Heathen is the new black.: Puerto Rico Does It Better

Hello everyone in Internet-Land! I just got back from Puerto Rico (PR) and I had a great time. People say that PR is the Hawaii of NYC and that makes sense because it is less than 4 hours from NYC. For me it was a 10 hour ordeal. When you first arrive, the humidity hits you like a train. 90 degrees with 50% humidity is definitely not fun. From what I understand, peak season is late November to Springtime. We went there off-peak to save some $$$, and that we did! First up is that we rented a car. We somehow upgraded from a POS to a Kia.

This HZK 375 was my primary mode of transport in the "Enchanted Island"

The Kia was nothing spectacular. We actually racked up nearly 400 miles in a weeks worth and this is the best way to get around if you don't want to take the tour bus. Speaking of driving, from what people told me, PR has come a long way and that doesn't surprise me. All the roads were pretty decent. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the local drivers. I am amazed how much of a hurry these islanders are in because they love to cut people off yet don't love to use their turn signal. Speaking of signal, they could use some more left turn arrows as well as stop signs, actually some more signs in general would be great. There are parts of the island where there are no signs! Actually these people have a wierd address system. Actually more specifically, THEY LACK ADDRESSES. Google maps is just somewhat helpful to get around. Even Google can't figure this island out. On the good side, the island is small so you should be able to find where you have to be. Worst case scenario ask a local. Most of the people know both English and Spanish and are super friendly.

First stop was Bebo's BBQ. This is close to San Juan airport and next to the car rental place. So if you are renting a car, go here!

Bebos, BBQ. Where the locals eat!

Rotissary Chicken. We had half a chicken

Roasted Pork. I had some of this too

Sausage and the Blood Sausage ont he right. Had them both.

So we had 2 full plates of ribs, pork, rice, yuca plus 2 beers, with a grand total of $14. Wow. The bathroom was deplorable. If you go to Bebos' go the bathroom first and bring yourself some wet wipes.

Next up is the SuperMax!

This supermarket was in the nice area of PR, Condado. Very touristy! I did note that the Blockbuster was open, but didn't have time to check it out. This was an interesting supermarket for a couple of reasons. First of all, they had valet parking.

When was the last time you saw valet parking at a supermarket? This was a first for me.

Sorry for my finger blocking the picture.

They had a "Gaurd Tower" in the middle of the parking lot.

Look at that green thing in the midde. Hmmmmmm

Inside, things were definitely not cheap. I noted Paula Deen pushing chicken.

Since when is Chicken vegetarian? Hmmmmm

Edy's looks like Dryer's. And for $7.

Hello Kitty hair care!

These beer cans are only 8 ounces, as opposed to the normal 12OZ.

This looked interesting. Cream of corn cereal?

Mufungo! This is what PR is all about. Smashed Plaintains with some steak.

Good Stuff. This plate was $20!

That $20 plate comes with an awesome view!

They have different condiments in PR. Mayo Ketchup? Kind of funky. Not bad though.

Here is a fried fish plate. The fried cakes on the left is from yuca. Very tasty!

Subway is very similar to the new ones in the USA.

They do not have the $5 foot long but they did have this cheap special!

Different flavor of chips for the locals!

They offered smoothies here!

Here was our home away from home for a week.

You can see it on google maps.

http://goo.gl/maps/v2pnN

Casino across the bridge!

Mini mufungo with ropa vieja. Good stuff.

The local authorities have a high powered boats! Note the boat between the rocks.

I zoomed in on the Police boat.

Note the buildings are the same as the ones above the Police one above.

Here is the view from our room to the right. Note the bridge. That is the same from 5 photos above. The ad for El Yunque is their national rainforest. I have some photos you will see below. The building across has the casino, 2 pools, and beach.

Here is an artistic picture.

Here is looking to the left. Compare the buildings to the beach pics above.

Here an artistic pic looking left.

We checked out the rainforest, el Yunque (Yoon-ke). Very cool.

I read that there are no dangerous animals living in the rainforest.

You see lots of these guys.

Rainforest. You can barely see the ocean in the middle.

Kitty.

Yokahu Tower.

View from the top.

Here is the same pic as above but zoomed in.

It took about 45 minutes of a walk through a rainforest to see this waterfall. Definitely not for the novices.

Next up is the Bacardi Factory Tour!

Find it on Google maps!

http://goo.gl/maps/dvQqp

Unfortunately they have EXTREME security measure in place. You can only go to certain spots and you can only take pictures in certain areas. That is the bad part. The good part is that you get 2 free drinks! If you have the need for more, you can get mojitos for $10 and they come with a nice souvenir glass. Afterwards, you will be in a great mood to check out the tour.

When you park your car, you walk to this strange structure.

There are 2 bars there and employees that will let you know what the deal is.

One bar is for your 2 free drinks (they only give you 2 drink coupons.)

If you wanna drink more buy some mojitos. $10 and you get to keep the glass!

The flags were flown at "Half staff" in rememberance for Patriot Day.

In the tour, they re-create a bar in the 20's and teach you how to make a Cuba Libre, Mojito and how they made Daqueries originally. They also explained how they got their names too. Unfortunately you cannot drink here. I bet some of the employees get crunk here.

Here is another photo of the bar.

In the backround is their original distilling facility.

At the end of the tour, you get dropped into the gift shop, naturally. The prices where very good and you can get your people all kinds of stuff including zippos, umbrellas, shirts, golf stuff, pens, hats, and of course alcohol. No Costco sized bottles though.