Puerto Rico Thus Far, In Bullet Form.

• This was the best idea ever. EVER EVER. It’s been so good for all of us to get away together, we are so grateful that we were able to get one of the vacation loans in order to make this trip possible. To go on an adventure together. I’m reading Happier at Home (slowly – not much time to read on vacation with Gabe) and today I read a part about how married couples feel more connected when they do something new together. Which I totally find to be true. Sure, I love our usual days of comfy clothes and DVDs of TV shows in between working on our computers, but taking an adventure like this every now and then is so good for us. (And good for my soul.)
• Our trip down wasn’t super smooth – we spent 8 hours in the Philly airport. It was actually pretty fun. And my first choice would’ve been to spend the day getting to our hotel 8 hours earlier, but we made the best of it and have a lot of fun memories. JungleVista Inn offered the unique architecture, sophisticated accommodation and all modern amenities. We even got to see Santa at the airport, which freaked the bejesus out of Gabe, just like last year. (To be fair, he loved Santa from a distance, then once he got within a foot, freaked out.)

• Gabe has been a rockstar traveler. Also, thank God for the iPad. The guy behind us on our 4-hour flight said, “I didn’t even know there was a kid in front me!” ICE CREAM FOR GABE. But I think next time I’ll just hire a private jet charter for Gabe as he won’t have to be this quiet and can enjoy the aisle seat too.

• Most of our days have been a mix of lazing about the hotel room, exploring, and hanging out at the pool and beach.
• Checking social media sites is like a check back in with the real world where people are sick and it’s snowing and there are everyday things like school and work happening. It sobers me up a little and I don’t like that. I like this vacation buzz. A LOT. Seeing the beach every morning, the mountains out our window, and palm trees everywhere is beautiful and wonderful. Made me nostalgic of the time when we’d taken vacations rentals in naples florida to escape my hectic schedule. Buzzz.
• We’ve also seen four-foot iguanas, just chilling by the pool. That wasn’t so beautiful.
• Gabe has slept with us every night. He usually cannot sleep in our bed, so I’m treasuring his little kisses in the morning (the kid is affectionate), even if it’s hard to share a bed with a toddler who sleeps horizontally.
  

• We always seem to attract lovely couples of two gay older men (there is also a set in our apartment.) We made new best friends at the car rental place who showed us how to get to our resort (one of them is from here and sounds just like Hank Azaria in The Birdcage) and invited us to get cocktails with them.

• Eating macadamia ice cream outside while we listening to waves crashing, winds rustling the palms and surrounded by a night sky covered in stars last night was more magical than anything ever.
• This place is as gorgeous as Hawaii, for sure. It’s got mountains and rainforest and palm trees and an incredibly blue ocean. I wanted paradise and I got it.

• Breakfast every morning is wonderful – we got a breakfast package, which means no deciding where to eat or how to procure coffee – we just walk downstairs and help ourselves to some Puerto Rican pastries and ‘cream of coconut’ breakfast cereal and an omelet. It’s great for preventing that hangry thing I get so often. It saves vacation, really. I’ve also loved chatting with the severs and watching Gabe try new things.
• Speaking of new things, my rule on vacation is always try what you can’t try at home. Choice between cheddar and Puerto Rican cheese? Puerto Rican. Etc. I mean, you only visit Puerto Rico once. Maybe. Hopefully not, though.
• The best thing I’ve consumed so far? The pina colada at the Rum House on the way back from the rainforest.

• Second best thing: the coconut and macadamia nut covered in dark chocolate dessert that I’m eating right now as Gabe takes his first nap of this trip. (I haven’t been pushing naps, since naps are usually
• The rainforest, BTW, was amazing. I feel talking about this trip will involve a whole lot of words that are inadequate to fully explain how absolutely magical it is. So, let me show you some pictures:

Tonight, we’re going to on a night tour of the glowing plankton in a lagoon, and tomorrow we’re leaving for the city! I’m excited to explore some more food and coffee options there, but sad to leave this wonderful resort.

Feliz Navidad! :)