Awaiting our flight
Friday, April 9—I, Vergy, Rosa, Jeff, and Melvin (behind the camera) snuck a quickie breakfast stop at the Orlando Sanford Airport before we board.
They stole my iPod during the flight!
8596344660_c8b8eb4e7c_h
I wonder whose fingers those are…
8596344562_f5da741293_h
…the suspects
Maybe you can figure out who it was.
Still enjoying my stolen iPod
8595244213_80b21469dd_h
Islands between Florida and Puerto Rico
8596344126_ff1b87aef2_h
Possibly the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos—not sure
8595243943_9e61ce8e4b_h
STILL enjoying my stolen iPod
I had even brought a splitter and a pair of earbuds so I could share listening time. A lot of good that did!
Funny groove
Then again, watching the girls groove to whatever they were listening to provided a certain amount of entertainment.
Music swap
Rosa briefly checks out what Jeff is listening to on his Rio.
Luis A. Ferré Science Park
After arriving in San Juan, we first drove to visit Rosa's grandmother. We passed this structure—part of the science park in Bayamón.
Rosa's family
Rosa's grandmother and aunt are on the left.
Rosa's family
Rosa's grandmother and aunt are on the left.
Overlooking Bayamón
8595242815_bf7575e85e_h
Apartment neighbor
A neighbor/friend of Rosa's grandmother joins us for a group photo.
Home of Rosa's aunt
Rosa's aunt was insanely sweet and gracious to let us use her home for four of the nights during our trip. She stayed with her mother (Rosa's grandmother) on these nights. This house is actually home to several families. The owner occupies the bottom floor, and the upper portion is a duplex. Rosa's aunt lives in the left half.
The yard
8595242371_00bbece6e6_h
Settling in
8596342328_e96b372efa_h
The driveway
No, we were not driving a stretch minivan! Somewhat often during this trip, I took panorama-mode photos. I must remember that distant subjects (uh, panoramic views, of course!) turn out better. Closer foreground objects will have a tendency to distort.
Street in front of house
Here's a wider one of the street in front of the house. I've never really bothered with these in the past because, as much as I like my Olympus C-5050 camera, the Olympus Camedia software sucks. Jeff has had some success with using it to stitch together the shots on a PC. I applaud Olympus that they even bothered to make a Mac OS X version, but I crashed the software if I ever stitched an image wider than 2-3 shots or did several stitches in a row. It reported not enough memory to complete the operation, even though I've got a full gigabyte. Grateful for Photoshop!
Street along side of house
This one shows the street on the perpendicular side of the house. The reason I'm able to do the panorama shots now is because I now can use the new photomerge function built into Photoshop 8. It rocks, as you can see. No, they're not perfect, but it's still cool. It does even better with images that are comprised entirely of more distant objects.
Wild horse
There are wild (and/or escaped) horses all over Puerto Rico. One morning, we found this one across the street!
Luggage
The inside of the small dwelling—after the ambush of five thirtysomethings with all their luggage.
Foodstuffs
Before long, we straightened up the main room and set out our spread of consumables.
First bedroom
Rosa and Vergy stayed in Rosa's aunt's bedroom, decorated with lots of wild cat patterns. Melvin was out in the main room. Jeff and I were in the back room.
Karaoke!
Rosa's aunt had a karaoke machine, and yes, we put it to use the first night.
Melvin gets the party started…
8595240275_6d30f8643e_h
…but is not sure the party should've gotten started!
8595240149_81538fbc5d_h
Still singin'
8595240001_ccedf10a05_h
Next up, random percussion
8595239815_3c41d8651b_h
Homemade shakers
Who knew instant oatmeal packets can double as percussion shakers?
More random percussion
8595239523_93db6ac03d_h
Even Jeff got into the spirit
8596339406_312a2b10b6_h
Dance moves
It was only a matter of time before the girls would abandon the noisemakers and start grooving again.
Dance moves
8595238995_52fa4e096c_h
Dance moves
8595238807_64cb95d5c5_h
Dance moves
8596338724_9be11363f6_h
Dance moves
8596338552_116dabd168_h
Dance moves
8596338282_084cd0e273_h
Vergy the nun
I didn't even try to ask or understand why Rosa's aunt had this costume, but Vergy wears it well.
Rosa the…something
Another unexplainable costume.
Blending in?
We guys, on the other hand, decide to try blending into the local culture. The jury is still out as to how well we succeeded!
Yours truly
Enjoy this shot. You don't find me trying to play a part for a photo very often.
