travelbugadventures

[travelbugadventures]

Take flight or remain rooted?

I have been debating with this ever since I first got that ‘homesick’ feeling coming home from traveling: should I stay or should I go? I went. I took the risk and went to San Francisco. I took on the debt and traveled. It always figures itself out and it has for me. 

But now, the risk is higher and the ‘me’ is evolving to ‘us’. I have been in a wonderful relationship for the past four years with a man I dearly love, but my wanderlust keeps itching and so discussions must be had. What do I want? What do we want? What’s our future? Can you get a job there? Do you want to get a new job? These are all questions that I’ve always known the answer to, but now not so much or I should say not at all for my partner. He loves his job and doesn’t want to leave it. He’s compromised to moving to my hometown in the future, but isn’t keen on living an ex-pat lifestyle. I am. I can. The job I love exists anywhere. That’s part of the reason I studied it. 

The travelers always say, just go, what’s stopping you? Nothing was ... until I fell in love with him. And it’s unfair to say he’s stopping me, because he isn’t. But the reality is I don’t want to live apart and the idea of doing so is stopping me.  I’ve never given thought to valuing the notion of ‘staying’ until I came across this IG post by an amazing travel writer, Jedidiah Jenkins. He wrote:

“But everything has a shadow, everything has a cost. Traveling all the time can often cost you a community. You miss the intimacy that comes from unscheduled drop ins from neighbors and friends. You miss watching your friends have kids and raise them. You miss being a regular at a coffee shop. You miss feeling a city or neighborhood become yours. You can arrange your life for freedom by minimizing responsibility, but perhaps unwittingly shackle yourself to an endless buffet of shallow experience. You may gain the world and its wonders, but you might be trading the riches of belonging.

I don't know much to be absolutely true, but I feel like the truest lessons come from the simple law of balance. Stay rooted too long and you could lose your wonder. Stay gone too long and you could lose your depth. I'm trying to walk the line.” As he put it, I’m trying to walk the line.  Forever bitten,

Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Our first day in Detroit, Michigan to visit my dad’s past. Our first stop was the Motown museum in Hitsville USA. No photos, no videos allowed, however I will never forget my experience here! We got to see where motown was created right inside Barry Gordy’s home, the couch that Marvin Gaye would sleep on after late nights in the studio; the candy machine that a young 11-year-old Stevie Wonder would frequent (4 knobs from the right was where his favorite chocolate would be - Babe Ruth) the famous studio A that the Temptations and Diana Ross and the Supremes recorded; the piano that Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Paul McCartney played on, and Michael Jackson’s original black fedora and white sparkled glove he donated to this very groovy museum! We learned that motown was more than just music, it was a movement and defined a generation of music that lasted decades. It embodies that Detroit spirit of innovation and creativity where hard work paid off and became something iconic. Thus far enjoying our first day here in Motor City, driving down the streets with our upgraded rental car - the cadillac. Next up, some must-eat/devour coney dogs. Forever bitten, Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

At this moment I’m relaxing in a massage chair at the Miami International Airport waiting for my connecting flight to Orlando. Today I had an early 4 a.m. wake up to be what I rarely am – ready. I was able to get everything I needed and even had time to spare. Maybe this rare behavior was because I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a while. In part, I love celebrating weddings, especially when the couple is as amazing together as they are individually. But, I’ve also been looking forward to this weekend getaway as a much-needed vacation. I’m hoping I can squeeze in an airport mani/pedi before my flight, but the long wait may be too long. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the view of a gloomy day in a beautiful city. Forever bitten, Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Dia 4 en Puerto Rico

