The One About Puerto Rico...

It's been a couple days since my Puerto Rico trip and I finally had a free moment to reminisce. If you haven't been, I definitely recommend it. My Top 5 list below...

1. Ocean Park...
While majority of tourists stay in Condado (Waikiki of Puerto Rico) or Old San Juan, our group rented an apartment in Las Puntas Marias. About 10 minutes from Condado and Old San Juan, we were able to experience all of the local beaches and eateries without competing with spring breakers. Our apartment was a two-minute walk to Ocean Park - beach next to a community park with baseball/track stadiums. I even got lined up at a nearby barber shop (fade/taper never looked so good!)

2. Naturally Sexy...

Having seen Dance With Me, Dirty Dancing Havana Nights (don't judge me...) and multiple seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, I was looking forward to getting my salsa on in a hole in the wall latin dance club known only to local 'ricans... Yeah, I found that place... but was quickly intimidated after seeing how amazing these kids could dance. Tall, tan, young and possible lovely, everyone danced with a staggering smolder. I watched these sexy-bots throw their hair, hips and other body parts I didn't realize moved that way... And no vulgar bumping and grinding here. Their intimate contact with unfazing eye contact almost made it seem voyeuristic (which I like... haha!)

3. It Rains in a Rain Forest...
On Day 3, we hiked El Yunque - Puerto Rico's largest rain forest. Before hitting the trails, we stopped at the rain forest visitor center to browse souvenirs. Every person at the rain forest insisted we buy a poncho. Because a friend and I are from Hawaii, we thought these ponchos were tourist traps similar to overly priced umbrellas, beach mats and conch shells sold to Asian tourists... An hour into the hike, I was completely drenched. What my tour guide said, "it's called a rain forest for a reason". Good think I love the rain!

4. Lomo Saltado...
Chubby Fonoimoana and I stumbled on El Civ, a Latin/Peruvian restaurant in Old San Juan. Hands down the best food I ate all trip - Lomo Saltado! Beef Steak sauteed with caramelized onions, mushrooms and fries. And rice! The 2 for $8 sangrias didn't hurt either... haha.

5. Sofia Montijo...
On my last night, a friend I knew from a previous job took us out to dinner. We were close as coworkers prior to her leaving the firm. After catching up over great Argentinian food, I realized that our lives have taken very different paths. And while I hope Fate allows for another intersection, it's interesting to see how friends (from any point of my life) have turned out.

I'm gonna start planning my next international trip soon. Thailand, Canada and Panama are all in the mix. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Probably somewhere cheap since I left PR with a considerably lighter wallet...

The One About The Phone...

I walked out of the stall and stood over the sink examining myself in the mirror. Not too shabby, I thought as I washed my hands. These fluorescent lights probably made me look worse for wear. Like how video cameras add ten pounds… (how many cameras were on you? --- Friends, anyone?) Unfortunately, these personal ramblings were interrupted by my cell phone’s piercing ring tone. I fished it out of my pocket, punched the answer button and attempted to cradle the phone between my raised left shoulder and ear.

Hel---

That’s as far as I got before the phone slipped off my shoulder and bounced wildly on the floor tiles. I watched in silence as it (in almost slow motion action) slid under the nearest stall and stopped short of a pair of brown loafers below black bunched up pants…

I froze in horror – completely unsure of what to do next. During this moment of indecision, a (very pale) hand slowly picked up my cell phone and slid it back to where I stood. Realizing that I needed to leave immediately for fear of an awkward face to face encounter, I quickly grabbed a handful of napkins to contain my phone and hustled out the door.

Back at my desk, I borrowed a colleague’s sanitizer and disinfected my phone. I think I saw the Good Samaritan pass my desk after noticing the tan loafers and black pants from behind. I silently prayed that he be blessed with good luck for returning my phone without incident and/or embarrassment. I mean, it could have been much worse…

Puerto Rico in less than 24 hours!!!

The One About Tony...

My dad placed an index card on the coffee table, thanked me once again for a great weekend and left for the airport. I was working from home and quickly waved goodbye to my father before focusing on my laptop screen. Three hours later, I finally took a break and turned on the tv for some much needed distraction. It was completely accidental that I noticed the index card next to my orange juice. I turned the card over and read my father's writing.

Yesterday, I got off work around 6pm and decided to take my dad out to dinner. And not just any dinner --- a nice steak dinner! An hour later, we sat in Ruth's Chris Steakhouse laughing at my dad's recent hilarious experiences in New Zealand in between bites of the house ribeye, garlic mash, brussel sprouts and an apple crumb pie.

While driving home, I thought of my father's involvement during my childhood. He worked incredibly hard to support our family of seven. During the week, he left every morning at 5:00am and returned at 6:00pm exhausted from his physical labors. I don't recall too many social conversations with my dad. He sacrificed a normal father-son relationship in order to ensure our family's economic stability. I'm now learning how difficult this whole job thing is and am genuinely appreciative. I also look forward to furthering my relationship with my father. Someday, I hope I become just like him. Except with better handwriting... haha.