Last week our family visited Puerto Rico for some sun and fun. We picked this destination because of its diverse offerings – authentic cultural atmosphere (including exotic food with fragrant spices), cool city vibe, the magnificent natural beauty, and of course for the soul soothing sunshine.
We began our vacation in the friendly city of San Juan. Here’s a bird’s eye view of historic Old San Juan, taken from Fort San Cristóbal, which dates back to 1634.
Many of the cobblestone streets are lined with vibrantly colored buildings…
…basking under bright blue skies with punctuations of big, billowy clouds…
…and a giant, undulating blanket of blue waters as far as the eye can see.
Here’s a view from our hotel, which is located in a newer part of the city (Condado – a couple of miles from Old San Juan.)
It’s rare to find a hotel that is right on the ocean yet also in the middle of a bustling city. This unusual contrast really perked up my senses…I think in a good way. While I was there I was hypersensitive to all the new surroundings and completely absorbed in the moment…it was delightful taking it all in. It was a surprise to discover that I liked this frenetic environment (sometimes I get overwhelmed with too much activity happening all around). At home, I usually spend most of my time within a womb of total silence (for me, the creative process requires many hours of stillness and quiet). However, I guess it’s good to switch things up every now and then – doing this has an awakening potential which can make you feel really alive.
After a couple days of busy stimulation I needed a dose of tranquility to get things back in balance. So we headed over to El Yunque Rainforest (the only tropical rain forest in the National Park system – about an hour’s car ride from our hotel). Getting around the island in these more remote areas by car involved taking many sharp twists and turns in the road, which was both exciting and a bit scary.
Another exciting highlight for me at the rainforest was hiking up the mountain with Bill and Brook to reach this scenic tower jutting straight up and into the clouds. Venturing so far up by foot, especially when you aren’t sure what the path has in store is another good way to spike the senses.
It took us a while to get to the top. And in fact, had I known at the start how long it was going to take, there’s a good chance that I might’ve opted to skip the hike (I know I need to work on being less cautious.) Anyway, I’m so glad that I didn’t miss the opportunity to feel what it’s like to literally have my “head in the clouds.” BTW, we hiked through the last part of the trail in the rain. So here we are still damp but smiling. Smiling because we’re surrounded by clouds. Smiling because we hiked through our comfort zone (I’m afraid of heights and of slipping on rocky terrain, Brook had a terrible headache and we’re both afraid of creepy crawly, slithery things that live in the forest.) Poor Bill…we’re lucky he’s so patient with us.
Moving on…to something that’s easy and relaxed. Such as a scenic drive to enjoy a sunset dinner at water’s edge (in the fishing village of Joyunda).
With birds dining right at our side (such a treat to watch them pluck fish from out of the water). They ate fish, and we ate fish…everybody was happy.
And all the while we listened to the gentle lapping of the water. I LOVE the water, don’t you? The sight, the touch, the swirling, rhythmic sounds, the rich nourishment it provides…I am so very grateful for these abundant gifts.
And every inch of me was filled with gratitude as we drove back to our hotel (below is the view from the car). Somehow the peacefulness from the outside world swept into me, and my heart grabbed onto it all, bringing it in…all the way in, so that it could settle down…deep. The calm, quiet glow of pure happiness…it lingered as it hummed.
And continued throughout the plane ride home…
…as we flew along the sunset.
Wherever in the world we may be, there is sky. There are clouds and if we’re lucky there is ocean. There might be sandy shores, and there are probably trees…perhaps on mountains and perhaps with birds…chirping and singing sweet melodies…streaming along with the wind. Rays of sunshine, beaming through crystal droplets of rain…from above…from the clouds. A reminder to paint this picture with golden gladness and shower this joy all over…wherever in the world we may be.
Beneath the sky we are one…with nature, with each other. See good, be good, be grateful, be kind.
19 Comments, Comment or Ping
Thanks for sharing those great pictures, I didn´t know how this part of the world looks like … but the picture of you and Brook is my favourite though 😉
February 28th, 2012
Welcome back Becky!
Such a beautiful vacation.. I am so in love with those fabulous colored buildings in your first few photos.
February 28th, 2012
I enjoyed your photos so much, as I’ve never been to Puerto Rico. I can see you had a fabulous time there. Welcome back! 🙂
February 29th, 2012
so glad you had a wonderful vacation. glad you’re back. enjoy.
