Days eight, nine, ten, and eleven! And conclusion thoughts!

Hello everyone! We’re officially home now :/ And both missing the island already! But, here is a recap on our last couple days on the island.

Day eight

On day eight we took a much needed break after a LONG week!

We had dinner at a mexican restaurant on our block, which I needed after having Puerto Rican food all week. Now, i’m not saying that I don’t LOVE Puerto Rican food, cause I totally do, but I am also mexican and need some spice and heat in my food sometimes, which is not in Puerto Rican food AT ALL! So, don’t judge me, but a girls got to do what she has to do. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Day nine

WE HAVE A 2319! If you don’t get this reference, we can’t be friends.

Sunday was really nice! We started our day in Piñones. This part of the island is known for its kiosks and street food. This was one of my moms “must-do’s”, and it was easily understandable as to why! We ate at Donde Olga. I know this may sound dramatic, but they had the best empanadas that I had eaten during my entire trip, literally sooooo delicious.

We then drove around Piñones and took in all the views. This part of the island has amazing views of San Juan.

We then returned to our apartment, and spent the remaining hours of sun at the pool.

After getting refreshed, we got ready to head out to do one last driving tour of Old San Juan. We blasted some J.Lo, Bad Bunny, and Daddy Yankee, your basic PR icons lol.

For dinner we headed to Lote 23 again, there were still a couple food kiosks that we hadn’t tried yet, and I couldn’t leave PR without going back. They also had a projector set up playing the Super Bowl, which I wasn’t planning on watching, but we ended up staying while we jumped from kiosk to kiosk…worth it. Visiting Lote 23 is my #1 recommendation to anyone visiting the island. If you love good food, good people, hip spots, and good Puerto Rican culture, this is the place to be!

Day ten

We started our morning by returning our rental car, then stayed for a delicious breakfast at the Marriott. The remainder of the day consisted of repacking my suitcase, and cleaning our apartment. Then for dinner we went to the highly recommended Buns Burgers for dinner which was right next to our building.

It’s kind of ceremonial for me to have my last dinner on vacation be where we reflect on our favorite moments of the trip.

And to be honest, it was hard for me to choose just one.

Puerto Rico has been my dream vacation for YEARS. And every moment lived up to, nay EXCEEDED, my expectations. I have made a lot of changes to my life within the last month or so, and it all led to making this the best trip ever. During every moment of my vacation I was thinking about how much I wanted to share this experience with the rest of my family and my best friends. I truly hope this blog was enough for now, and I can’t wait to bring everyone back there at some point.

Day eleven

Travel day!

We arrived at the airport at 9:00am PR time, and 5:00am LA time. And finally arrived home at 12:30pm PR time, and 8:30pm LA time. Lets just say next time someone asks me what I superpower I wish I had, it would be teleportation.

I am sooo happy to be home and in my own bed and with my little Annie, but I can’t help but miss the island and the many adventures. We are legit already planning on when we’ll be there next, so stay tuned!

CONCLUSION!

I really saw a change in myself during this trip. Over the last year or more, I have not been 100% myself. I was making choices based on what I thought was benefitting myself, but was really just benefitting everyone else. But in December I made a choice that totally benefited myself. Choosing to really hone in on my art, and using my skills to do things that actually make me happy.

Being in Puerto Rico, seeing the hardworking individuals that live there, knowing what they have been through, made me realize the type of people that I have come from. I am more motivated than I have ever been. There are soooo many moving pieces in my life, but for once I feel like I am actually succeeding at setting those pieces into place.

This trip was amazing for me. And it would not have been possible without my amazing Mother. Mum, thank you again for giving me this opportunity. If this trip has proven one thing to me, everything that happens is meant to be. There were many moments during this trip, or even the trip happening at all, that seemed like it was going in the wrong direction that ended up being the absolute best!

To everyone that has kept up with my vacation blog, THANK YOU! I had so much fun using this medium to share my photography and travel experiences, and I hope you did too! Please let me know if there was anything that you really liked, things I need improvement on, or what else you might want to see. I have some fun things planned, so stay tuned.

