Friday, April 17, 2009

Yesterday was a great day of adventures. We drove up to El Yunque (say it with me, in a great latin american deep voice "El j-yunque") and spent time on some trails and enjoying the peace and quiet. The only rain forest in the US. It is home of the "coqui" the small PR frog that has a lovely 2-note chirp; and the Puerto Rican green parrot - very rare only about 45 left in the wild. We then drove into Farjida to join a kayak tour into Laguna Grande to experience the bioluminescent microorganisms in the bay - when you distrub the water in any way it glows like a green fire, or comet tail, or glow sticks in the dark (we were kayaking in the dark). It was amazing! When you dip your hand in the water it sparkles, thanks to clusters of hundreds of the organisms. It is so difficult to describe, has to be experienced. Even more amazing when fish swim by under water, as they create patterns. Supposedly its incredible in a rainstorm. We were like kids playing in the water. The stars overhead were also amazing, as it was pitch black. Kayaking back in the pitch black through a mangrove was quite an experience as well, when you can barely see the boat in front of you. Highlight of the trip!
Today we took a ferry over to the other side of the bay in San Juan to visit the Bacardi factory - an interesting information centre with lots of information, and free samples - Tam enjoyed my extras! (Graeme, sorry can't carry any on board - we wanted to get you the Special Reserve, aged 12 years and only available in PR...too bad). Then we had lunch at a great little find of a restaurant in Old San Juan - finally an affordable and tasty place - St Germain Bistro & Cafe (Sol and Cruz). Got caught in a major rainstorm and were soaked. Back out now to go to the Hilton and try the pina colada so we can compare in the "war".