February 29th, 2012
oh how bee you tee full!! i’ve never been…it looks heavenly! and you and your daughter are so sweet together. she is a beauty (like her maman!) what fun! 😉
February 29th, 2012
The view from your hotel reminds me of Miami! What gorgeous water….the color just draws you in. Thanks for sharing. I know some beautiful creations will be coming soon-based on these pics.
February 29th, 2012
Thank you so much for sharing your dip into Peurto Rico, Becky…the city and the sky-ed hike. How lovely to appreciate the oneness, the joy and expanse of “wherever in the world we may be…” It reminds me that where I am in thought is where I carry my presence in life and that it always has this amazing sky to create under.
February 29th, 2012
How lovely to be back…and to see you here again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, and I appreciate your warm welcome back…very, very much.
February 29th, 2012
Thank you Becky, for sharing your trip. You never know what little kindness you may do for a stranger, and in sharing your trip and experiences, you have done many of us a great kindness. I enjoyed the views, and YOUR views.
February 29th, 2012
Great pictures, Becky! Thanks for sharing the beautiful sites.
February 29th, 2012
Beautiful Becky! I love your photos and view of the clouds~ It looks magical… I knew the colors of this area would be intriguing! Stunning….
It was so nice to get a bird’s eye view of your trip~ Just gorgeous!
Welcome Home 😀
March 1st, 2012
What a special post this is… the pictures, the stories of your and Brook’s trials and triumphs, the photos and finally, teh wonderful perspective you have on the world we live in and how there is beauty all around us even if it is different for each of us. It is indeed a wonderful world!
March 1st, 2012
thank you for so eloquently and generously sharing your beautiful experience in PR Becky! Funny, I too prefer quiet most times but how true that once in awhile you need a vibrant jolt of big city to re energize and refresh. I love the water so much that I had(it recently broke so I must search for a new one) a small fountain in my living room just to be able to hear the trickling of it whenever I want. Welcome back!
March 1st, 2012
this looks like a gorgeous getaway!! here’s to you, mountain sister, for taking the climb upward!! there’s a lot to be said for having our head in the clouds, huh?!! xoxox
p.s. my son’s girlfriend is from puerto rico, and i know she misses the beauty of “home”……now that you’ve shared your photos, i have a much better idea of what she’s talking about! thank you!! xo
March 1st, 2012
Your Island Inspiration is exactly that…incredibly inspiration. With all the colors and rainforest and ocean and foods, spices and sights…infinite possibilities for creating art. Lovely vacation photos…
March 2nd, 2012
looks like puerto rico welcomed you with open arms. thank you for sharing your trip with us.
March 2nd, 2012
Amen!
March 2nd, 2012
Lovely photos! We went to Puerto Rico as one of the island stops on a cruise. Of course on a cruise, time is limited at each stop so we didn’t see much more than the fort and some shops. That was 19 years ago. I would love to go back and explore the entire island.
Thanks for sharing!
March 9th, 2012
Hi Becky,
I went to your website because I wanted to see if you had more photos of the gorgeous bottle canvas and to my surprise there were these awesome photos but more important beautiful description of my Country, Puerto Rico. It gives me great pride that you had such a good time and will have nice memories of my Country.
Our people are very hospitable and the food is exquisite, very well condimented without the sensation of tongue burning that you have when eating hot food .We have a rich and extensive culture and traditions, and the most awesome music to listen and dance to, and our beaches are among the most beautiful in the world, so I welcome anyone who wants to visit to explore our Island.
Sadly I cannot buy Stampington anymore due to the fact that Border’s which went bankrupt was the bookstore that I could find them, well frankly THE ONLY STORE because when they came our local ones went out of business, you know the effect of big fish eating small ones, and now we are devoid of any,sob,sob! Anyhow,if you ever come to Puerto Rico again it will be my pleasure to show you the sights and drive you to different places. You have my e-mail address and you can send me an e-mail and I will give you my phone number. The only correction that I have to state is that the correct spelling of one of the places that you went is Joyuda. I will finish by saying that I LOVE your work and thanks for the inspiration!
Cariños.
María Alba Negrón
San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 21st, 2012
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