Rosa's aunt
Saturday, April 10—Adelina, what do you have there?
Powerful coffee?
Ironic that Adelina happened to have a Viagra-emblazoned refrigerator magnet clip, since there are direct parallels to how this particular brand of coffee made Melvin feel.
Easter bunny is watching you
It was Easter weekend, and we were amused by the window sticker in this clunker as we drove to the El Yunque rainforest.
Landscape
Some Puerto Rican landscape on the way to El Yunque.
Banana tree photo op
Just before we reached the gate to the national park, a short stop had to include this pose by the bananas growing near the road.
Banana tree photo op
8596336222_fff3566d3a_h
Entry to the El Yunque visitor center
8596335964_9b14d01451_h
View from visitor center parking area
8596335798_8791c55053_h
Beautiful foliage
If the parking area was this beautiful, we couldn't wait to see what the rest of the forest had to offer.
Vergy took a lot of interest in this tree trunk
8595235287_b465d6f4c0_h
Flora
You may as well know, if you haven't figured it out—there's going to be a lot of flora shots throughout this album.
Where the ginormous fern grows
My photo simply cannot do justice to this fern. It was enormous! The walkway was easily 20 feet or more off the ground and I took this photo at full wide angle.
Fauna
There'll be a few fauna shots throughout the album, as well.
Vergy, Jeff, and Rosa
8595234433_bcfd74b4f4_h
Beautiful orchids
8595234223_750e17edb4_h
Beautiful orchids
8596334152_1cb565e1eb_h
Much-needed air conditioning
We sat in for the video not so much for the video itself, but for the A/C!
Natives
Traveling further into the park, we came across an obligatory photo spot.
Natives
8595233657_7e973fa44c_h
Natives
8596333522_f163bc7c92_h
Natives
8596333370_898f44fc68_h
Not-so native
8596333148_1453ced195_h
Cocos Frios vendor
So what, exactly are cocos frios, you ask?
Step one, decapitate a chilled coconut
8595232643_712612476d_h
Step two, insert a straw and enjoy
8595232425_0e9d1fb3b3_h
The view from a food/souvenir stand…
8595232223_4c43d18d16_h
…beautiful enough for Rosa to get contemplative
8596332272_3c7360ba54_h
Through Vergy's eyes
Also throughout this album, there'll be shots taken by Vergy as she borrowed my camera. She definitely has an eye for photo composition. A little more experience, and she could probably do photography for a living. She came up with some great shots.
Through Vergy's eyes
8596331884_db0ba2978f_h
La Coca
8595231499_ae7f66b5c7_h
La Coca
8595231189_95730f1300_h
La Coca
8595230753_315d366764_h
La Coca
8596330908_b3610559e4_h
La Coca
8596330738_6fce02bb73_h
Photo spot
8595230243_1fbd6c284f_h
La Coca
8596330428_9e0e6247da_h
La Coca
8596330094_49a72d259e_h
Hike to La Mina
The last forest excursion we had time for was a 3/4-mile hike to La Mina waterfall along the rock-strewn river that fed it.
Hike to La Mina
8596329766_5a05a3e36f_h
Rock growth
Vergy was interested in this flora growing along the path…
Snail
…and even more interested in the snails we found.
Snail
8595228719_57c75d391b_h
Hike to La Mina
8595228587_f2cf502bb4_h
Hike to La Mina
8595228285_b7f78bb2db_h
Hike to La Mina
8595228131_68b68dd54f_h
Hike to La Mina
Vergy and Rosa still seem pretty dry as they navigated the rocks in the river. That didn't last long.
Hike to La Mina
8595227793_5be64f00c4_h
Hike to La Mina
Thus, the women-in-wet-clothes shots begin. Hated that my camera was not ready to shoot when Rosa, followed by Vergy, slipped into the river. It was hilarious.
Hike to La Mina
Thus, the women-in-wet-clothes shots begin.
Hike to La Mina
8596327580_a917b5e80f_h
Hike, er, swim to La Mina
8596327412_50bc3cd0f2_h
Hike, er, swim to La Mina
8595226951_04263a42e0_h
La Mina waterfall
When we reached the La Mina waterfall and found it full of people swimming, Rosa and Vergy—already drenched—didn't let their lack of swimsuits stop them from from having more fun.
Joined by Melvin
I guess Melvin couldn't just watch any more!
