Our adventures haven’t stopped. We drove to Arecibo and visited the observatory where Bond’s Golden Eye was filmed. DO go here if you have seen the movie or are huge into Radioactive Space Technology. DO NOT go here if you want to learn a lot about the thing. The “informational” video is worse than a Spanish soap opera and is less than informative. For me, the best part about the excursion was seeing the view of Arecibo and beyond from the top of a mountain and getting to see Ted’s face light up while he ate Astronaut Ice Cream.
The security guard in the parking lot suggested we visit an eco-lodge that was “not too far” from there. This is apparently a very relative term in Puerto Rico. We eventually arrived at a hacienda seated atop lush valleys and orchards with views of rolling hills. We sat poolside and enjoyed some island favorites (fried cornmeal, chicerones, pizza pockets, chicken empanadas, fried green bananas, plantains, fried pork –FRIED, FRIED, FRIED basically) and drinks. The local beer is Madalla Light and unless there’s a drink menu, that’s the only thing I know how to order in Spanish.
After enjoying the sights, we started home and came across a FULL rainbow. Now this might not be as cool to you as it was for me, but it was INCREDIBLE. We could see every color and both ends… someone must have already nabbed the pot of gold though because it was nowhere to be found.
The next day, we went to a private resort. Apparently, if you have a car, you can just drive on in and use the pool, the swim up bar and lounge chairs by the ocean. This vacation is teaching me to be a very resourceful mooch. Ted attempted to teach me chess here on a giant floor playing board in the central garden of the hotel. It was NOT a success. Chess is a frustrating game to play, especially when you have no idea what you’re doing and the sun is beating down on you. All in all, the day was wonderful and the resort was a gem.
For dinner, we went to Smilin’ Joes –the place owned by Otis’ owner. This place was a tropical paradise, with three tiers of entertainment: dining, a bar, and a pool bar. The food was amazing, a nice break from the local cuisine of fast food, chicken, and mofongo; I thoroughly enjoyed my mahi mahi encrusted in cilantro atop a bed of rice and red curry with vegetables.
The next day was spent laying out at the beach and taking in the nearby sights. Get ready Boston; this California girl has got her tan back! Ted and I made burgers that night which was delicious. We also used what we had at home and made some homemade Sangria – one bottle red wine, one can sprite, one green apple from the airport, one local red apple, half a blood orange and 4 frozen strawberries. Try it!
1 comment:
that sounds amazing! the sites, the food, the SUN!
Post a Comment