For this post, we'd like to talk about Puerto Rico, where I joined my good friends, Adam and Courtney, for their beautiful destination wedding! While there, we visited the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo and the Forts of Old San Juan.
Bioluminescent Bay:
We left from Marina Puerto Del Rey aboard a catamaran to the island of Vieques The ride was so bumpy that even sitting still was extremely difficult.
After the harrowing boat ride, we boarded vans en route to a local restaurant for dinner. On the menu: mofongo!
We were then whisked away via school bus to Mosquito Bay, where we transferred to silent electric motor pontoon boat. Our tour guide gave a short introduction about the micro-organisms and other wildlife found in the bioluminescent bay. Water was brought on board in buckets so we could run our hands through the water and watch the microorganisms light up!
The unique glow is caused by a physio-chemical reaction from the single-celled dinoflagellate organism. These creatures glow a bright blue-green as a defense mechanism when they are disturbed or scared, and appear like fireflies in the water. The unique climate and conditions of Mosquito Bay allow them to thrive.
The night sky was incredibly clear allowing us to see the cloud of the Milky Way and many smaller stars that are typically not visible in the presence of the light pollution. With the bio bay glowing under the boat and the night sky glittered with stars, we just soaked it all in. The flash of a camera is blinding in the darkness, so there are no pictures to share.
Forts at Old San Juan:
We had some time to explore Old San Juan before the wedding. We began our day at Café Cuatro Sombras, for breakfast.
Afterwards, we strolled to the Forts of Old San Juan, appreciating the unique architecture of the town.
We walked to El Morro, a 16th century fortress strategically placed to defend the port of San Juan and control entry into the harbor. During Spanish rule of the island between 1539 to 1898, El Morro survived multiple attacks from foreign powers.
From here, we were recommended by a one of the Park rangers to go to El Jibarito for lunch.
And finally, some pictures from the wedding!
Congratulations Adam and Courtney!
-Herr Cervelat
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| There they are, the happy couple! |
Bioluminescent Bay:
We left from Marina Puerto Del Rey aboard a catamaran to the island of Vieques The ride was so bumpy that even sitting still was extremely difficult.
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| The Catamaran safely docked in V |
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| Drenched from the boat, but hungry for dinner. |
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| A delicious plate of Mofongo, mashed fried-plantains mixed with vegetables and meat. |
The unique glow is caused by a physio-chemical reaction from the single-celled dinoflagellate organism. These creatures glow a bright blue-green as a defense mechanism when they are disturbed or scared, and appear like fireflies in the water. The unique climate and conditions of Mosquito Bay allow them to thrive.
The night sky was incredibly clear allowing us to see the cloud of the Milky Way and many smaller stars that are typically not visible in the presence of the light pollution. With the bio bay glowing under the boat and the night sky glittered with stars, we just soaked it all in. The flash of a camera is blinding in the darkness, so there are no pictures to share.
Forts at Old San Juan:
We had some time to explore Old San Juan before the wedding. We began our day at Café Cuatro Sombras, for breakfast.
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| The Cuatro Sombras Sandwich - black forrest ham, lettuce, tomato, mayo and a garlic and cheese spread. |
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| Tostadas - Guava butter on "Pan de Agua" (Special Puerto Rican Water Bread) |
Afterwards, we strolled to the Forts of Old San Juan, appreciating the unique architecture of the town.
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| The Swiss Ms. had previously stayed here and highly recommends it. |
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| Blue streets of San Juan. |
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| El Tótem Telúrico in Old San Juan, a controversial monument built in 1992 commemorating the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World. |
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| Colorful buildings like these (and El Convento) line the streets of Old San Juan. |
We walked to El Morro, a 16th century fortress strategically placed to defend the port of San Juan and control entry into the harbor. During Spanish rule of the island between 1539 to 1898, El Morro survived multiple attacks from foreign powers.
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| El Morro! |
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| The formidable entrance to El Morro. |
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| The San Juan Cemetery resides along the outskirts of El Morro Fort. The colorful dome is named for Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzis, and is surrounded by ornate headstones, statues, and monuments. |
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| On the lookout for invaders in one of the many sentry towers. |
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| From left to right, the (1) Cross of Burgundy Flag, known as las Aspas de Borgoña widely used by Spanish armies around the world between 1506 to 1785. (2) Puerto Rican Flag. (3) USA. |
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| El Morro is divided into six levels. This is a view of the fort from one of the lower levels. |
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| This is the view of the harbor. Puerto Rico has no shortage of breathtaking views. |
From here, we were recommended by a one of the Park rangers to go to El Jibarito for lunch.
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| We were very impressed, to say the least! |
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| Fricase de cabrito - goat stew. (Ms: Looks yuck, tastes yum.) |
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| Bacalao a la vizcaina - Cod Fish Stew with fried plantains. |
And finally, some pictures from the wedding!
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| Keeping up with childhood friends. |
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| Excited to be here! |
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| Making new friends! |
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| Working the dance floor. |
Congratulations Adam and Courtney!
-Herr Cervelat
It was great to see some our favorite places in San Juan, especially El Convento.
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