La Mina waterfall
8595226389_aa12613b54_h
La Mina waterfall
8596326630_dd40b21b9b_h
La Mina waterfall
8596326332_b54d75b797_h
La Torre Yokahú
There's an observation tower, La Torre Yokahú, that closed by the time we reached it, but even the view from the bottom of the tower was gorgeous.
Beautiful flower
A few more flora shots before we left at the end of the day.
Rolled up flower
8596325894_dc300bbe87_h
Rolled up flowers
8595225473_e8778e05bb_h
Turquoise waters
Sunday, April 11—Nearing downtown San Juan, we stopped to enjoy our first close-up beach view.
Turquoise waters
8596325408_114e6dd10a_h
Turquoise waters
8595225015_da104eca3c_h
Turquoise waters
8595224857_4168e0de44_h
Puerto Rico Coat of Arms
Entering Old San Juan, you'll find a construct adorned with the Puerto Rico Coat of Arms. From the National Park Service site, I read, "the Puerto Rican coat of arms dates from 1511 and is one of the oldest coats of arms still in use in the hemisphere today."
San Cristóbal fort
8595224541_ae877101c8_h
Entrance to San Cristóbal
8595224403_41bf673a2d_h
San Cristóbal
8596324424_72906cb755_h
San Cristóbal
8596324248_b8a8f24c36_h
San Cristóbal
8595223885_4ac437a9ad_h
San Cristóbal
8595223625_0d1760e788_h
San Cristóbal
8595223389_f18ca8a860_h
San Cristóbal
8596323364_5cc92f14dd_h
San Cristóbal
8595222949_37d2187de0_h
San Cristóbal
8596323002_91ccfda7a0_h
San Cristóbal
8596322804_2af471111b_h
Old San Juan
A panorama shot looking south from San Cristóbal over Old San Juan. On the right side, above the curved road and below the red building, you can see a light-green-colored building where we later chose to have lunch.
Looking toward El Morro
Looking west, you can see the El Morro fort that we didn't have time to visit.
Looking toward El Morro
8595221707_39eedcf1f3_h
San Cristóbal
8596321930_175465ee80_h
San Cristóbal
Arguably the best smile I've seen while photographing Vergy.
Tiny chapel
8596321484_d0e2e1b90a_h
San Cristóbal
8596321336_a95a6078bf_h
San Cristóbal
8595220847_438bdb1eae_h
San Cristóbal
8596321034_45371c3263_h
San Cristóbal
8595220541_01b1be0866_h
Water leaks
Not surprising that there are water leaks in the fort's walls, resulting in deposits of what I assume is calcium.
Stalactites!
The deposits even leave stalactites!
Pitch black tunnel
This tunnel was nearly pitch black before my flash lit it up briefly.
Holding cell
A holding cell where, presumably, a captive was awaiting execution. To pass the time, he drew on the walls.
Prisoner graffiti
8596319998_9785f3f798_h
Prisoner graffiti
8596319808_dbd81ab3ea_h
San Cristóbal bathed in late-day sun
8595219153_3b293107c3_h
San Cristóbal bathed in late-day sun
8596319436_7dceb23f2e_h
More fauna
8595218897_07196f7048_z
Old San Juan
Viewing San Cristóbal and a statue of Christopher Columbus from the restaurant where we had lunch.
Lunch spot
Here's that same green-faced building you could see in the panorama shot.
Lunch spot
8596318742_105f07e8d7_h
Sorullos are VERY tasty!
8595218197_f1d870ea11_h
Lunch is served
8596318400_44c364d768_h
Wannabe Picasso
8595217919_21a0444e4a_h
Old San Juan
8596318116_25e402941b_h
Old San Juan
8595217577_f30c18260a_h
Old San Juan
8596317702_a820884c01_h
Old San Juan
8595217157_fa856789f5_h
Old San Juan
8596317346_539c52b41f_h
Old San Juan
8596317182_cec34b789f_h
Old San Juan
8596316984_57c1479291_h
Old San Juan
8596316796_c5c22da8e2_h
Old San Juan
8595216255_cd08230908_h
Old San Juan
8596316384_61d0fac00c_h
Old San Juan
8596316194_8c45f5d300_h
Old San Juan
No, my camera's color balance wasn't off. The bricks in the street actually have a blueish hue.
Antiguo Edificio del Correo Postal
In English: Old Post Office
Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel)
The Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel) was built in 1753. The stories surrounding the history of this small chapel conflict wildly except on one point: someone on horseback took a terrible spill off the cliffs at the end of Calle Cristo. Whether he lived, and whether the chapel was built to commemorate the miracle of his survival; or whether he died, and the chapel was to block off the street and prevent such an accident from happening again; is the part of the story that is in dispute. (Information found from a Google Earth placemark.)
Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel)
8595214907_a2d86f954d_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Parque de las Palomas was one that Rosa remembered coming to on occasion when she was a little girl. She was born in Puerto Rico but has lived in Orlando since she was 2.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
A panorama shot looking south from the park.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Scads of pigeons make their home in this park.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8596314502_453ec9914a_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8595213823_1998dfaf56_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8596314154_91896f1640_h
Through Vergy's eyes
8596313982_ea96820a36_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8595213335_a23ad062c1_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8596313610_15231751d5_h
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
8595213001_6f29fe31a7_h
Mask shop
8596313236_bcf2926f2c_h
Decorative plates
8596313054_950ec66af5_h
Customization
Melvin made sure the shop properly greeted Rosa.
Outdoor vendors
We also browsed plenty of outdoor street vendors' wares.
Posing in Old San Juan
8596312478_7b45d72b46_h
Evening kites
At the end of the day, near the El Morro fort, we were amazed to see so many kites filling the sky. The 
Evening kites
8595211767_d7b890ccaa_h
8596312100_c320739344_h
8595211447_29b4fef34f_h
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
A cemetery adjacent to the fort. We were told that many deceased Puerto Rican actors and other celebrities are buried here.
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
8596311094_7908edc28e_h
El Morro lit up at night
8596310878_19fce874f8_h
Plaza del V Centenario near El Morro
8595210309_c0766391c1_h
Iglesia de San José
More shots throughout Old San Juan as we continued walking around in the evening. This is the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and the original resting place of Juan Ponce de León until his remains were moved to the San Juan Bautista Cathedral just down the street (next photo).
San Juan Bautista Cathedral
This church holds the resting place of Juan Ponce de León.
Galería el Convento
A former convent turned into a hotel.
Galería el Convento
Artsy shot inside the swanky hotel.
Galería el Convento pen air central plaza
The hotel is enclosed all the way around, but the central plaza is open air. This tree in the middle is either home to a lot of bats, or they simply visit the tree for its fruit on a regular basis.
Hotel bats
I made maybe 10-20 attempts to capture a shot of the bats flying around. I simply set my flash to its brightest setting, pointed my camera to an area they seemed to be flying frequently, and snapped a shot when I saw one go by. I was successful three times.
Hotel bats
Second attempt.
Hotel bats
This one has the best visibility of a bat.
Old San Juan capitol building
8596308808_2e7ca583c6_h
Old San Juan capitol building
8595208293_cd227fcc69_h
Old San Juan capitol building
8595208013_386f787b29_h
Statue of Saint Juan Bautista
Across the street from the Old San Juan capitol building.
Arecibo beach
Monday, April 12—The first stop of our week-long driving tour around most all of Puerto Rico was the north central town of Arecibo.
Arecibo beach
One more quick photo op.
Arecibo historical park
The "historical park" was cute, but not what I was hoping for. Obviously a kids' park, at least I was able to find several nice photo spots.
Arecibo Light
www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/arecibo.htm
Arecibo Light
8595311225_570ad5b27e_h
Arecibo Light
8595311041_0febf83ba5_h
Arecibo Light
8596412156_f25c69d9fb_h
Arecibo Light
8595310669_2ccb73c837_k
Arecibo Light
8595310539_7da7a9e998_h
Arecibo Light
Obligatory group shot.
Arecibo Light
Attempt at being artsy.
Ship model inside Arecibo Light
8595310139_3a3fc3c004_h
Chillin' on the stairs
8595309887_a4109f6e30_h
Girls' photo op
8595309685_61d6a04b3d_h
More girls' photo op
8595309453_f55bfddab2_h
Eargum
What surprises me is not that Rosa stuck her gum on Jeff's ear, rather that Jeff ignored it for a while—long enough even for me to get this shot—followed by Rosa putting it back in her mouth.
Yeah, they're both stars
8596410556_6fb72db7b1_h
Stretch dolphin
Okay, I know it's just a plastic model sitting in the ground, but couldn't the perceived length of this dolphin been a little more realistic?
More artsy attempts
8595308751_773c29e8ef_h
Ocean views from Arecibo Light
8595308595_0fef06a129_h
Ocean views from Arecibo Light
8595308433_6e9d62f1d9_h
Ocean views from Arecibo Light
8596409670_16b8cebc33_h
Ocean views from Arecibo Light
8595308053_83740bb2b1_h
Ocean views from Arecibo Light
8596409368_7290c5011e_h
On board the blue pirate ship
Yo ho, yo ho…
Argg, mateys!