So originally we had planned to take the early ferry back to Fajardo and then take another ferry to Culebra to spend a day there. But, after such an amazing time in Vieques, we felt that it was just too much to see one more beach. We rather take an extra few hours of sleep. So now the plans are to drop off our things at moonlight bay hostel and head to Charco Frio. This gives us the opportunity to spend an entire day in ponce and visit the rum distilleries there. We woke up at eight (I having only a couple hours of sleep) and started packing. Halfway through we realized how much stuff we had accumulated (and brought). We've definitely maxed out the capacity our luggage can handle. Finding a ride to the ferry terminal was fairly easy. The first was a taxi charging $5 a person and $20 total if we wanted to stop by Playa Negra (black beach). This beach was said to have black sand - residual from the volcanic rock. When the next ride came by - this time a publico - and charged the same we realized it was the set amount to pay. We declined the ride to playa negra when the driver told us it was far and a 20 minute walk from the drop off point. We later found out he had actually never gone to it and the walk was really only 10 minutes. But he then insisted that it was worth seeing (again how he knew is unknown). We then said yes and were on our way. During the ride Bradlee and I started discussing what we would do with our luggage. The driver offered to hold it for us; Bradlee was hesitant. I asked the guy a few times to reassure us our luggage would be safe with him and he kept insisting it would - at one point beginning to feel insulted. Bradlee agreed it was fine and later we would give him a $5 tip, which he was extremely grateful for. Little did he know how grateful we were for him insisting we go. The trail to playa negra was sand and a trickle stream of water running to the ocean. It was covered with trees and lots of birds walking about. We even saw a horse trotting along. I wasn't sure if it was the Pasofino horse named so after its trotting style versus a gallop. They were brought over when the Spaniards came and conquered the island. There were also swirls of black sand mixed in with the regular sand. Once we got to the beach, there were patches of purely black sand. We bottled some up and took a few photos before heading back. We had to catch the 11am ferry bak and we still had to buy our passes. The ferry took a while to get to Vieques. Although the ferry was prompt getting to Vieques, leaving was another story. We didn't board until noon. Lucky for us, we had stopped to eat at a place called Cafe Mamasonga. The food was savory and fresh, as if my mom had cooked it. I ordered the omelette and substituted the potatoes for bacon. Bradlee ordered the fried egg and bacon sandwich with cheese - so typical. But the food was great. Currently, we are halfway back to Fajardo and look forward to the swing and natural water slide awaiting us in Charco Frio. To be honest and humble, these past four days have been truly amazing! I would be beyond satisfied with this trip and what we have experienced. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to experience such wondrous things in such a tiny place. Forever bitten, Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Vieques: Dia 1-2

[travelbugadventures]

So the bio bay deserves its own post. This place is absolutely magical! There’s no other word to describe it!

We are just now heading back from there and the road is still as bumpy as its always been. It seriously feels like the India jones ride from Disneyland on steroids.

We were out for a total of three hours! The longest Brian has ever been out.

So as soon as we arrived, Bradlee and Brian unloaded the paddle boat while I admired the star-filled sky. There was no moon at all tonight even though the lunar calendar said yesterday was the new moon. Another sign I guess that this was all meant to be as it happened.

Right away Brian told us to dip our hands into to the water to see if it was visible. Sure enough it was. At first it looked like light reflecting on the water, so it didn't hit me until a couple minutes later when I realized there was no light to reflect.

Slowly, the farther we went out the more visible it became. Brian began to share his experiences being out and seeing it glow. Soon after we saw something swim past us on the right side(Bradlee's side) off the corner of our eyes... It was a sting ray! By swimming away it disturbed the light...Glowing as it swam by!

Brian spoke about all the fish glowing around four days ago, lighting up the bay. There were even fish jumping (which we heard and saw one along the way). He said that once this lady got so freaked out and screamed because a fish had jumped into the boat.

Brian took us along the coast of the bay, which is considered a protected bay from hurricanes because of the mangroves that have grown around it. Mangroves are the only trees in the world that can grown in saltwater. The roots go deep into the water and even into the soil and have grown around the bay creating only a small opening where the ocean water comes in. Brian said that because of this the concentration of these bioluminescent microorganisms (aka dinoflagellates) were abundant since only a small amount can leave the bay. According to him, there are apparently nine bio bays in the world and six are in Puerto Rico. Most are in the mainland and two in Vieques, but the most concentrated bay is mosquito bay (the one we visited).

We came across more fish closer to the coast, this time they were brighter and left a snake like trail as they swam away. Some even swam along the boat, almost as if they were curious than scared. It would freak me out as I had my hands in the water cupping these organisms watching them react, and all of a sudden these fish would swim out a few feet from my hands. It was such a trip to see.

Watching my hands glow under water and being able to see my fingers glow almost as if I was holding this energy. It's the closest experience to what I imagine a hallucination feels like.

The sense of glowing was more appropriate to the congested areas which tended to be the warmer areas of the bay. With so many organisms the trails left by my feet in the water were glowing lighting up the boat. It was as if there was a pool light under the boat lighting it up.

But in the other areas a better description would be sparks. The less concentrated areas would show the individual organisms reacting, making them look less micro and more like sparks.

