Puerto Rico Trip Overview

4/29-5/8/11

This was a nice, quick trip. It is kinda cool being able to go to a place vastly different than most of America and not needing a passport. Old San Juan is very old feeling (imagine that :) ) both with the architecture of the buildings, many of the roads being cobblestone, and the fact that they have a few ocean forts within walking distance. These forts are fun to explore, as is the city itself with lots of night life options in such a small city area. Near the port of call is a lot of touristy places, however they have some nice dive bars and places off the beaten path that made walking around the city randomly at night worthwhile. Driving through the country was crazy if you went into the interior. These roads were second in their crazy scariness only to the one in Lesotho. That being said, it was interesting seeing the contrast of the country around the interstate in the big cities and the inland villages/homes. The country side is beautiful (I guess when you are in a tropical rain forest, that is easy to accomplish), with lots of natural exploration possible. This was also my first exposure to the bio-luminescent bays, which I fell in love with. I really hope these countries do everything in their power to preserve this wonder and natural beauty so that future generations are able to bask in its glory. Enough about Puerto Rico...

Culebra beach who would have thought an island in the Caribbean has amazing beaches? 

It definitely has hills/mountains (depending on where you are from). 

The interior also has beauty within itself. Little waterfall in El Yunque.

...and onto the main event, the union of 2 amazing people in a surreal atmosphere. Not only was the resort amazing, but the ceremony and its events were all just utterly spectacular. After attending another Indian wedding or two, I realized this is just how they roll. The event the night before was chill with many performances and people doing the mehndi henna tattoos (I asked for a small one since only women get it done normally but I wanted to try it out). Those skills are impressive; the intricacy of the designs is just amazing! The day of, the entrance was just a giant party that was amazing to be a part of. The ceremony was perfect with the ocean in the background on such a gorgeous day. And then of course the reception was a wild and fun time as wedding receptions tend to be.

Love these guys and the outfits. 

Rishi and Paru - thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your special day!