8595307567_a00fcd861f_h
Posing in the indian cultural exhibit
8595307403_083a79c943_h
A painting within the exhibit
8596408740_d6e4747498_h
Rosa plays with the toy turtle
8595307051_bfdf24f31b_h
Puerto Rico scenery
Upon leaving the Arecibo historical park, we headed down highway 10 to visit a Taíno Indian ceremonial park. This is a sample of the beautiful scenery along the highway.
Entering the Taíno Indian ceremonial park
welcome.topuertorico.org/reference/taino.shtml
Stone and petroglyph exhibit
8595306575_6f681251d1_h
Approaching the ceremonial fields
8596407938_f4b4b5d0e9_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596407744_19dc4d831f_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8595306071_1b1dc14bb4_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596407400_09d0107bb3_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596407228_04c902e39f_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596407038_46e0170a00_h
Taíno ceremonial field
Visiting the park was of special interest to Vergy whose family has ties to the Taínos.
Taíno ceremonial field
8596406528_4278efc878_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8595304903_ba9851d381_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596406110_0e8431537c_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596405910_52ab926500_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596405728_4e9a43993b_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8595304171_805f14a326_h
Taíno ceremonial field
8596405380_a2b081a737_h
Taíno park staff
Rosa and Melvin pose with the informative park worker who told us about the ceremonial fields.
Triple mountain peaks
Melvin suggested that the triple peaks seen in the distance were of great significance to the polytheistic Indians.
Free sugar apples
The park worker had a sugar apple he was saving to eat later. Rosa had asked him about it. Later on, a coworker was able to get more from a nearby tree which were given to us.
Overlooking Utuado
Some scenery shots looking over Utuado as we made our way back to highway 10 and south to Ponce.
Overlooking Utuado
8595303073_033ce5807d_h
Overlooking Utuado
8595302871_c5bace444f_h
Overlooking Utuado
8595302697_96312796e7_h
Near Utuado
8595302509_4ceaed0da9_h
The Melvinator's domain
Melvin was pretty much at home in the back of the van for all our drive time.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
8596403552_6c47dc2f9e_h
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Plaza de las Delicias
We arrived in Ponce Monday evening. This is the fountain in the middle of the Plaza de las Delicias.
Parque de Bombas
The Parque de Bombas, built in 1882 for an agricultural fair, was converted a year later into Puerto Rico's first permanent firehouse.
Parque de Bombas
8595295731_2b1c4eee78_h
Parque de Bombas
While essentially only used for exhibition, this award-winning fire truck (more on that, later) is actually still on active duty and would be put into service if a catastrophic fire demanded all available vehicles.
View from our Meliá Hotel room
8596396674_dcff5e8a0c_h
Bacardi truck
8596396488_4ed0075796_h
Unlicensed
While walking around Ponce, I saw this lunchbox in a store window. Father & Nemo?? Look at Nemo's eyes. Oh yeah—this product is Disney-approved!!
The next day in Ponce
Tuesday, April 13—Looking again from our hotel room the next morning.
Downtown Ponce
Same shot as previous, but pulled out wider. The Parque de Bombas is in the foreground and the Catedral de la Guadalupe is behind.
Front of our hotel—the oldest hotel in Ponce
8596395694_0bb574500f_h
Meliá Hotel
Rosa posing for an artsy shot prior to eating breakfast on the rooftop patio, seen in the upper background.
Rooftop breakfast
8595293961_bfe699c45b_h
Rooftop breakfast
8595293775_8bb41ce7c8_h
Touring Parque de Bombas
Back at the Parque de Bombas, a worker dispenses some helpful information.
Touring Parque de Bombas
8596394786_90b843f3e7_h
Touring Parque de Bombas
As I previously mentioned, the fire truck is an award winner. This badge is affixed to the front, below the windshield—National First Prize Winner in the Antique Automobile Club of America, 1978.
Touring Parque de Bombas
8596394374_4db9e6e80a_h
Touring Parque de Bombas
8595292799_057a601684_h
Touring Parque de Bombas
8596393954_767027ef57_h
Plaza de las Delicias
8595292425_22e2873358_h
Plaza de las Delicias
8596393582_9baf55a377_h
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
8595292083_592e311813_h
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
8596393224_7d2c751b0d_h
Melvin poses with one of Ponce's finest
8595291781_76e40690eb_h
Very old tree
A very old tree near downtown Ponce—500 years, if I remember correctly.