After circling the large bay (about the size of two football fields by three football fields), Brian took us out to the middle of the bay and anchored the make shift electric paddle boat. There he set his anchor and counted the depth of the floor. He counted four and moved to a second spot, there he counted again four. With a slight frustration he moved to a third spot where he counted 5-6 feet deep. He jumped in and decided it was the best he could find, forgetting where that 13-foot spot was. We jumped in, regardless of the depth. We were just so eager to be able to swim in it, something the bio bay tours couldn't offer. It has been banned to swim in the bay for a while now. We were just excited at the chance of experiencing it. We jumped in and were in awe at how we made the water glow wherever our arms and hands waved. It was as if my arm was the pole of a ribbon band and the glowing trail was the ribbon. It was absolutely magical!

I took a deep breath in and began to float on the water looking up at the starry night sky. It was silent for a second, then slowly the sound of the crickets came into earshot. The constant coqui's chirp. Then the crashing waves of sun bay in the distance. With the natural light above and the glowing light in the ocean, there was something so spiritual about that moment. I was for a split second in heaven, surrounded by God's nature and wonder. Right then I saw a shooting star. I would end up seeing.a total of three shooting stars. As quickly as they came, as quickly they disappeared, never offering the opportunity to make wish on it.

That is exactly what made this place so special. You couldn't wish upon a shooting star, you could only appreciate that you caught it streaming across the sky. You couldn't take a photo of the bioluminescence, you could only stare at it for an hour in hopes that it would burn into your memory so you could remember it and that moment forever. This bay forced you to really take it all in, because this experience this moment that lasted two and a half hours would be all that you had at the end of it.

Brian then took us out for another tour around the bay in hopes of seeing more fish. While crossing one side to the other I had the need to make a quick dip in the water (if you know what I mean). So he dropped the anchor in to what turned out to be a 10-foot drop. A much deeper stop than before. And even better, was that it was a much more congested stop. As soon as I jumped in, my entire body was making the water glow. My feet five feet deep were glowing strong enough to be seen. It was the spot! The best spot to stop for a swim. We must have spent another hour there taking it all in. It was here where I felt that I was living in the world of James Cameron's Avatar. Bradlee soon after joined in and we swam around the boat a few times before venturing out.

Brian finished his last cigarette and then it was time for this awe-inspiring experience to end. We got back in the boat, saw a few more glowing fish before arriving at our docking point. The guys loaded up the boat while I tried to take pictures of what I could - the trees, the boat and of course of Bradlee doing work (lol).

And now we are back in our room still contemplating and digesting what just happened.

I want to never forget this experience. I don't ever want to forget the feeling of seeing sparks shoot from my hand nor of the shooting stars. I don't want to forget Brian and his amazing hospitality and generosity. I don't want to forget the rough patches and obstacles along this trip that brought us here tonight. I don't want to forget the smell of the fresh air, the trees and plants, and of the water. I don't want to forget the way I felt while swimming in the water, as if I was Ariel from little mermaid and the water around me just glittered. I don't want to forget the shock and excitement of seeing a fish swim away from us leaving a snake-like trail. I don't want to forget my feet creating beautiful patterns in the water.

I want to just remember it all. I want to be able to close my eyes and relive it all over again.

I want to forever cherish this special, supernatural experience Bradlee and I shared for as long as I live.

This night, the wanderlust in me was waken.

Bitten now and forever, Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Dia 3 en Puerto Rico

Today we were woken up by the office manager attempting to open our door, mistakenly thinking we had checked out. It was eleven o'clock. We were really tired and had slept in. We woke up and got ready for a day at the beach, prepared now with the cooler Bradlee had packed away. We headed to Lazy Jack's for brunch. I ordered the southwest chicken salad and Bradlee the pork tacos. We texted Brian to let him know we had woken up and were planning to run to the beach but would take him up on his offer to head to the north side. Shortly thereafter we saw him at Lazy Jack's. After talking the plans over we realized how far the beaches were and he offered to drive us to the beach. More and more I was trusting Brian and feeling comfortable canceling the bio bay tour with Abe's.</p> <p>Brian even got some snorkeling gear for us to check out the reefs in Playa Caracas, the first stop. Playa Caracas otherwise known as Red Beach was beautiful,crystal clear blue water. We had stopped earlier for some beers which was refreshing after a couple hours snorkeling along the reef.</p> <p>The reef was nice, not so tropical but it definitely had a variety of plants. The fish slowly appeared the further out we went. My favorite were these blue and green fishes. We even saw a Dory-looking fish (like in the movie Finding Nemo). It was a great day. The sun was out, the waves were calm, the water blue and Bradlee and I just floating along.</p> <p>Brian then took us out to the other beaches, stopping at blue beach to see the size of the beach, but the waves were too rough and water too murky to stay. We visited sun bay as well, but ended up stopping only for Playa Navio. It was pretty secluded taking a wild, bumpy ride to it, but well worth it as it had nice rock formations and really white sand. I ended up bottling some from there.</p> <p>It was a long day spent out and the shining sun assured us that the bio bay would be definitely visible tonight. Brian dropped us off again and we agreed to meet at 10:30pm after the tours had finished their outings.</p> <p>We ate dinner at Duffy's and watched the end of the Niners Green Bay Packer's game where the Niners won the first game of the season, a tall tell sign of a promising season. Things were looking up for us. Our trip was truly getting better each day. Even though I hadn't yet even gone to the bio bay, I thought about how happy I was with only what I had experienced. It was more than enough to make me a happy vacationer. I couldn't wait for bio bay. It was going to be amazing!!

