I'm just back from a magical long weekend in Puerto Rico where my husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary, sans kids. On the plane coming home last night, we wondered whether it was magical because it was Puerto Rico, or because we went there without kids. I think a little of both.
Regardless, it was magical. And here are 10 reasons why you should put Puerto Rico on your travel wish list:
10. It's easy. You're still in the United States, so there's no need to change money, buy a translation dictionary or get a passport.
9. It's historic. Old San Juan was built in the 1500s and the original forts and 20-foot-wide city wall are standing still.
8. Its people. We met only one Puerto Rican who wasn't smiling, happy and willing to help us find our way. And he just seemed grumpy about being at work.
7. It's close. There are direct flights from Chicago (although we had a connecting flight through Atlanta for reasons that are too complicated to explain here).
6. Its atmosphere. This is an Hispanic culture, so the people are friendly, the food is good and kids are always welcome.
5. Its culture. We danced salsa (not like the Puerto Ricans dance salsa--we danced like two white people from Chicago, but we tried), we ate Tripolettas (sandwiches made of thinly sliced pork, beef and chicken on a fluffy white roll with mayo, ketchup, lettuce and tomato) and mofongo, a traditional dish of mashed plantains.
4. Its accommodations. We stayed as guests in two places, the luxury Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort in Rio Grande a few minutes from the rain forest and at the Sheraton Old San Juan, right along the water front in the old city, within easy walking distance of all the sites.
3. Its weather. The sun shone brightly and the trade winds kept us cool every day despite the 85-plus degree temperatures. Locals said it gets hot and more humid in the summer. But that happens in Chicago, too.
2. Its nature. We spent time in El Yunque (El June-kay), the only rain forest that is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. We walked the mile-long path into the rain forest to dip our toes (or, for some, our entire bodies) into the cool waters at the base of a roaring waterfall. This is not to be missed.
1. Its diversity. The very best thing about Puerto Rico is the diversity of the Puerto Ricans. The people carry the blood of the indigenous Taino indians, the Spanish invaders and their African slaves, so their looks range from light-skin Caucasian appearances to dark-skinned African features--all in one family. It seemed like something our kids should see--the vision of a diverse group of people who all share one identity as Puerto Ricans. I hope it is a glimpse of what America will look like to our grandchildren.