I decided to give some travel tips based on our recent trip to Puerto Rico.
We covered almost all of the island in one week, but I will post it in parts for the sake of simplicity.
We traveled on December 31, 2012 from JFK Airport, NY. When we arrived SJU Airport in San Juan, PR it was around 10:30pm. So we started the new years's eve in NYC and ended in another land. :)
Our first destination was Condado/Ocean Park district in San Juan, which is also known as the hip and trendy district. You can find our hotel information here: http://www.atwindchimesinn.com/Our first impression was how Spanish colonial looking the hotel architecture is. Decorated well, maintained well, a bit pricey especially for holiday season but is worth it.
Ocean Park beach is too windy to swim especially in this season. Overall it's a nice place for surfers.There are a lot of dogs (with their owners) on the beach, that's why atmosphere is not very serene because of all the barks and runs. :(
Walking around was very pleasant thou. I like the fresh feeling of sun, breeze, and coconut&mango trees everywhere.
One nice thing to do after a walk is to stop by their famous frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz, we like that they're completely gluten free.
By the way, if you're eating gluten free way/have Celiac disease bring a lot of trail mixes with you to San Juan. Because it is almost impossible to find a place with gluten free menu.
Puerto Rican specials: Corn sticks and Mofongo will be your friend. :)
If you need a late night nosh go to a nearby To-Go convenience store which is open 7/24. They have complimentary wifi, coffee shop, Subway store and lots of variety on "bebidas" (drinks).
You must spare a day to visit Viejo (Old) San Juan, which will the the subject of the next post. :)
Hope you enjoy the first part.
Maybe you should mention dinner at Bebo's cafe on Loiza street, which seemed to be popular among locals (and very busy).
ReplyDeleteAnd for the new year, when the clock strikes midnight, San Juan turns into a huge (and noisy) display of fireworks :) There was an undeniable presence of police around every corner; not sure if it's the norm or because of the new year.
Thanks for the reminder my love (a.k.a. the greatest trip planner) :)
DeleteYes, the amount of cops was unusual, but I thought it was because of Alejandro. It might be the norm, thou.
Bebo's cafe waiting line was extremely crowded despite its huge area. We waited for 30 minutes before we got seated. We tried their corn sticks, fried plantains, mofongo with steamed veggies, and grouper fish in garlic sauce. For me the food was not very significant, but my hubby liked it.
If you're a tourist and looking for familiar stuff, you can find restaurant chains on Ashford ave and Isla Verde ave.