Gotta Go With The Flow

Sooo... this trip should be titled 'A Beautiful Catastrophe', and I'll tell you why.

It started out with me bragging to pretty much everyone I knew about this sick, ticket deal that I got for a round-trip to Puerto Rico for ONLY $250.00. I was at the airport, and for me, there is just something about the rush you get, when you arrive at your gate right before the door shuts that I love...well I used to love until I missed my flight. So, that is when I waved that beautiful, cheap ticket goodbye as I had to whip out $600.00 (that I had been saving for SO long) to get on the next, best flight. But of course, it doesn't end there...So I get on the plane (finally) and the air conditioning was broken, I sliced my finger getting something out of my suitcase, causing my finger to bleed longer than I have ever experienced, and suddenly my expensive plane ticket, and long ride, became longer.

a little less than 3 h o u r s later...

I finally, saw my beautiful friend, Daniela's face in the car in Puerto Rico, she scooped me up, and I just knew things were bound to get better. BUT, better known to optimistic me, it of course begins to rain profusely, so I look up the forecast, and it says it will continue to rain the entire week! If you really want to travel, you've just gotta be okay with the curve balls. You gotta be patient. You've got to go with the flow. Sometimes the beautiful, picturesque, views you see all over social media are attached to hidden, not-so-beautiful, journeys. So let this be a reminder, that if you look at any famous person and become insecure, envious, or sad, their lives aren't perfect, they are still human, and have those bad days too. You just may only see a tiny sliver of what actually happens :).

Now to the good stuff, FOOD! Our first meal in PR, was spent at one of my favorite restaurants. It sits directly on the water, and it is called Asia Italy, they have seafood there that will change your life! So that, in and of itself, made up for the journey to PR.

The next morning, we rose to eat at one of Daniela's favorite aciai places called, Merendola, and then made our way to Crashboat Beach!

If you venture down the beach, away from the tourists, you can find a stunning cave to your left! When we came out of the cave, the sweetest surprise awaited us, we ran into little puppies!! (I came so close to taking them all with me) My love for puppies is a little too real, so, instant day maker!

From there, we road-tripped it to Gozalandia, quite possibly one of my favorite spots on the island! This magical spot feels as if you're living on a Pinterest 'dream vacation' board, that has come to life! There is a huge lagoon decorated with vibrant trees, and lush waterfalls. Here you can rope swing into the middle of the lagoon! This a MUST see spot and experience on the island!

Starving, we grabbed a bite at El Meson, which happens to be a famous fast-food restaurant on the island, with millions of options. You can't come to Puerto Rico and not at least try El Meson once, and if you do, get some sorullos for me ;)! We then spent our night out at Las Calle de Mayaguez!

Day three was spent with breakfast at Monas, road-tripping to Hammock Bridge, and pit-stopping at Ataud Waterfall! We then ended the day with dinner at Luptios Restaurant in San German, which overlooks a chapel that is over 400 years old!

Day four came, we slept in and started our hunt for a unique set of swings, which we had no clue would be so hard to find! This day was definitely the epitome of just 'riding the wave', as we got lost MANY times, left many things places, but we laughed so hard we cried, and made memories that I will never forget! When things go wrong, you can look at it two ways, you can either stress about it, or laugh about it, and I promise the laughing option is a lot more fun ;)! We then spent dinner time in Old San Juan, at an adorable restaurant called, Verdae Mesa Mediterranean.

Swings in Ceiba, Roosevelt Roads Naval Station

The next day, we hit up Rincon Beach, and watched the sun go down at Tamboo Restaurant.

Then it was our last night, which was spent in the dreamiest place, I have ever stayed: The Dreamcatcher. Seriously- beyond satisfying if you love eclectic decoration, plants, and organic food. The staff were beyond friendly, and just the vibe of the entire place was incredibly peaceful.