OG Content Time!

Puerto Rico Spice Rating - Cool Ranch

Hello again, friends and travelers!

My first post was about rainbow trees, which I have yet to see in person. Today's post will be about a trip I actually took to Puerto Rico!

I flew into San Juan late in the night and early in the year, catching a couple hours' sleep while listening to the roosters and coqui frogs rehearsing their daily chorus. After a big barbecue breakfast (where I fell in love with blood sausage, plantains, and yuca), I set off south, through the narrow, twisting mountain roads and breathtaking views.

Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Hills in San Juan.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Painted Rock in San Juan.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

It took hours to reach Ponce, but the views were well worth it.

I primarily stayed around the Plaza Munoz Rivera, which is home to several historical sights and museums. One of my favorites was the Museo de la Musica Puertorriquena, which, as the name implies, primarily divulges Puerto Rico's history of music and the evolution of its instruments. It is also host to other artwork, including a collection of vejigante masks, a Carnival staple.

Vejigante Mural around the Plaza
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Beautiful stained glass at the music museum.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Vejigante Mask at the music museum.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

I also took a trip to El Tuque, a beach that has undergone several makeovers since the 1960s. Some of these included a water park, a restaurant, pools, and other facilities, which have since fallen into disrepair. In 1979, attempts were made to combat erosion of the beach by bringing in sand darker than the original sand. Interestingly, this dark sand is still there in abundance decades later. 

It was overcast when I visited, so I didn't get great pictures of the beach itself, but I got pictures of the facilities that are still there. I'll only post a couple, because I'd rather primarily portray the beauty and soul of the island than harp on its difficulties.

Closed-off rec facilities at El Tuque.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Closed-off rec facilities at El Tuque.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

Beach Grass at El Tuque.
Credit to Cabin Leader, 2022

There was so much more I did during my stay, and so much more that I'd love to do if I ever go back. In particular, I'd like to learn more about the Taino people and El Yunque (the only National Forest that is a tropical rainforest).

El Yunque National Forest.
Credit unknown

That's all for now, thanks for reading and safe travels!

-Cabin Leader