Signing off, love y’all!

-Ash

Day seven!

Another fun day in Old San Juan:)

We started our OSJ day at the forts! These forts have amazing views of OSJ, and astonishing history of the Island.

After the forts, we started our journey into OSJ. We came across two iconic photo locations and of course we couldn’t stop without having a couple mini photoshoots lol.

We then ended the night at the Caurtel de Ballajá light show. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! And there was barely anyone there! We were both so surprised that the wasn’t a million tourists there! We both highly highly highly highly recommend coming to this light show. It runs Fridays-Tuesdays, starting around 7:30pm, and runs a couple times throughout the night. These pictures will do no justice to just how cool the show is!

On the planner for tomorrow:

Chilling, cleaning, and sun tanning!

Day six!

Oh my gosh today was fun!

We visiting some family in Yabucoa. They live about an hour from where we’re staying. We drove to their beautiful home just the bottom of a lush mountain. After a couple minutes of getting to know each other we started a journey to where we would be having lunch.

They took us to a very small, still under construction from the hurricane, restaurant just off of one of their main streets. Not only was the food delicious, but they are known for their unbelievable view of Yabucoa beaches. Absolutely gorgeous!

We then went down to one of those beaches! Again, so beautiful!

Couldn’t finish the day without some selfies!

On the planner for tomorrow:

Sleeping in! Then a day in Old San Juan!

Day five!

Yesterday made me feel really good, and reminded me why I wanted to come to PR for so long.

We started our morning by driving to Old San Juan. We drove around the city for about an hour or so, all the while both my mom and I were freaking out that we were currently driving though Old San Juan.

We then had a yummy breakfast at Mallorca. Which is known for using Mallorca bread for delicious sandwiches! Then we walked over to the Umbrellas on Calle de la Fortaleza. SO. COOL.

After walking around there, we went to Señor Paleta! Which is an OSJ must eat! And it was much needed in the hot PR weather!

After we finished our popsicles, we walked down to the Marina where we caught the Ferry to Cataño. From there, we caught a taxi to the Bacardi Rum Factory. The factory is on a beautiful piece of land that has amazing views of OSJ. We then got called in for our mixology class and tour! We learned how to make three drinks. The Culebra, a lime Daiquiri, and a classic Mojito.

Before leaving the Bacardi Factory we of course had to get a couple souvenirs! Can’t wait to display what we bought at our bar at home!

We then took the ferry back over to OSJ, and went to a rooftop dinner at Punto de Vista Rooftop Restaurant. IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD! Another place we highly recommend in your in PR. Here are a couple more pics of OSJ!

On the planner for tomorrow:

Yabucoa! Meeting some family for the first time:)

Day four

Today was so great!

We had the amazing opportunity to spend half of our day with Amarilis at Toldos Pa’ Mi Gente! TPMG helps those in PR who are in need of new roofs. Amarilis explained that for those who don’t have roofs, they also can’t have electricity. Amarilis told us that they originally started by providing tarps to those who weren't being helped by the Government. They then gained enough materials and help to start working with carpenters to build solid roofs to replace tarps and start getting power back to peoples homes because the government was taking too long.

Working with Amarilis was so great! She put us right to work! We deep cleaned and organized their main room to prepare for workshops they will be holding soon that will be centered around teaching carpentry to their volunteers. At their upcoming workshop next week, that have a very special day planned. They were one of 4 PR organizations chosen by the government to have an experienced Technical Engineer come and speak to them. Everyone at TPMG is so excited for this and can’t wait to use everything they learn and put it to good use around the island.

While working, Amarilis started to tell us her story and experience with Hurricane Maria. They told us that her, and her husband, two kids, and her parents, had to lock themselves in a walk in closet for 22 hours while the eye of the hurricane hit the island. She said that it felt like an earthquake was hitting the island because her house was shaking, but it was just the insane winds outside. She then said that they spent about 3 months afterwards without any power, and after 6 months, they finally got running water. I couldn’t image having to live through that. Then while working, a woman and her baby came in to ask about getting assistance from TPMG. She told Amarilis that she still didn’t have power in her house because her house was handed down to her from her grandparents, and technically wasn’t really her house, so the Government refused to help her. She said they had tried lawyers, going to the press, but nothing was working, which is what led her to TPMG. Now, because of the amazing things that TPMG does, this woman and her family can finally get help. This is a huge shoutout to Amarilis for sharing her story with us, and for all the work she does.

