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Vacation Pt 2

  • Writer: Emily Barber
    Emily Barber
  • Feb 11, 2016
  • 6 min read

It seems essetial to get away from the artic cold of Chicago for a few weeks to feel the sun, swim and be free from the shackles of 20 layers of clothing just to venture to the grocery store. We went back to all the islands we had originally ventured to on our honeymoon, which, in my opinion, are the best of the islands anyway. This time, however, there wasn't as much adventure and a lot more laying around in the sand. I got a (slight) tan so I feel mildly successful about that.

It seems odd to me, that the idea of a vacation is to spend it as a recreational get-away lying on beaches, being pampered and over-indulging in food and drink. These things are nice but I much prefer to spend my vacations as an adventure. A well planned adventure, nevertheless an adventure in the vein of exploration and discovery.

I don't too often enjoy returning to the places I've been before. I am curious about discovering new hidden treasures and trying new things. However, this trip consisted of 4 people who don't enjoy swimming as much as I do or trekking up a mountainside. So, I resigned to poolside adjustable chairs and games in a lounge. It was fun though, and I'm grateful for the break from everyday life.

However, I have convinced my husband that our next trip will be an adventurous one. Our big plan is to travel for 3 weeks around Great Britain and see London as well as all the gorgeous countryside. We both have never been, and I believe it'll be "meeting in the middle" as far as a desired vacation excursion. Otherwise, our near future plan is a cruise around Alaska. Seeing all the glaciers before they melt away and trekking through wooded landscapes and old earth.

At the end of our trip, we spent an extra few days in Puerto Rico relaxing (more) and eating (a lot more) to save on airfare. We weren't too happy with the hotel we stayed in which was unfortunate because it's located in a great spot on the island. By the end, I think we were all anxious to get back home. The best part of the trip was the cruise by far. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! Royal Carribbean and Celebrity are my favorites, although one day I would like to travel on Norweigan.

We only spent one day in Old San Juan which is one of the most adorable little cities on earth! It's bookended by two large colonial forts that we only had the opportunity to see one of (this time around). When you reach the top of the fort you can see for miles around. We were there just at sunset and caught some stunning light and even better photos. I also got to wear this super cool, low-V jumper that has been collecting dust in my closet for nearly a year.

I've put a lot of this up on my Instagram account but just in case you missed it, there a few places I recommend you check out (and possibly avoid) while in San Juan.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The largest of the two forts, San Felipe sits at Puerto Rico's northern most tip and has a beautiful view of the Atlantic. The fort is expansive and is a fun exploration for couples and families alike! The fort is presented a top a hill with an absolutely stunning grassy plain as your pathway to the gate. Walking up to the fort, it feels as if you're in a dream. Castillo de San Cristóbal is the smaller of the two forts but admission into one ($5/person) gives you access to both for a week. So if you can't make both in one day, you can always come back later to explore the other.

One of my favorite places to eat in Old San Juan is this little tapas place! They warn you that their hot sauce is very spicy but I found it perfectly spiced without over-doing it. Maybe I'm just used to it though because I put hot sauce on nearly everything. This place is small plate but the fare is savory. Toro Salao is owned by OOF! a company in San Juan that also owns several other great restaurants. There's a pretty good seafood restaurant just around the corner called Aguaviva. We ate there last time and were, unfortunately, a little underwhelmed. However, it probably is the most decadent place to get seafood in Old San Juan.

You have to try the Steak Sandwich at Toro Salao if you're a meat eater. If not, the Mediterranean Arroz Vegetariano is a sauteed vegetable plate with a cornacopia of root vegetable and greens that is substantial for a small plate and very delicious. Other honorable mentions are the Taquitos de Camarones de Ajillo (shrimp tacos), Empanadillias de pollo y chorizo (Chicken and chorizo sausage empanadas) as well as their brick oven pizzas. Check out their extensive wine menu and cocktail hour as well. The OOF! resturants tend to fill up fast so make sure you make reservation or go early!

So this restaurant is technically in Old San Juan but was recommended to us one night by a security guard of a local hotel while wandering for a dinner destination. And to be honest, we were NOT dissapointed! It was actually quite incredible!

If you are a Vegan of Vegetarian they have a burrito that, initially, I was skeptical of but cannot stop singing it's praises! The Vegan Bean Burritio and side salad are superb. I ordered mine with the habañero sauce on the side as I found the sauce mroe sweet than spicy. The side salad comes with cilantro leaves to give it a nice kick. For being Vegan, this dish does not lack in flavor or creativity.

Other great options are the classic Mofongo dish (Puerto Rican native dish) with lechon (pork) or pollo (chicken). We also split the incredibly deep fried, but delicious appetizer combo plate. The Alcapurrias were especially delicious as were my favorite coconut shrimp! They make a pretty strong maragarita on the rocks too.

If it's coffee you're looking for, try out this small, but adorable cafe near the largest post office you've ever seen! This intimate shop excels at a good cappucino and has recently expanded to a back room with connected outdoor seating. Sit and relax in the island/vintage decor or take a cup to go as you explore the rest of this adorable little town.

This was a bit of surprise to us. We thought this place looked good but omg, it was good! Again, I'm cheating a little bit as this restaurant is outside of Old San Juan and just in San Juan. I would argue it's worth the trip! It's an Italian restaurant with 1st and 2nd plates, insalatas, pasta and much more! They also have a glorious pizza menu that is worth trying out.

One of my favorite dishes was an insalata with baby shrimp and arugala. To die for! The Crostini appetizer was also delicious and there wasn't a cocktail on the menu that we didn't absolutely love. There really isn't a thing on the menu that would be a poor choice, although I always lean to seafood when I'm on the coast. Their land dishes are great, but their seafood dishes are out of this world!

Raices is a restaurant in Old San Juan that every hotel will recommend you go to. Our first time on the island was quite worth the wait to get it, but our most recent trip was, unfortunately, a big let down. The food was bland, unimaginative and mundane. Their drinks were quite watered down and way too sweet. The cuisine is mostly Puerto Rican fare but there are such better examples out there. I do not recommend this restaurant for a classic Mofongo. I think Piña Colada Club has better Mofongo, and that isn't even their main dish!

All in all, I would say the trip was a success. Even with the stress of fundraising while trying to relax, we certainly found some awe-inspiring moments to be grateful for. Next time you're in Old San Juan, let me know what you guys try and give me some of your recommendations!

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