Canopy/Ziplining

Ok, so I know a lot of people want to do a canopy/ziplining tour. I decided to do some more research and post some options for you to consider.

Batey Zipline Adventure:
I can recommend these people from experience. They are amazing. They are a family owned company and have been doing this for about 6 years. They are located in Utuado, which is about 2 hours away from San Juan. When we went we did the "Batey Classic Tour". This option is for those that want to do everything in a half day adventure. Included: Visit a cave (in the water if weather permits, or in the ground ), a rappelling of approximately 70 feet of height, six different ziplines (three of them over the Tanamá Rivera) and a long walk through interpretative paths for approximately 45 minutes. This adventure has duration of 4 1/2 hours approx. For groups of six (6) to eight (8) people. The price of the Batey Classic Tour is $109.00 p/p.

http://bateyziplineadventure.blogspot.com/

La Marquesa Original Canopy Tour:

This is the same company that started canopy tours in Costa Rica. They are located in Guaynabo, so 20-30 minutes from San Juan. The tour consists of 8 traverses and 14 platforms and a rappel of 15 feet, and lasts about 2 hours. The website says it is $155 with transportation, but you probably don't need that so you may want to call to ask for a better fare.

http://www.canopytourpr.com/

Regardless of what you choose, make sure you make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had lots to be grateful this year: health, family, friends, love!

The Thanksgiving Holiday started with the arrival of Gaby from San Francisco. Monday and Tuesday I spent hours at her house finishing up my wedding dress patters and learning how to cut fabric. The process has been so much fun for me! I'm so thankful that Gaby is giving me such a great gift!

On Wednesday, my brother drove down from Iowa with some friends. Our first Thanksgiving stop was at Ryan's grandparents were we joined his whole family for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Best part was the desserts: a variety of everything pumpkin! After Ryan's family, we went to my friend Shelagh's house were we joined her family and some friends from the MBA program for an international Thanksgiving. When I say international I mean it. We had representation from China, India, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and of course, the US. Everything was very delicious and by the end of the night we were all about to burst!

We woke up Friday around 4:15 am to hit the stores for black Friday deals. Ryan and my brother finally got the suits they will be wearing at the wedding! We had a lot of fun shopping but by 8:30am we were all so tired we could no longer bare the lines, no matter how good the deals were.

Friday night, Ryan's family joined us for a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving at our house. I really enjoyed cooking for everyone. :)

Christmas decorations are now up!!!! Only 28 days 'til the big day!!!!

Things to do with kids in Puerto Rico

I have been asked this question a few times... I tried to remember what I did growing up.... I remember going to the beach, the forest, climbing rocks, riding my bike, and running around the street. That's the life of a kid growing up in an island.... So I had to dig in and do some research to find out some new attractions for young kids. Here's what I came up with:

In Old San Juan:

• Fly a Kite: This is a must! There is always a nice breeze (wind) up on the North shore and since El Morro (Spanish Fort) has a large open yard it makes a perfect spot to fly kites. Either bring your own, or there is usually a vendor on the street nearby selling the cheap plastic kites and string. They can get really high! Lots of fun!
• Museo del Niño (From Frommer's): In the late 1990s, the city of San Juan turned over one of the most desirable buildings in the colonial zone -- a 300-year-old villa directly across from the city's cathedral -- to a group of sociologists and student volunteers. Jointly, they created the only children's museum in Puerto Rico. Through interactive exhibits, children learn simple lessons, such as the benefits of brushing teeth or recycling aluminum cans, or the value of caring properly for pets. Staff members include lots of student volunteers who play either one-on-one or with small groups of children. Nothing here is terribly cerebral, and nothing will necessarily compel you to return. But it does provide a play experience that some children will remember for several weeks. http://www.museodelninopr.org/

Outside San Juan:

• La Marquesa Forest Park: La Marquesa Forest Park is located in 600 acres of land in the town of Guaynabo. There is a train-trolley that will give you a tour through the park. Its first stop is in an artificial cascade and a gazebo with a spectacular view to the mountains and the metropolitan area. The second stop is in an area with swings for children, gazebos and restrooms. From this point you can walk to the observation 70-feet tower, the highest point of the park. Around the observation tower there are more gazebos and recreational areas for children. In order to return to the entrance you can take the trolley or walk 20 minutes throughout the forest's trails. This is about a 20-30 minute drive from San Juan. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/la-marquesa-forest-park/
• Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park: Located in a beautiful beach area, the lighthouse has been restored and integrated into a new recreation facility featuring an expansive deck as well as a children's play area. Replicas of Indian huts, African quaters, Christopher Columbus ships, Huge Pirate's ship & cave, cafeteria, museum & mini-zoo. A breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean (one of the few "passive whale-watching" views in the world)and the surrounding area. Salt-water aquarium with Sharks, Stingray, Nemos, Seahorses and more! This is about 1-1.5 hours drive from San Juan. http://www.arecibolighthouse.com/

I hope this was helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or want me to write about a specific topic. I'd be glad to help you with some more ideas! =D

Last Minute Airfare and Car Rental Info

Ok, so I know some people are still looking for airfare. If you are booking with American don't forget to use our discount code: A23D9AC.

For car rentals, I just did a quick search and EZ Rent a Car, U-Save Car and Truck Rental, and Thrifty have the best deals. If you book with Avis, use our discount code D003737.

Bioluminiscent Bay Tours

So, I've been digging up more information about the Bioluminiscent bay tours in Fajardo, PR. Las Croabas Lagoon has 500,000 to 700,000 of dinoflagellates (plankton) per gallon, so when you wave your hand through the water you trigger so many of them that your hand lights up with a thousand tiny stars. A trip to the biobay is a great way to end your day after a trip to El Yunque Rain Forest. There are two ways to visit the biobay: kayak or boat. Trips are about 2 hours long. The biobay is a protected ecosystem. This trips are regulated by the Coast Guard so they follow very tight guidelines and safety regulations. Trips depart from Las Croabas, a fishing village. I highly recommend you snack on fresh fish and Puerto Rican fitters before and/or after your trip.

Kayak
There are many companies that offer kayak trips into the bioluminescent lagoon. I recommend Kayaking Puerto Rico because I've used them before. Their trips are $45 per person. Here's more information: http://www.kayakingpuertorico.com/pages/biobay.html


Boat
If you would rather take a boat to the lagoon, you can contact Charlie at 787.422.7857. He offers two or three narrated tours (in english) per night for $49 per person. The boat fits 6 people.

Below is the lunar calendar. I recommend you schedule your tour between Dec. 20-26. Less moon = better view. You should make your reservation at least a week in advance.

Happy Halloween!

We celebrated the first holiday at out new place this weekend: Halloween! We had a housewarming party, complete with a Halloween catwalk. Enjoy the best pictures of the night!

This year Ryan carved Kate Gosselin

Third Place: Freddy vs. jason

Third Place: Bavarian Couple

Second Place: Napoleon and Deb

First Place: Popeye & Olive Oil

So, only 55 days left to the big day!!!!! Don't forget to RSVP by Nov. 15!!!!