Very old tree
8595291301_d94e04e398_h
Very old tree
8596392248_4ebef1ec9d_h
Very old tree
8596392086_8c901a95d1_h
Very old tree
8595290583_fe32a50086_h
Very old tree
8596391494_21c87bed73_h
Very old tree
The tree was one of the sights from the trolley tour. Vergy probably would've hugged the tree if she were allowed to do so!
Calling family
Another stop was to a marketplace area. Vergy took a moment to call some relatives living in Mayagüez she planned to see. I acted to snag what I think is a great photo of Vergy.
Iced coconut treat
Before leaving the plaza, we scored some delicious iced coconut treats.
More walking around downtown Ponce
8595289531_d0cf88b942_h
Student celebration
As we were on our way to the Ponce Museum of Art, we were passed by countless cars filled with college students in a highly unorganized parade. Apparently, there's a huge annual track and field competition in Ponce and the local students celebrate its arrival.
Student celebration
8596390376_87bb076e63_h
Student celebration
8595288981_2de02b76e2_h
Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross)
We were just a bit too late to go up into the Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross) for a bird's-eye view of Ponce.
Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross)
The observation structure is atop a 300-foot hill, is 100 feet tall, and is 70 feet wide. It replaced an older wooden structure in 1984.
Overlooking Ponce
A climb to the top may not have really been necessary. The hill-top view of Ponce itself was beautiful, as this panorama shot shows.
Back Walk
I'm not sure I'm allowed to fully explain what is going on here. Suffice to describe it as an inside joke from a 2004 trip to Puerto Rico.
El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
www.frommers.com/destinations/ponce/A24739.html
El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
8596389268_242d8d9480_h
El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
8595287947_61f7f407d6_h
Awesome ice cream
Back in downtown Ponce, getting what's supposed to the best ice cream anywhere. Well, yeah, it was pretty darn good!
Meeting Vergy's family
Tuesday evening, we drove to Mayagüez to meet up with some of Vergy's family that she had not seen since she was 7. Here, she greeted one of her late grandmother's nieces.
Meeting Vergy's family
8596388556_6af12380d7_h
Vergy meeting her late grandmother's sister
8595287223_c549d874a1_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8595287077_14280ff592_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8596388062_d013467c9f_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8595286737_fef1676c87_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8596387752_27210fb767_h
Meeting Vergy's family
Hector (grandnephew to Vergy's grandmother), provided a little entertainment.
Meeting Vergy's family
8595286277_fffccae332_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8596387286_2cfbf05cae_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8595285991_ed3f147515_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8596387020_352da35d4e_h
Meeting Vergy's family
Vergy with her grandmother's other niece and her husband (Hector's parents).
Meeting Vergy's family
8596386668_75e7c48761_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8595285299_8bd27a8164_h
Meeting Vergy's family
8596386342_6976f70d50_h
Horses on the beach
Wednesday, April 14—We got up early this morning to drive up past Aguadilla for our appointment with Tropical Trail Rides.
Aguadilla beach
8596385926_b71c0edca4_h
Aguadilla beach
8595284613_893d19fa54_h
Aguadilla beach
Some small caverns were waiting to be explored during the break from our ride.
Aguadilla beach
8596385292_34965bfc68_h
Aguadilla beach
8595284035_083704f77a_h
Aguadilla beach
8596384942_9c1ba05acf_h
Tropical trail ride
8595283709_df3478c96c_h
Tropical trail ride
Vergy's horse was named Taino!
Tropical trail ride
8595283339_59b2991ea9_h
Tropical trail ride
8595283047_7509d799ae_h
Tropical trail ride
8596383842_dc0a871570_h
Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
After our ride, we skipped down to Rincón. First, we stopped at the Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light.
Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
8596383436_206c3c72ec_h
Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
8595282273_5e5ff671a3_h
Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
8595282109_febc8b44f9_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8595281925_33340c716e_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8595281763_bb1f615087_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8596382554_b901a8abdf_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8596382390_5b0641bb5e_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8595281225_23b193d1e3_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8595281049_a62f0e5fa1_h
Wildlife at lighthouse park
8596381732_34a62ac026_z
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8596381556_e98ae43bef_h
Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
8596381310_5f444572a7_h
Finally some quality beach time
8596381126_4da52f46bd_h
Finally some quality beach time
8595279987_c1c1c39af1_h
Finally some quality beach time
8595279823_5a4d354fec_h
Finally some quality beach time
8596380606_4c5a732afd_h
Finally some quality beach time
8595279527_519e716d10_h
You little skink
8596380268_ba3f3c82f0_h
Rincón scenery
8595279165_13d7795b2a_h
Three, two, one, A**!
