Friday, July 30, 2010

Boricua

Puerto Rico was beautiful. I get it now. What I don't get is why Puerto Ricans move here? Not as tropical-ly. Our first stop was La Fortaleza de San Cristobal. Gorgeous fort with a labyrinth of tunnels guarding the eastern wall of Old San Juan. It has some amazing views and history.
Next stop, El Morro which is one of the biggest forts built by the Spaniards in the Caribbean. It was built in 1539 and has taken a schlacking by the Dutch and Americans during it's time. As we were walking up there were a ton of families out flying kites. It was really a beautiful site.

And then the rain came.

And it didn't stop. So we embraced it.

There were such beautiful views of the ocean and Old San Juan.

After we left El Morro we walked around downtown just trying to find something to do in the rain. Thank goodness dance parties are doubly fun wet. We ran into this band playing in a plaza and stood around a little while again vowing to take a Latin dance class someday.

We also ran into this beautiful church. I just love that it looks islandy.

We walked around downtown and stopped in some shops. I love all of the bright colors.


I was once told that there was no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals that Chuck Norris let live. So we considered smoking Puerto Ricans cigars based on his suggestion, but then took our chances.


Lastly, we headed down to La Puerta or San Juan Gate. It was originally built in the 1700's as protection against invaders, but then become the doors through which dignitaries entered the city. There were these amazing trees with pelicans sitting in them and stretches of beach. Again, Puerto Rico you've outdone yourself, you're beautiful.

I love it when we're cruisin together

We are back from our cruise and feeling lovely. It was was wonderful little vacation and I'm so glad we decided to go. Our first stop was DC for a day or so. We ended up doing the Newseum (thank you for the suggestion Amy). It was really cool and had a great view.
Next we had a sleep over with Mark and Traci at their new place in Baltimore. Needless to say, this is not the first sleep over Traci and I have had... in college Traci and I shared a bed for a summer. I'm guessing it was the highlight of her college career. It was so fun to play with them again. They are full of witty banter. Their daughter is clearly following in their footsteps. When Travis and Emma were playing farm she named the cow, "Poop on the floor." That's my kind kid. Can't wait to have a bakers dozen like her.


The next day Traci dropped us off at our ship. Can you tell Travis was excited?

Maybe even feeling a little Sassy. I love this man so much! ME-OW!

And then of course we did the first thing you should do on any cruise... eat. We weren't even hungry. There was just food, everywhere, so we ate.

And then it was off to Puerto Rico.