Monday Adventures: Old San Juan and Piraguas
Our day kicked off with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for a day packed with activities. After a quick game of chess with Rory and a refreshing dip in the pool, we headed to Olive Garden for lunch—though my appetite was still recovering from breakfast. The afternoon was a delightful exploration of Old San Juan, starting with a stroll along Paseo de la Princesa and a visit to El Castillo del Morro. The kids loved the open green spaces and the views of La Perla, and we all enjoyed a refreshing piragua to cool off. We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at El Jibarito, despite a bit of a wait for a table.
Tuesday Thrills: Jet Skiing and Lost Keys
Tuesday was all about adrenaline and a touch of chaos. We finally got to jet ski, which was a blast despite the hefty price tag. Rapha and I went full throttle, while Lis and Rory took a more leisurely pace. The excitement was tempered by a bit of nervousness, especially when we hit some big waves. Later, we headed to Piñones Beach, which was lovely despite its unkempt surroundings. The day took a turn when I lost the car key, leading to a mini panic attack as we waited for an Uber with a dying phone battery. Thankfully, we managed to get a replacement key and made it back to the hotel, albeit with some GPS-induced detours.
Wednesday Wonders: El Yunque and Culinary Misadventures
After Tuesday's drama, we aimed for a more serene day at El Yunque. Despite some initial apprehension about getting lost, we followed a ChatGPT-recommended itinerary and enjoyed a peaceful morning at the visitor center. The drive to the waterfalls was a bit dizzying, but the views were worth it. The climb to the falls was nerve-wracking, but we made it and had a blast in the water. Dinner at Casita Miramar was less enjoyable, with the cold temperature and overly salty food dampening the experience. Rory's desire for Olive Garden was postponed, but we promised her a visit the next day.
Thursday Tranquility: Snorkeling with Turtles
Thursday was meant to be a laid-back beach day, but it turned into an unexpected adventure. After a lazy morning, we set out for El Escambrón Beach, only to stumble upon a snorkeling tour with turtles. The kids and I jumped at the chance, while Lis opted out due to the cold water. Despite a sudden downpour, Rapha and I had an amazing time swimming with the turtles, guided by a friendly tour leader. Rory and Lis took shelter in the car, but I hope next time we can all experience it together. We ended the day with a promise to finally visit Olive Garden, bringing our Puerto Rican escapade to a satisfying close.