Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Professional Pictures

Professional pictures are up! Our photographers did a great job! Thank you Enuel and Vanessa for the great memories!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Pictures!!


Happy New Year!

A lot of people have been asking for pictures. The photographer told me he will have the pictures in two weeks. In the mean time, you can see the pictures my friends took on Picasa by clicking here.

You can also share your pictures from the big day by uploading them to Picasa. This program allows us to share full resolution pictures for free.

Here's the login information.

login: pearsonacevedopictures
password: 12272009

Thursday, December 17, 2009

8 days....

I´ve been doing a lot of last minute shopping these past couple of days. I´m having a lot of fun bonding with my friends. First out of town guest arrives tomorrow, my godmother Connie and her daughter Elizabeth from New Orleans, LA.

I´m not sure with how much frequency I´ll be able to write in the days building up to the wedding. Feel free to contact us by email or phone and we´ll do our best to help you with any questions you may have. I wanted to let you know that I´ll be using the blog after the wedding to update everyone from Hong Kong and to post pictures from the wedding and honeymoon.

I cannot wait to see everyone soon!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Last night marked the first night I couldn't sleep with the excitement, stress, and anticipation of the next few days. I'm enjoying this process so much, feeling so loved by my family and my friends. And I cannot wait for the big day!!!

Today I went to finalize the details with Jardines del Castillo. When we got there around 9am the entire mountain smelled like food. The aroma from the site's kitchen was unbelievable. I was hungry for lunch right there. But we had work to do. Everything is in motion. I met
the bartender and he is the nicest most complacent man on earth. Everyone at Jardines has been amazing. I'm very pleased with their service so far and I'm excited they are hosting my party.

After Jardines, Lorena, Lydia and I went to lunch at El Meson de la Roosevelt. It hit the spot. A sandwich with fried pork, onion, and ripe plantain. I am going back there tomorrow night to meet the guy who is singing at the reception.

But the highlight of my day was surprisingly, not the food, but visiting the Puerto Rico Tourism Company in Old San Juan. I had communicated with them early this summer but I had trouble contacting them again these last few days. So I just showed up, only to be welcomed by an invitation to join the employee's Christmas lunch. It smelled amazing and if I had not finish my delicious sandwich just minutes before I would have accepted the invitation. Anyhow, my contact at the PRTC did not remember me. But we had to wait only a few minutes for him to prepare me a box full of goodies for my out of town guests.

So, I'm encouraging everyone to make the visitor's office of the PRTC office in Old San Juan their first stop when they get there. They are located on the first floor of the Ochoa building, which is on the waterfront, just across the street from Pier 1, right next to Casa Don Q. They have great staff to help you plan your day in town, with maps, and brochures. Their horus are Monday - Wednesday 8:30am - 8:00pm. Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-8:00pm and Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm. They have some delicious Puerto Rican rums, with a free bar open from Saturday - Wednesday from 1:00pm-5:00pm. And there's even more free rum next door at Casa Don Q!


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

I am in Puerto Rico!


I landed on the Island of Enchantment on Monday, December 14th around 4pm. I think its funny that when the pilot announces that they will begin descent to Puerto Rico, you still cannot see the island. So for a few minutes you are wondering if you may be landing in the ocean. But soon enough you will start seeing the beautiful coast of Puerto Rico. I can recognize the beaches, the road I've traveled, my school, my home, the mall... everything. And I smile with a warmth in my heart that it's impossible to describe with words, a sentiment that I can recognize only when I'm up in the air and see the island in all its splendor for the first time in months. And it has been eight months now since my last visit. I have never been away from home for so long.

I am happy to report that the weather is lovely and warm. So for those of you that are coming from the cold weathers of the north... you are going to be so happy here. You will find it odd that for Puerto Ricans the weather right now is cold. I actually went running in the park this morning and another woman was running with long sleeves and gloves. It was 83 degrees and sunny.

First item on my agenda this morning was to visit the Church. If I have been stressed at any point during the planning process it has been when I'm dealing with the Church. It has been a struggle to communicate between my Church in PR - where the nun that is helping us cannot speak English, and my Church in St. Louis - where the people that are helping me cannot speak Spanish. One Church tells me one thing, the other tells me something else. Thankfully everything seems to be running smoothly and all our papers are in order. Kudos to my dad. His main job during this process has been to be my contact with the Church in PR and he has been so diligent and loving throughout the whole process. Gracias, papi.

After a stop at the dry cleaners to have Ryan's suit pressed we went to lunch at El Fogon del Rey. This is the restaurant that is catering the rehearsal dinner. I had churrasco with white rice and beans (pictured) and a side of mofongo de yuca. I was the happiest person on earth. The rehearsal dinner is going to be delicious.

We also paid a visit to the florist to settle everything. We did not get to see a final arrangement of the table but I'm fine with that. I'm confident everything is going to look very pretty.

Tonight I met with my mom, Marisabel, Lydia, and Lorena and we went through all the details of the Ceremony and the Rehearsal. I also finished the seating arrangement. It was a long day. A lot was accomplished... And there is still so much left to do!

11 days and 4 hours left... but who is counting! :)



Friday, December 11, 2009

So, we are getting married in 15 days!!

