking garage which isn’t nearly as expensive as they are in NY so we were OK with that. Since everyone we knew raved about mofungos, we knew we had to try them. They were decent but nothing I’m obsessed with. My salmon was pretty delicious and my frozen mango smoothie with rhum was the icing on top! I totally enjoyed eating from their super cool aluminum pots and cups as well. So different from the norm.

After brunch, we took a walk in the neighborhood and enjoyed seeing all of the colorful buildings. In true tourist fashion, we snapped endless pics. It’s all fun and games when we’re shooting them but it’s a whole different story when it’s time to sort through them, edit and share them with you guys but I digress…

Since I’m obsessed with popsicles and fruity frozen drinks, we ordered frozen drinks from a street vendor and watched the birds and enjoyed the scenery for a bit, truly disconnected from our usual routines. I always enjoy those simple moments laughing with the people I love, not doing anything extraordinary but making memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the little things that matter πŸ™‚

We spotted Condado beach on the way back to our hotel and decided to go for a swim since we already had our bathing suits under our clothes. The water was quite warm and watching the sunset beachside was simply amazing. It never ceases to amaze me how something as typical as the sunset can be so breathtaking every single time I watch it. It reminds me of how small I am and how awesome of an artist my God is.

We returned to our hotel later that evening and after resting a bit and getting a little dolled up, we opted for a Mexican dinner. Our waiter was so kind and knowledgeable. He suggested that I try their chimichangas which is a deep fried burrito with melted cheese on top. It was ahhhhhhmazing!!! I dipped every single piece of it in their chipotle jalapeño sauce and topped it with guacamole. I seriously looked 3 months pregnant after that meal so taking a walk afterwards was so needed. Needless to say, I had to suck my stomach in for these pictures πŸ™‚

The strip on Ashford Ave in Candado came alive at night… It houses so many restaurants, casinos and hotels and yet there were plenty of street vendors parked on either side of the road. The options for food were endless. As we were taking pictures, we spotted a waffle place and made a mental note to come by the next morning for breakfast.

We went on this trip to explore and rest so staying out late to explore the night life wasn’t really part of the plan for us. Besides, we don’t go clubbing anyway so I’m not sure there is much else to do after hours besides club hopping. This getaway was off to a good start. My brain needed this downtime to disconnect from the dailly hustle and bustle and just be. Traveling has a way of changing your outlook on life. It teaches you about yourself and others and opens your eyes to see the world in a different light. The more I travel, the more I feel the need to convince the world that they too, should experience this work of art that is the earth. Go on and explore, dream, discover! It’s really good for the soul!

Have you guys been to PR? If so, how did you like it? I’m always on the hunt for the next cool destination to visit and I’d love to hear about you guys’ most exciting trips. What’s the most amazing place you’ve traveled to so far?
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Until next time travel lovers!

14 Comments

  1. Nadege Joseph
    08/26/2017 / 3:19 PM

    Travelling opens the mind to not only experience the world but to teach us to coexist and appreciate the diversity around us. It is through travelling that we can really see the splendor and greatness of our God.

    • 08/26/2017 / 3:54 PM

      Yes, yes and yes!!! Well said girl πŸ™‚ I couldn’t have said it better!

  2. Farah Fresnel
    08/23/2017 / 8:52 AM

    I have been to PR and I also thought it was too Americanized. The pictures of the food,drinks and the many activities makes me want to go back. Thank you for sharing.

    • 08/23/2017 / 9:57 AM

      I shared those same feelings from the time we passed through in 2008 when going to the cruise but having a chance to visit the outskirts of it gives you a completely different perspective. It’s a beautiful place! πŸ’™ thanks for stopping by 😘

  3. Mary Staxo
    08/22/2017 / 4:25 PM

    I was so enspired by this post. As I read on it took me to Puerto Rico. I felt like I was there. Awesome writing. Glad you had some much needed time.

    • 08/22/2017 / 4:50 PM

      My goodness! That is the best comment ever! I appreciate your feedback and encouragement πŸ™‚ We definitely had a good time & Im happy to be able to inspire you and others with my experience πŸ™‚ Thanks so much for stopping by! 😘

  4. Ben Johnson
    08/22/2017 / 2:08 PM

    We stayed in Culebre, plane or boat ride over to the island from Puerto Rico, very simple but they have a great beach there that I forget the name, but it made the top whatever beach list. Very low-key but nice to see how they locals live…. and I live in Washington heights , the mofungo capital… I guess it’s an acquired taste…. YuckπŸ˜€

    • 08/22/2017 / 4:40 PM

      Man, we tried to go to Culebra but had no plans for flying there. Apparently taking the ferry there is highly unreliable… we missed out on that opportunity but I heard it’s beautiful there πŸ™‚ Im sure you guys had a blast!

      I just am not excited about mofungos at all. lol πŸ˜‚ I’d be ok if I never had it again lol πŸ˜‚

      Thanks for stopping by 😘

  5. Momo
    08/22/2017 / 11:47 AM

    Loving that little brown dress!!! Love PR!!!

  6. Gracie
    08/22/2017 / 9:19 AM

    It sounds like an amazing trip so far. I can’t wait to hear how day 2 went.

    • 08/22/2017 / 9:39 AM

      It really was a trip to remember. So many pictures to edit though. Hopefully day 2 will be up tomorrow…

  7. Bernie Mat
    08/22/2017 / 8:54 AM

    I’m glad you guys enjoyed. Before Dubai,PR was my second favorite place. I just love the vibe in old San Juan. Must be the old soul in me

    • 08/22/2017 / 9:37 AM

      We definitely had a blast. This was my second time there and my thoughts definitely changed. I thought it was way too Americanized for my taste but when you go to the outskirts, it truly is an amazing place!

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