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...