After a very long time of being cautious due to COVID and rebuilding PTO after a maternity leave and countless sick days due to having a child in daycare during a pandemic, we finally took a REAL VACATION. It was everything we hoped for and more.
Over Christmas, Daniel and his dad were up late drinking rum and talking about whatever men talk about while their wives are asleep. Apparently, the conversation ended with a decision that this was the year they were going to Puerto Rico. When Daniel shared the plan with me, I was happy to say yes! Since I joined the family, I’ve always wanted to see the island. A week of eating fried plantains (tostones), mixed drinks, and plenty of time at the beach seemed like a no-brainer.
This was definitely the “biggest” vacation we have taken with Nadia, and she did so well with all the new experiences! Since this was her first time on an airplane, we read lots of library books about airplanes and trips to get ready. Bearplane by Deborah Underwood was my favorite (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58936390)– it was so cute when Nadia told us she was going on her “Bear plane today.” She loved riding the bus after parking the car at the airport, trying to run away at the security screening, and standing on the moveable sidewalk in the airport.
Nadia seemed a little nervous during take-off on the plane, but she enjoyed looking out the window. We read plenty of books, had lots of snacks, and she got a special sticker book and coloring book to stay busy! I was prepared for the worst, but honestly flying with her was a breeze. So glad we waited until she was a little older to fly!
When we landed in Puerto Rico we quickly discovered that while our cellphone plan had service TO Puerto Rico, but not service IN Puerto Rico. That made it a little stressful to meet up with Daniel’s parents, but we managed thanks to airport wifi. That first night, Nadia scarfed down a big plate of rice & beans, chicken, and tostones. All that travel worked up an appetite.
We were so fortunate that Daniel’s aunt generously let us stay with her in Fajardo on the Northeast part of the Island. The next morning, we took a short car ride to the local beach in her neighborhood. I was blown away by the clear, bright blue water and Nadia loved climbing into the Lifeguard chair. We also went to church that day, where we quickly realized Nadia’s antics were NOT appreciated by the older lady in front. Apparently Puerto Rican toddlers must be better behaved at church; instead Daniel walked Nadia around the courtyard and took some cute pictures in between rain storms.
During our next sunny day, we did some sight-seeing in Old San Juan. I loved the colorful buildings and the old forts. We tried a Piragua, which is similar to a snow cone– Nadia really loved it. Very refreshing while walking around a hot city. Before we left on the trip, we got a picture book about San Juan and Nadia was excited to see most of the places from her book. She especially enjoyed walking people fly kites at El Morro.
I had two favorite places on our trip–one was El Yungue Rain Forest– it was so lush and green. Prior to this trip, my only experience with a rain forest was the top floor of the Baltimore Aquarium, but the real deal was much better! Some of the trails were still closed after the last major hurricane, but I really enjoyed hiking to Mount Britton and then the El Yungue trail. It was just so peaceful being in nature.
My second favorite spot was a more secluded beach that we called “Secret Beach.” Basically, we followed a short trail at the end of the Seven Seas beach in Fajardo and followed the trail to get to two more secluded beaches. They were especially peaceful in the morning, but even when we went back in the afternoon and more people were there, it was still so nice! The water was so gentle– I loved being able to walk out so far without getting more than waist-deep in the water. Nadia had a blast playing in the sand and splashing along the shoreline. She’s really the perfect age to enjoy the beach!
Lastly, we took a daytrip to Ponce which is another big city on the southern part of the island. Daniel’s aunt wanted us to go since that’s where Daniel’s father is from & we were able to visit his grave. We enjoyed seeing a statue with other “Fourquets” and of course exploring the rocky beach and historic part of the city.
There’s probably a lot I’m forgetting to share, but mostly I will remember the week for beautiful weather, fun times with family, and great food. We are already looking forward to our next visit to Puerto Rico!