(Sorry, inside joke.)
Rincón scenery
No, we're really not that sunburnt. Chalk this one up to less-than-perfect color balance in the reddish, late-day sun. Anyway, we were on our way to the southwest corner of Puerto Rico to see a bioluminescent bay. Not what I expected, but still very cool. I, unfortunately, had no means to photograph our experience. A Vieques Island page has a section about their own luminescent bay with some photographs and text about the difficulties getting photos at all.
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas…
8595278699_899bf334b7_h
…only a hippopotamus will do!
8595278525_cce02bcabe_h
Hotel Parador El Sol
Thursday, April 15—A quick shot of the Hotel Parador El Sol in Mayagüez before moving on. We stayed here two nights.
Local cigar maker
A quick stop at a local cigar maker's shop for some gifts to Vergy's coworkers.
Drying tobacco
8596379034_a02bf6cd4d_h
Brazo Gitano
Then, a stop to the neighboring E. Franco & Co. to pick up fresh Brazo Gitanos.
Back to Vergy's family
Later, we traveled back to Vergy's family's house for lunch.
Back to Vergy's family
8595276077_47fa061ce9_h
Back to Vergy's family
8595275939_cb588a3868_h
Back to Vergy's family
We were cracking up over this doll which giggled when you tickled her.
Back to Vergy's family
8595275607_b551f77769_h
Hector had acquired some candy treats for us
8596376384_63d5870432_h
The treats were delicious…
8595275369_fd503551b0_h
…and fun to play with!
8596376092_273862a0fa_h
Special herbs
Hector then accompanied us to help find some sites in Mayagüez. At the book store, we chuckled over the male performance enhancement and breast health herbs.
Antillean Adventist University
Melvin has a good friend attending this university and intended to visit. Rosa was also acquainted with a faculty here. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach either person and we drove to Quebradillas for the night.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
Friday, April 16—We knew we were getting an ocean-view hotel this night, but since we arrived at night, it wasn't until we woke up that we realized how beautiful the Parador Vistamar actually was. Even more amazing was how inexpensive it was.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595274557_9b1a125791_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
Here's the view that awaited us when we woke up!
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8596375152_000ba7f718_k
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595274047_c3e434bac8_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595273857_655701eaa0_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
If only we could've stayed here more than one night.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595273507_666fedff18_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595273353_90781a0957_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8596373942_4ca73f9e07_h
Hotel Parador Vistamar
8595273037_b9a87c84cd_h
Arecibo Observatory
Originally planning to see the Camuy Caves first, we found that all the tours for the day were full, so we made our way to the Arecibo Observatory.
Arecibo Observatory
A vertical panorama shot showing the radio telescope's overhead gear and 300-meter dish.
Arecibo Observatory
A panorama shot showing nearly the entire dish. Yeah, it really is this dingy-looking. It would seem that pristinely clean panels are not a prerequisite to the telescope's operation. The object in the foreground is a footwear item worn when someone must walk across the dish. It helps distribute a person's weight so as not to dent the panels.
Arecibo Observatory dish detail
8595272403_6e9d44fba7_h
Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
8596372934_a6a969c017_h
Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
8596372784_8badb1e744_h
Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
8596372610_7991696f31_h
Arecibo Observatory
The official "We Were Here" photo.
Arecibo Observatory
A panel describing the telescope's operation.
Meteorite at Arecibo Observatory visitor's center
Found in Namibia, Africa, in 1838 and is 350 pounds.
Heladería Lares
Rosa had hoped to visit 
Parador El Buen Café
Wishing to arrive early to the caves the next morning to make sure we could get in, we drove to nearby Hatillo and stayed in the brand-new section of the Parador El Buen Café.
Parador El Buen Café
8596457294_f1407d25f7_h
Camuy Caves
Saturday, April 17—We reached the Camuy Caves in time for the day's first tour. In the gift shop, Rosa prepared for a little spelunking.
Camuy Caves
Some of these shots prior to entering the caves were taken by Vergy. I'm not totally positive which are hers and which are mine—except of course the ones where I'm in the shot.