[travelbugadventures]

Vieques is absolutely beautiful!!! This place is a true paradise with so much greenery - tropical plants of all kind - everywhere.

The ferry ride was enjoyable. We met a couple from Pittsburg who used to live in the Bay Area. Rebecca use to be the catering manager for Guy Fieri and is now a catering manager for country clubs in Pittsburg. Her husband is a software engineer and super animated when he would tell his stories. A very nice couple who shared the ferry ride with us offering a nice distraction from the worries.

Approaching Vieques, it looked like an island straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Upon arrival, we spent about an hour or two stopping at a few local shops in Isabell for towels, swimming trunks, sunscreen (and tanning oil :P) on the travel insurance budget. On the way toward the ferry port where all the publicos were, we began to notice none were left. A local on a horse told us it was best to wait by the post office for a publico. Luckily it didn’t take long until a very enthusiastic dude picked us up.

It was our publico driver who recommended we delay our bio bay trip due to the rain storm that had passed. He had gone by it and noticed that it was very murky and since the sun wasn’t out all day, the organisms wouldn’t have recharged and therefore not glowed much. We took his advice and postponed it for Sunday as soon as we arrived to Bananas Guesthouse. Consuelo from Abe’s Snorkeling were so nice to accommodate us and were even considering postponing it as well.

Our private room was very nice and clean. It was great up until I decided to take a shower and pull the curtain. There was a huge a** cockroach on the shower curtain! This is where I tell you how brave I am with other creepy crawlers, but that roaches are the absolute death of me. I freaked out and had Bradlee step up as a man by capturing that thing and taking it out as far away as possible (I even had him cover the bottom of the door with a towel so it couldn’t crawl back in).

Afterwards the hero was hungry and so we walked right out our room and straight into Bananas Bar and Grill. Lunch turned into drinks when we looked at Bananas’ menu and weren't attracted to anything so we decided to just order Piña Coladas. They were delicious. We then searched on Yelp for other places to no avail. Later we would find out that many places close down during the off season for a couple of months. But, we found our way to Lazy Jacks after checking out what was open. We are so very happy we did. The food was great and the staff even better which would bring us back there again and again.

Bradlee ordered the vegetarian pizza and the southwest chicken salad - in Spanish- for us. The salad was addicting and the pizza was more than enough. There we met a couple from Georgia who was visiting the guys father who lived here in Vieques. It was common to see Americans who lived here on the island. I, too, came to a point where I thought I wanted to just stay and live here. I could work for the tour companies, hotels and restaurants making videos. But after hearing more about the lifestyle I realized that a vacation home would do.

They were all very nice, the couple suggesting an easier route to charco frio. It was then that Bradlee recieved the call we were both waiting for since our arrival. It turned out his bag was located and was going to be in Vieques airport terminal at 4:30pm, in about an hour. Bradlee asked Francis, our bartender, what was the best way to get there and if the publico would charge us 18 there and back again since we would just be two. It was then our trip changed - for the better. This older man sitting at the end of the bar offered to drive us. Bradlee agreed and offered to pitch in for gas.

His name was Brian. He was a guy from Boston who moved out to Vieques about a year ago to help a buddy start a sailing charter business. He loved it so much he decided to stay. He had since gotten a job as a chef for a restaurant and worked a few jobs at the nice resorts painting and repairing them.

