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!

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!

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! :)

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!

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

Christmas Lights

A friend just made me think of this. When you are visiting the island, make sure you make a trip to Old San Juan at night to enjoy all the Christmas lights! There are tons of lights all over town. Every plaza has lights and nativity scenes. Every street is decorated. And the Governor's mansion in Calle Fortaleza (pictured on top) goes all out with giant trees and beautiful light displays!

Map

Below are the map and directions from the Church to the Reception.


View Larger Map

Distance 14.2km (8.8 miles)
About 25 minute drive

Parroquia San Pedro Martir, Guaynabo PR

1. Head east on Cll Herminio Diaz Navarro toward Cll Tapia: 0.1 km
2. Take the 2nd left onto Cll Jose R Carazo/Pr- 169: 0.4 km
3. Take the 1st right onto Ave Las Cumbres/Pr- 199: 8.6 km
Continue to follow Pr- 199
4. Continue onto Cll 1: 0.5 km
5. Continue onto Pr- 846/Pr- 850: 2.0 km
Continue to follow Pr- 850
6. Continue onto Expreso Manuel Rivera Morales/Pr- 181: 1.8 km
7. Turn right to stay on Expreso Manuel Rivera Morales/Pr- 181: 0.1 km
8. Slight left to stay on Expreso Manuel Rivera Morales/Pr- 181: 0.5 km
Continue to follow Pr- 181
9. Turn right to stay on Pr- 181: 0.2 km

Jardines del Castillo, Trujillo Alto PR

Things to do after a trip to El Yunque

If you want to take the most out of your day, I recommend you combine your trip to El Yunque with a few other stops.

Food Stop

Soon after you leave the forest and continue west on PR-3 you will reach the town of Luquillo. On your left, right by the beach you will see a stretch of 60 kiosks that sell Puerto Rican food. This is a great place for a snack and one of the best places to taste authentic Puerto Rican fried food! The kiosks are numbered, the best ones are 50-60.

Beach: Balneario La Monserrate

A great way to relax in the afternoon, is to visit Balneario La Monserrate in Luquillo, just a short drive from the 60 kiosks. The Balneario, which has been designated a Blue Flag Beach, is gated – you pay $4 for parking. The walk from the parking lot to the beach, which takes you past the camping/picnic area. The beach itself is wide, a cresent of fine sand, with lots of mature palm trees for shade. And behind that, you have the Rain Forest – it’s picture perfect.

The lifeguard schedule that is posted on the beach says that lifeguards are on duty 8:30am – 5:00pm Wed – Sun. The beach is “closed” Monday and Tuesday, but you can still park park outside the gates and walk in. There will be no services available, but the beach is still lovely and it will be almost empty. The water is very calm, since there is a reef way out that breaks the waves. This is a great beach for children. For more information about this beach you can contact the Administration Office of the Balneario La Monserrate: 787-889-5871.

Beach: Seven Seas

If you are okay driving a little farther east you will reach the town of Fajardo, and Seven Seas Beach, also a Blue Flag Beach. This beach is spectacular, and one of my favorites growing up. Its name is no coincidence as it features 7 shades of blue and green. There is a coral reef some distance from the beach, making a natural wave break. This makes for a nice protected beach, with calm waters that the whole family can enjoy.

Seven Seas is officially open Wed- Sun, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. But since all beaches in PR are public, you can use the beach (without facilities) any day by just parking along the road and walking in.

Bioluminiscent Bay Tours

Just a short drive from Seven Seas you will find Las Croabas, a fisherman village. This is a another great spot for snacks at the end of the day and to taste very fresh fish! Kayaking and boating tours to the BioBay depart from here. For more info about the biobay tours, click here and here.

Visiting El Yunque, National Rain Forest

Located in Rio Grande, El Yunque is the only rain forest reserve protected by the Federal Forest Reserve. More recently El Yunque has become one of 28 outstanding international finalists (out of 261 nominees) in the exciting New 7 Wonders of Nature Competition! You cannot go to Puerto Rico and skip this natural attraction!

It rains every day at the forest, so be prepared with comfortable clothes, shoes, and your swimsuit. Always wear your tennis shoes for walking, but if you have wet shoes I highly recommend bring them and wear them when you get into the water. Also sunblock and mosquito repellent. There's a few kiosks along the way where you can buy food, but I highly recommend you bring your own snacks and water also.

Your first stop when you go to el Yunque should be El Portal Rain Forest Center (open 7 days a week 9am-5pm). The visitor center is right before you enter the forest reserve. There you can explore interactive exhibits and watch a 15 minute video (alternating between English and Spanish) narrated by Benicio del Toro. Admission to El Portal is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and free for children under 16. The visitor's center will be closed on Dec. 25th.

You can see a lot of the forest by just driving through. The forest gates are open 7 days a week from 7:30am-6:00pm. Your first stop after El Portal should be La Coca Falls, one of the most popular photo ops in the forest.

Next up is Yokahu Tower. A spiral staircase takes you 69 feet up for one of the most spectacular views of the forest and the coast.

La Mina Falls is not far from the tower. To see this you need to park and walk the trail down to the falls. It is about a half hour hike going down... going back up is much harder. There are a few picnic tables along the way so you can stop to catch your breath. The trail is paved, but slippery in some areas. Big Tree Trail is gentler and much better suited for children. Once you get to the falls you can relax on the rocks, get in the water, and if you dare, get a massage under the falls!

If you still have some energy left after your hike to La Mina Falls, you can continue driving up the road to Mount Britton Trail, which leads to another observation tower in the peak elevations of El Yunque. Known as a cloud forest, this section is the coolest, windiest and wettest of El Yunque. Its trees are stunted and gnarled, and dozens of varieties of orchids grow there.

Palo Colorado Visitors Center offers one hour guided tours of the forest. Prices for this tour are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 5-12. You will probably see some of the most dramatic plant life in this tour. The impatiens in El Yunque are pale pink, some growing more than two feet tall.

For more inforamtion about El Yunque, call 787-888-1880.

Another way to do the Bioluminiscent Bay in Fajardo

I just found out about this opportunity to tour the bioluminiscent bay. This is a walking tour of the lighthouse that sits by the bay. The tours are operated by the fideicomiso, which is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Island’s natural resources. The reserve were the lighthouse sits includes the bay and 6 other ecosystems. I have toured the facilities during the day and it is very beautiful. I hear very cool things about the night tour. Here is more info, taken from www.fideicomiso.org.

NIGHT TOUR OF LAS CABEZAS DE SAN JUAN NATURE RESERVE
Multiple Dates
Fajardo - Puerto Rico
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Share the secrets of the night at Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. During this moonlit tour, you will see firsthand the nighttime operation of the Lighthouse and experience the phenomenon of bioluminescence, as you observe the majestic Laguna Grande and learn about its valuable role and the importance of conserving this ecosystem.

Thursdays through Saturdays, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, by reservation only.

Reservations by phone:
787.722.5844
787.722.5882

MODERATE: Requires enough physical condition to carry out hikes along fairly inaccessible areas. Children participation is left up to the parents and/or legal guardians’ discretion

Individuals $20.00
Seniors (65 years or older) $20.00
Students $10.00

Groups of 20: individuals $15.00, seniors $15.00, students $7.50.

Amigos: individuals $10.00, seniors $10.00, students $5.00.