Camuy Caves
8596456620_960dca2e36_h
Camuy Caves
8596456368_37c99096d6_h
Camuy Caves
8596456168_8ac6373079_h
Camuy Caves
8596455884_4af48d1ce4_h
Camuy Caves
8596455694_9fffc0151f_h
Camuy Caves
8595353827_de38e14d02_h
Camuy Caves
8595353681_18cee929fe_h
Camuy Caves
8595353537_86eff2df98_h
Camuy Caves
8596454810_705c0ccb89_h
Camuy Caves
Once we got deeper inside and I realized there was no way my flash would light up anything to any significant degree, I began with the carefully hand-held long exposures. Unfortunately, most of these shots have a bit of camera shake, but you can still get a sense of the beauty.
Camuy Caves Indian Face
Look in the upper right corner.
Camuy Caves Indian Face
Closer shot of the Indian Face
Camuy Caves
8595352479_c34895d835_h
Camuy Caves
8595352299_2cbad15dbc_h
Camuy Caves
8596453572_9e08db0231_h
Camuy Caves
8596449318_f6546832ae_h
Camuy Caves
One of my faves.
Camuy Caves
Another of my faves.
Camuy Caves
8596448394_4d60a11ea9_h
Camuy Caves
8595346263_2dc171997a_h
Camuy Caves
8595345863_fdae506374_h
Camuy Caves
8595345281_128f9fdf8d_h
Camuy Caves
8596446614_81b76abe00_h
Camuy Caves
8595344721_e957cd1d07_h
Camuy Caves
8595344459_ba8dae8214_h
Camuy Caves
8595341587_32d48590e1_h
Camuy Caves
8596442956_35fb901dd2_h
Camuy Caves
8596442648_88bc80b8b1_h
Camuy Caves
8596442402_0e7afa08b4_k
Name that fruit
As we left the cave park, Vergy spotted this tree and told me to take a shot of it so she would later be able to figure out what's growing on it. Not sure she ever got around to finding out.
En route to Vieques
We then drove clear across to the northeast side of Puerto Rico—to Fajardo—to catch a ferry to Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast. It was a brief excursion, but a fun one. This thumbnail is a close up from the full shot taken of a sunken boat as our ferry passed by.
Vieques scenery
8595339911_177024faf5_h
Vieques scenery
A look through Vergy's eyes.
Parroquia Immaculada Concepción
This church was just calling out for me to photograph it.
El Fortín Conde de Mirasol
We walked up to El Fortín Conde de Mirasol, but did not enter since it was closed for the day.
View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
8595338675_e7306ca163_h
View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
8595338411_ab15f34076_h
View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
8596439882_ec6fe584d4_h
View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
In spite of the unique shots Vergy took in this album, this one is actually mine.
Artsy Vergy
Vergy was calling me to take a shot overlooking the wall, but as soon as I walked into the courtyard and looked up at her, I was more interested in taking this shot.
Very wide panorama overlooking Vieques
This is the town of Isabel Segunda on the north central coast of Vieques Island.
Coconut ice cream
8596438064_354739a955_h
Returning to Fajardo
I thought we were going to enjoy a spectacular sunset for our ride back to Fajardo, but it sort of pooped out on us. This was as good as it got.
El Yunque in the distance
The mountain range covered in clouds is the El Yunque forest.
Punta Mulas Light
Punta Mulas Light, seen as we were returning on the ferry.
Punta Mulas Light
8595334227_83682a9bac_h
Punta Mulas Light
8596435628_beee15d678_h
Leaving Vieques
Photo by Vergy.
Leaving Vieques
Photo by Vergy.
The bow
Taking Vergy's cue from the rear of the boat, I went toward the front for this shot.
Twilight boat ride
I squeezed off a couple more images before it got too dark.
Twilight boat ride
I squeezed off a couple more images before it got too dark.
Rosa in the morning
Sunday, April 18—We had driven back to Bayamón to spend our last night at her aunt's home.
Bacardi plant
Before catching our return flight, we quickly swung through the Bacardi plant. Not enough time for the tour.
Bacardi plant
8595332281_56f52b0e32_h
Saying goodbye to Rosa's aunt
8595332095_88458fd3a8_h
Final stop before heading home
A short visit with Rosa's uncle and aunt on her father's side.
Rosa's aunt and uncle
8595331475_ad320c6e13_h
Rosa's aunt and uncle
8595331287_565f4e9bc4_h
Rosa's aunt and uncle
8596432572_7896c5d35f_h
Rosa's aunt and uncle
8596432368_9f2d1b2641_h