Today is my last day of class! I just turned in my last final and wrapped up my graduate assistantship work. I am ready to take on all the last minute wedding planning stuff! It has been freezing cold in St. Louis this week. I cannot wait to go to Puerto Rico on Monday!

If you have not done so already, please take a minute to fill out your arrival flight schedule right here. It will help Ryan and I to know when everyone will be in PR and where everyone is staying so we can make sure we spend some time with everybody.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

What else to do in Old San Juan at night?

So I've told you about the Christmas Lights in Old San Juan... what else can you do while you are visiting the historic city at night? Here it goes....

EVERY NIGHT

Live Salsa Music and Salsa Lessons
Where: The Latin Roots in Old San Juan
When: Every night- Salsa lessons from 7pm, live music from 8pm (9pm on Saturday and Sunday nights)
Cost: free for music and lessons! There is a restaurant and bar for drinks and dinner/late night snacks
Contact: call 787-512-9050 for information

MONDAY NIGHT

Juan Carlos Flamenco Guitarist & Flamenco Dancers
Where: Escambron Beach Club in Old San Juan
When: Monday & Tuesday nights at 8:00pm during high season (Nov-April)
Cost: $28/person, which includes one drink
Contact: call 787-409-5376 for tickets and reservations

Live Jazz at Carli Cafe Concierto
The owner of Carli Cafe, Carli Munoz, is the ex-piano player for the Beach Boys. Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano most nights.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Monday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Monday nights from 5:00pm until 6:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

TUESDAY NIGHT

Le-Lo-Lai Folkloric Dance Show
The Le-Lo-Lai Festival demonstrates traditional music and dance.
Where: Fort San Cristobal, Old San Juan
When: Tuesday nights at 6:00pm
Cost: free with admission to the fort ($3)
Contact: call 787-721-2400 for information

Juan Carlos Flamenco Guitarist & Flamenco Dancers
Where: Escambron Beach Club in Old San Juan
When: Monday & Tuesday nights at 8:00pm during high season (Nov- April)
Cost: $28/person, which includes one drink
Contact: call 787-409-5376 for tickets and reservations

Live Jazz at Carlis Cafe Concierto
The owner of Carli Cafe, Carli Munoz, is the ex-piano player for the Beach Boys. Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano most nights.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Tuesday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Wednesday nights from 5:00pm until 6:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Wednesday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Jazz Jam Session at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Wednesday nights from 8:30pm until 11:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

THURSDAY NIGHT

Anna Rocio (dancer) & Flamenco Guitar / Ladies Night
Live Flamenco music at the Tasca
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Live Blues & Funk Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Thursday nights from 7:00pm until 12:00midnight
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Live Jazz at Carli Cafe Concierto
Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano, with special guests.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

FRIDAY NIGHT

Le-Lo-Lai Folkloric Dance Show
The Le-Lo-Lai Festival demonstrates traditional music and dance.
Where: Plaza Darsena, Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 7:00pm
Cost: free
Contact: call 787-721-2400 for information

Bohemia Night
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner and/or drinks recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Flamenco Dance Show
Enjoy a free dance show with dinner featuring live music.
Where: Barrachina Restaurant, 104 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 9:00pm, dinner seating for show starts at 7pm
Cost: reservations for the dinner show are necessary
Contact: call 787-725-7912 for more information

Carli Munoz Jazz Trio at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights starting around 8:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsena right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 10:30pm, 12:30am and 2:30am
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info

Flamenco Dance Show
Where: Rosa de Triana Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 72 Caleta de San Juan (across from El Convento Hotel and the Cathedral) in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 8:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-722-1144 for more information

Live Jazz Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 12:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Belly Dancing Show
Where: Makarios Mediterranean on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights at 9:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-723-8653 for more info

SATURDAY NIGHT

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Saturday nights from 4:00pm until 5:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

Cadencia Andaluza- Flamenco and Music
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Saturday nights at 7:00pm
Cost: $21.40/person, which includes tapas and refreshments
Contact: call 787-775-9438 for tickets and reservations. Tickets may be available at the door.

Flamenco Dance Show
Enjoy a free dance show with dinner featuring live music.
Where: Barrachina Restaurant, 104 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 9:00pm, seating for dinner show starts at 7pm
Cost: reservations for dinner show are necessary
Contact: call 787-725-7912 for more information

Flamenco Show
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Carli Munoz Jazz Trio at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights starting around 8:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

Live Jazz Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 11:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsenas right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights at 9:30pm, 11:30pm, 1:00am and 2:30am
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info

Belly Dancing Show
Where: Makarios Mediterranean on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 9:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-723-8653 for more info

SUNDAY NIGHT

Romantic Sunsets Trio Concerts
This is an enjoyable evening attended by many older locals who all dance and sing along. Presented by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Where: Plaza Darsena, on the waterfront next to La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights from 5:30pm until 8:00pm
Cost: free

Flamenco Show
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Sunday afternoons from 2:00pm until 4:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, lunch/dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Live Salsa Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Sundays from 3:00pm until 5:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Live Trio Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Sundays from 5:00pm until 7:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsenas right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights at 7:30pm, 9:30pm, and 11:30pm
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info