Russ and I headed to Puerto Rico for well-needed down time. Why Puerto Rico? We wanted to visit a tropical location that we have never visited. We also wanted to get there on a non-stop flight. Puerto Rico fit the bill and exceeded our expectations.
First, the people of Puerto Rico were very friendly and seemed to be always laughing. I like that!
You have got to love the colors in Old San Juan.
So beautiful, right?
The old town center was so quaint and had such visual appeal.
The highlight of our trip was an excursion we signed up for to go zip lining in the rain forest. Hmmm….I did not know that part of a relaxing vacation required putting on a helmet!
We just signed up and really were not sure what to expect.
In fact, I really did not expect to be scaling wet slippery rocks up a waterfall. This was not on my “relaxing” down time plan….but we had a blast!
Seriously….did I sign up for this?
After the hike, we were treated to one of the tour guide’s Aunt’s home cooking. How cool is that?
Including an assortment of appetizers…I particularly loved the little corn meal fritters on the right. So yum!
Empanadas, fried batatas (Batatas Fritas) and sorullitos (corn meal fritters).
We also visited a local farmer’s market….because that’s what nutritionists do on vacation.{or maybe that’s just me!} Russ is so good and always goes along with my fun plans….
We found all sorts of local produce…
and…this looks cool but not sure what it is!??
and even found some aloe.
And of course, we drank rum from a coconut. 
We also acted like tourists and visited The Castillo de San Cristóbal, a Spanish fort that was built to protect the city of San Juan from outside attacks. This San Juan national historic site is definitely worth a visit.
Very cool place and it’s amazing that it was built in the 1500’s!
Great sites. (Including that cute guy,right?)
I love this sculpture that represents the legend that a prayer procession of the women of San Juan, led by the Bishop, praying for salvation of their city during a British siege of San Juan ultimately led to the British turning away from the attack.
Puerto Rico is island is full of culture and although a part of the US, is so rich in it’s own culture…you really feel quite far away.
Walking the beach, relaxing poolside, exploring and even zip lining….Puero Rico delivered.
But as always, it’s great to be back home.
Helen Ames
Wonderful photos-loved the vibrant co ours. I am curious how easy or difficult San Juan was or would be for someone following a low FODMAP diet with a corn and dairy allergy added to the mix? Thinking of a family vacation with accomodating my daughters’s dietary restrictions. Tx Helen
katescarlata
Could be a bit of a challenge–but with careful planning could work. Lots of rice based meals and beans generally on the side. If true allergy to corn –that would be difficult as it is added to many foods.
Michelle
the round green vegetable with little horns (or prickles) is called Chayote. It is very common throughout Central Latin America, too.
katescarlata
Oh…thank you!!
Kendrick
That’s not a chayote, it’s a fruit called guanabana(soursop)
katescarlata
Yes…it looks to be a guanabana not a chayote–the guanabana has the prickly looking skin. Thanks!
RandomActsofJean
I’m vegetarian and from Puerto Rico. You shouldn’t have problems finding food without corn or dairy. salpr.com is a good site to check out Puerto Rico’s eateries and restaurants. Buen Provecho.
Sue Gately
Sounds like a wonderful trip…a bit of this and a bit of that. The hiking looked tricky. Glad you could get away. Sue
Sue Gately
They grow soursop in Antigua. I met a man who showed me how he prepared it. You cut off the little “eyes” that are all over the soursop. Then you peel off the rim of the fruit. Then he cut the soursop into thin strips. We ate some fresh, but he told me he throws them in stews and things he would saute. Sue