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Hola Elena- posted August 18, 1999 "Sailing in Fajardo
and swimming in Isabela"
I have just returned from the Paradise that is otherwise known
as Puerto Rico! What a trip I had, and it was only five days.
I know that I will return many times because of the natural beauty,
the beautiful people who love their island, and the adventures
that are available at every turn.
My best times were, naturally, outside the city of San Juan.
This was made possible through the rental of an open-air Suzuki
Sidekick (not exactly the safest vehicle ever made, but fun!)
through Charlie Car Rental. It's a local company and the folks
are really nice. I took the top down in the parking lot and didn't
put it back up until it had to be returned, despite a few intermittent
showers during my trip.
On a Saturday morning, I drove to Fajardo and took a sailboat
trip to a little island (Icacos?) with "Captain Mingo" on his
27 ft boat named the Getaway. He gave myself and two guys from
NY the personal treatment that he promises . . . including the
best, ripest, sweetest pineapple and mango! I wasn't planning
to snorkel, but he coaxed me in and guided me through my first
experience. It was amazing! I saw (among others) fat blue fish,
small blue fish, black and yellow striped fish and lots of different
coral reefs. He's the quintessential host of his boat, and allowed
us to act as crew. As we sailed into the slip, he pointed out
to us a very large manta ray, which was an unexpected site.
On a Monday morning, I drove the truck to Isabela (on your recommendation!)
and I achieved profound serenity. I stayed at Ocean Front Hotel
and found it uttering charming and comfortable. They have improved
some rooms, I believe, since last you checked them out. I had
#11 which gave me ocean views to the east, north, and west. Two
double beds for $54.50 made it the steal of a lifetime. Within
minutes of my arrival I was on an absolutely deserted beach where
I went swimming xxx in some nice surf (3-4 ft waves) and sunbathed
topless. On our crowded and dirty beaches in Delaware and New
Jersey this luxury is absolutely not available.
There are very few amenities in the immediate area, but the
folks at the Happy Belly have the prime restaurant location right
on the ocean. Despite a problem with the gas stove which closed
the kitchen the night I was there, I had an excellent vegetarian
meal of rice, beans and salad and my bill was $5.25. Another steal!
In the morning I got my quadruple espresso con leche at a pasteria
on Rt. 459, along with cake and then went into Isabela for photo
taking and a little shopping. The night before I had tried to
find some comida tipica, but there was none available, so I spent
the early evening (after sunset) just walking the narrow streets,
soaking up the local culture, and greeting the kind and friendly
populace.
I'll tell you about the surfing adventure at the hotel in another
e-mail cuz I have to go now.
More about my trip-- There's a guy named Craig that lives on
the same property as the Pet Vet on Rte 4466 (next to Ocean Front
Hotel). He has Mondays and Tuesdays off, and on Tuesday morning
I ran into him and he taught me to surf.
I was actually looking for the veterinarian to bandage up a
stray dog's hurt foot, but they go to Rincon on Tuesday.
The surfing was really great, because I had never done it before,
but have one old friend that's always been into it. Craig told
me that he thinks the surf right there is way better than Rincon.
It was certainly good for a beginner on Tuesday. Anyway - that
was my exciting time in Jobos Beach area.
On Tuesday before the surfing I drove up to San Antonio, via
4466 coming back on 459 through Montana and saw a lovely bit of
terrain. Again, thanks for being so specific about great spots,
because I sure found one and there are others who might be able
to enjoy it as much as I did. Nancy in Washington DC
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