It is the beginning of May 2009, the smell of rain is filling the air, and the clouds over this beautiful island are rolling in. It is about 11:30a.m. and soon the rain will set in and last for not just the rest of this day, but will continue almost every day through the rest of spring until summer begins.
I decided to take my second trip to Puerto Rico by myself while my husband was serving the second half of his tour in Iraq. I flew with both of our boys ages 1 and 2 at the time. I admit it was a little sudden, but I was trying to find an out to my solitude. My husband being gone, and having the 2 babies 24/7 was taking a toll on me. I missed my husband dearly and thought that if he cant be here now, maybe spending time with HIS family will be exactly what I need. Well, not only did it satisfy my need of being with him, but it also satisfied my hunger for the puerto rican cuisine.
My trip started out in the San Juan-Bayamon-Ponce area, on the North side of the island. Me and the boys stayed with some friends we met while we were stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska before my husband deployed. When I came here with my husband on my first trip to the island we visited Old San Juan - a visit I didnt make this second time around. However, Old San Juan is a beautiful historic site with over 500 years of history. The old buildings surrounding the city and around the coast make the age of this town evident, and almost immediately bring you back to the era of 1520. San Juan is known as one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean. There are many shops, pubs, and restaurants around Old San Juan that will keep you taking pictures for hours.
After spending about 3 days on the North side of the island, I was itching to go see my in-laws and the rest of my husbands side of the family. The part of the Puerto Rican culture that I love the most is the way they always seem so happy to see you and welcome you into their homes and feed you all kinds of good foods no matter how long or short its been since the last time they saw you. Some of my favorites are lechon asado(roasted pork), arroz con pollo(rice with chicken), carne frita(fried meat) and tostones(fried green banana chips). Oh and I cant forget the mofungo(a mashed mound of plantains where either seafood, meat or vegetables is added) , mmm mmm!!! I spent the rest of my almost month long visit on the east side mainly Luqillo, Cieba, Fajardo and Humacao. My husband's father took me to so many hidden places that only the locals know about. Many different beach locations, mostly small where the waters are calm and the only thing you can do