Brian drove us around the island pointing out different spots and talking about the history of Vieques. He spoke about it being a military base and how the east side is now a federal wildlife refuge not to protect the animals but rather to keep people out. Under an unexplored ordinance, this forbidden land is blocked off because during wwIi it was covered with bombs in case the gulf was ever invaded. Puerto Rico and specifically Vieques were great strategic points for protecting the gulf. Now it's unnecessary and the military left in 2003, but the land remains to be untouched. Brian mentioned hearing some bombs go off - once while sailing on the eastern side of the island and another while eating at Lazy Jacks.

Bradlee was over the moon when he got his bag and we were both grateful for Brian's offer to take us. We stopped by the gas station and gave him money.

We began the discussion of the bio bay and our postponing the trip to the following day. It was then he offered to take us out on his paddle boat and allow for a better experience for the same price. We thought about it while he pumped the gas and then hesitantly agreed to it. As nice as Brian was, my city life had taught me to be skeptical of people and my journalistic skills told me to question the validity and credibility of this friendly stranger.

Nonetheless, Brian proved to be friendly. When dropping us off at bananas, he extended an offer to take us to the beaches the following day if we didn't mind pitching in for the gas. We agreed to contact him mid day.

We rested and took a nap before heading out in search of fun night out. We ate the rest of the pizza from earlier.dinner, then walked out to the boardwalk to lay down, drink some Cuba libres (rum and coke) and watch the sun set. It was the most romantic moment thus far on our trip. We danced to the bachata music playing at Langas (a local night spot) and watched as the sea got darker and darker.

When a couple of dogs slowly walked up to us, we got up and began to head back to the street. The dogs followed us after we showed some love to them. They followed us all the way to Lazy Jack's. I would be lying if I didn't admit to taking them back with me to the States.

We met another nice staff member named Mike. He served us a shot of their infamous key lime pie shot, which was a half of a fresh lime, forty three alcohol, and milk. It is the shot of the island and tastes like it too. Bradlee and I ended up staying til 2am there watching American Ninja Warrior, chit-chatting about exes, family and friends..

The coolest thing that happened was seeing the rainfall approaching us from down the street. It looked like a very misty fog in the distance but within a minute that wall of rain passed us by. Raining for about a half hour, business for Lazy Jack's flourished as people were rained in and began ordering seconds.

It was a great day and we look forward to the beaches tomorrow and bio bay. Still unsure whether Brian's tour is a good option, but Francis from Lazy Jack's assured us he was legit and that him driving us across the island was reason enough to trust him. A good point made indeed.

Forever bitten, Travelbug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Dia 2 en Puerto Rico

Moonlight bay is exactly what a hostel should be: clean, friendly, adequate and cheap. The fact that the employees are more than willing to help navigate us around the town of Fajardo and recommend us places to visit and which are tourist traps was a plus. The plans and schedule we had planned so carefully never accounted for the rain that has been constant since last night. They also didn't account for the lack of Bradlee's luggage. It sucks when the things you planned to have with you on a trip to a foreign place aren't with you. I feel bad that he has nothing else on him but a toiletry bag southwest offered when we filed a baggage delay. But I know our luck is turning! We won't let a little (actually a lot) of rain and no luggage stop us from enjoying our time off! It was so proven when he found a pair of flip flops in the lost and found that were exactly his size - a nice alternative to his soaked running shoes. Although I'm running on very little sleep due to the fact that even though I am able to sleep through earthquakes, thunder is on a different level. Bradlee, on the other hand slept very well. I whipped up some box pancakes for breakfast and enjoyed it with roommate Bob from Taiwan and were up early enough to avoid a line while purchasing our ferry tickets to Vieques. Bob and another hostel mate will be joining us on the ferry ride which will be nice to socialize and get our minds off the troubles. We are looking forward to the island and the rain moving further north and away. Fingers crossed Bradlee is reunited with his valuables - at least a pair of board shorts. Forever bitten (although a bit itchy right now) , Travelbug adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Follow me on my #travelbugadventures Twitter: @travelbugadv Instagram: @travelbugadv Blog: travelbugadventures.tumblr.com. Forever bitten

[travelbugadventures]

Dia 1 en Puerto Rico

We are here!!!