Please click below to learn more about TPMG, or make a donation! And if you’re ever on the island, and feel like giving back to it, please reach out to TPMG!

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On the planner for tomorrow

Mini Old San Juan trip. Then mixing class at the Bacardi Factory!

Day three

Yesterday was pretty freaking awesome. Really no other way of describing it!

We started our morning by having a nice drive to El Yunque National Forest. It was very cool to drive out of San Juan and see other parts of the island. It was also a fun journey to figure out the many one way streets and highways. As soon as we were out of the typical city towns, it felt like we were in a forest already with the amazing greenery of more rural areas.

About 45 mins out of San Juan we had finally made it to El Yunque! Again, AMAZING! Following the map we found online, we were able to drive and park at the some of the best spots on the way up to the island. First we stopped at the Las Cabezas Observation point, and snapped a couple pics!

Then, up a little further was La Coca Falls. Which was BEAUTIFUL! Look at the pics, let the waterfall speak for itself.

After a quick photoshoot and selfie session, we made our way to Yokahú Tower. There were 98 steps up to the top of the tower and had to do them, so worth it for the views that were up there. The views were like looking at a postcard! This island is so gorgeous and being at the top of that tower reminded me why I wanted to come here so bad.

After the tower, we decided to make our way down to the beach town of Luquillo. We drove around for a little bit until we found the PERFECT beach location. When I turned the corner on this beach, I almost fainted. It was sooooo beautiful. There was literally only two other people chilling on the beach of this closed, and I am assuming abandoned, hotel. Im going to come back to this location and have a full out beach photoshoot one day. I was speechless.

After hanging out at this really cool beach for a while, we went to Mi Vida Café & Burger in Palmer, just at the edge of El Yunque. I had the literal best burger of my life. I HIGHLY recommend you check out this place if you’re in PR. Get the Yunque Burger and a lime mojito, best ever! Also, couldn’t miss the chance of snapping this super cool building on the way there!

On the planner for tomorrow:

Volunteering with Toldos Pa’ Mi Gente!

Days one and two!

Finally made it to Puerto Rico!

Day One

My mom and I have finally made it to Puerto Rico! For those of you who don’t know, my mom originally gifted me a trip to PR for my 21st birthday, then in less than a week after, Hurricane Maria hit the island. Due to the damage to the island, and our accommodations, that first trip had to be cancelled. Luckily, we were able to rebook our trip a couple months ago, and have finally made it to the island!

We landed yesterday after 2 very turbulent flights. Lets just say we were both very happy to be on ground again. Then, one taxi ride later, we got easily got settled in our AirBnB. After walking the streets around our place, and grabbing some amazing Puerto Rican food, we came back to our AirBnB and went to bed early. After traveling for almost 14 hours, we need the rest! Here are some pics from our balcony:

Day Two

This morning we woke up bright and early, and made our way to the beach, then the pool! My mom got very successfully tan (its all the Puerto Rican blood in her *eye roll*), while I got successfully burnt! Here are some pics from our beach trip:)

Ended Day Two by visiting Centro de Ballas Artes Luis A. Ferré, the theater where Hamilton The Musical has been playing. They had their final performance tonight. We thought we had missed the entire cast, BUT THAT WAS TOTALLY FINE CAUSE WE GOT TO MEET LUIS A. MIRANDA! For those of you who don’t know what this is, he is Lin Manuel Miranda’s father. I had literally just told my mom during our flight that if I don’t get to meet Lin, that I HAVE to meet Luis…and that happened! We were shook! He was so sweet and it was so nice of him to stop and take pictures and sign autographs. After that amazing experience we finished our night having dinner at Lote 23. Great way to end day two!

On the planner for tomorrow:

El Yunque forest! Stay tuned for photos!