Expectations

 

Let’s talk about setting expectations. When I travel, I typically find highlights of an area, add a bunch of ideas to the list and then on that given day, figure out what I’m in the mood for. Today, the lighthouse at Cabo Rojo and swimming in the bio bay were top contenders. I love a good lighthouse and who wouldn’t want to swim with glowing dinoflagellates but really, how visible would they really be? We arrived at the lighthouse but it paled in comparison to its natural surroundings. Let’s just say that the lighthouse usage was warranted, as the dangerous cliffs were incredible. After exploring and swimming for much longer than we intended (no sunscreen), we headed east to La Parguera for our snorkel and bio swim experience. My expectations were low because the water was pretty rough and we were supposed to have a full moon. The rough water definitely made snorkeling a challenge, but we still saw tons of fun fish and sea life over the coral reef. At night, the clouds covered the moon which ensured we had an unforgettable time swimming with the glowing algae. To swim and swirl in the “glitter” was totally unreal.

Lunch at a roadside place. Roasted chicken and rice.

Chillaxing on the way to swim with the dinoflagellates.

Crashboat Beach snorkeling sounded like a terrific plan. The public also agreed leaving no room for us. Casting that plan aside, we beach-hopped the western and northern coasts until we arrived in San Juan. Taking in the different scenery along the way and pulling the car over at a moment’s notice, with no plan in mind, was exciting.

Cute little crabs...everywhere on the coral.

Borinquen Beach

Hammocking while watching the waves crash.

After we left the beach, mom declares she wants ice cream, because who doesn’t after the beach. We pass by this place and whip a uturn. While deciding on what to get, we observe that there a lot of people waiting, with no food. That should have been our sign. We wait 1hr for our shakes. Luckily they were delish...but 1hr!!!

Hunting for sea glass.

View from the rooftop of our hotel in San Juan.