We arrived in Puerto Rico safely and maneuvered our way to Fajardo. It has been a long day of travel and with a rough start. Bradlee’s luggage was lost along the way and after a (unnecessary) delay at the car rental we were just ready to eat and get a drink! We cheked into the moonlight bay hostel which is great for a one night stay and headed to La Estación to finally sit down and gain some energy. The food was absolutely finger-lickin’ good! We ordered the skewered BBQ chicken and another of pork (pinchos) and the freshly caught red snapper that was grilled to perfection. It finally felt like vacation! Looking forward to a much needed good night’s rest, we are hoping for a better vacation than how it started and to retrieving Bradlee’s luggage soon (I doubt anything in mine will fit him).

Forever bitten, Travelbug adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Puerto Rico: Fajardo

We are slowly (very slowly) approaching our Puerto Rican escape - just 2 more weeks! So yesterday I sat down at a very cute cafe in the Mission District of San Francisco to start booking rooms and setting down some plans.

Fajardo

After deciding to rent a car, the planning has become that much easier. We arrive in San Juan late in the evening and with the plans of being in Vieques less than 24 hours later we decided it best to drive to Fajardo that night and stay a night (to beat the long lines at the ferry ticket window). Fajardo is a small town located in the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. The ferry terminal where ferries to Vieques and Culebra board.

Where to stay

After some digging, I came across Moonlight Hostel which has decent reviews on trip advisor and an even better location (just a 2-minute walk to the ferry ticket office and boarding dock). My boyfriend and I felt it would be fun to do the shared 6-bed co-Ed room, especially if it only costs $25/night per person! It was quick, easy and simple to book through hostelworld.com. We also booked an additional night after the weekend in Vieques, but for the Deluxe Double Bed Private room for privacy at a still low price of $40/night per person.

Where to eat

After a quick yelp search I found the perfect place for us! It’s an old gas station converted to the most wonderful outdoor eatery. With raving reviews, La Estación is a must stop for dinner one of these days. Forever bitten, Travelbug adventures

[travelbugadventures]

Puerto Rico: Vieques Island

I often check travelzoo’s website for great deals and it was how I came across the $300 round trip (RT) flight to Puerto Rico from San Francisco, CA. (This site is worth signing up for email alerts.) My boyfriend and I will be traveling the island (and surrounding islands) for a week and a half of September. Although we purchased our flights a few months back, we haven’t really sat down and done the research as to what we want to do and where we want to visit. Many of the other places I’ve traveled to were accompanied with a friend who lived there and was nice enough to tell/show us where to go. But unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury in Puerto Rico. Bio Bay However, this past week we made some headway. A friend of a friend of a friend (did you get that?) highly recommend we visit the bioluminescent bay. There is one located in the island of Vieques off the Puerto Rican eastern coast. This Bio Bay, as it’s referred to, holds many bioluminescent organisms that light up and glow when disturbed, as in a hand waving through the water. Years ago, it used to be open for swimming, but ecologists have deemed it detrimental to the organisms well-being, so now it’s only accessible via kayak or small boat. After reading the reviews for various tour companies on tripadvisor, I decided Abe’s Snorkeling and Bio Bay Tours would be the best bet. It costs $40 (cash; $45 with credit card) and includes pickup from the Sun Bay public beach in Esperanza. The drive to the Bay and kayak, paddle, vest and informational tour are provided. The best times to visit the bay are during a new moon or minimal moonlight and complete darkness to visibly see the glowing light. Lucky for us, we will be doing the tour on the night of the new moon.  Getting to Vieques The best (because its the only) way to get to Vieques is to take the ferry from Fajardo (a town 45min driving distance from San Juan). It costs $2 one way and $4 round trip. There is a parking lot where you can leave your rented car at for $5 +tax per day (cash only, pay when exiting)- rentals aren’t allowed to leave the mainland of Puerto Rico. Where to stay After finding out Abe's picked up right across the street from Banana's Guesthouse and Grill and after reading the raving reviews, we decided it would be the most convenient place to stay for the three days and two nights we would be spending in Vieques. It took one voicemail and three follow-up emails to reserve our two double-bed rooms for a total of $152.60 ($76.30 as deposit to hold the room and the remaining due upon arrival). The place looks like a fun, vibrant "guesthouse" and the location (Esperanza) is spot on for getting around the island (even though it is on the opposite/south side of where the Fajardo Ferry port is.

Stay tuned for updates on our Puerto Rico planning. Forever bitten, Travel Bug Adventures

[travelbugadventures]

In two weeks I'll be enjoying the savory dishes of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Stay tuned to hear the details of our trip.

[travelbugadventures]

Weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe

[travelbugadventures]

Machu Picchu, Peru

September 2012

[travelbugadventures]

The blue doors of Cusco, Peru