Internet access is a privilege. Losing a hair tie can be devastating. Some Starbucks baristas can spell my name. Sunscreen is a godsend. These are a few of the things I learned last week while I was in Puerto Rico. Why did I leave New York with such short notice? Well, my neighbor (and former babysitter) has a timeshare there and invited my family to share the space. Of course, I was the only one without anything going on at the moment, so I booked the flight and was ready for fun in the sun. How could I possibly turn that down during this horrible winter weather?
The first bump I hit was not in the air, but on the ground when I attempted to text Renee indicating my arrival. No service. Great. I hopped in a taxi and rode to the hotel. After a short wait in the lobby, I realized I had some wi-fi access and told Renee where I was. In less than an hour, my toes were in the sand and a permanent smile was plastered on my face. Life was perfect. That night we ate with Renee’s aunts and mom who were in Puerto Rico for one more night. They had me laughing with their stories about Renee’s dirty feet, Señor Frogs shenanigans, and iguana drink pictures. We ended the night at the Brother Jimmy’s bar sharing swamp water before I passed out on my cot from exhaustion.
The rest of the days were just as relaxing. It was just Renee and I at this point. We would wake up, make breakfast, walk over to the local Starbucks, apply sunscreen on each other’s backs, drink Gasolina (basically adult juice boxes), and spend the sunshine hours laying on our lounge chairs. My favorite part was our daily walk along the beach. One time we found some coconuts and I slipped on rocks, another time we befriended an American with a cute little rescue dog, and a third time we were concerned about what turned out to be a tsunami warning test procedure. There’s so much going on if you notice it.
Dinners were always phenomenal and fattening. I couldn’t help but clear my plate every damn time. My favorite dish was a bacon-wrapped, mofongo-stuffed chicken breast that I ordered in Old San Juan. It was seriously delicious and I had a side of tostones to polish off the loveliness. Another standout dinner moment was when one of our waitresses thought we were local Puerto Ricans. Why thank you for complimenting our tans! 🙂 She ended up giving Renee her number and inviting us to go to the beach with her and her friend. We never capitalized on the offer, but it’s always nice to make acquaintances.
One day we ventured into Old San Juan after spending a few hours on the beach. We visited a fort, exchanged numbers with someone who needed a plumber in Queens, and purchased jewelry. I absolutely love the vibrancy of Old San Juan. There are people talking on the streets. There is music leaking from local bars. The buildings are speckled with color. The streets are laid with blue stones. The city really is breathtaking. I could aimlessly wander those streets for hours.
Another day that was different was Friday. We took a 45-minute shuttle ride to a catamaran called Barefoot. A crew of four and a boatload of people accompanied us on this shoeless journey. There were endless drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the motion of the ocean to keep us busy all day. My first time snorkeling was a success! It was nice being able to breath underwater especially after all my breathless years on the swim team. The people on the boat also made the experience worthwhile. Renee had a thing for Luis, one of the crew members. He remembered her from earlier in the week but she quickly lost interest when she found out he had a kid. Whoa buddy, she ain’t trying to start a family. There was a couple we met who probably is thinking on that wavelength though. They asked Renee and I if we were lesbians and that was a beautiful beginning to our friendship. They were from Philadelphia and New Jersey and had only been dating for six months but have traveled the world together. We ended up seeing them multiple times over the weekend. The man startled me in Starbucks one afternoon with a shoulder tap and they rescued us from ex-cops at Brother Jimmy’s on our last night. What a pair!
I guess I should explain the ex-cop thing. On our last night, we decided to eat and drink at Brother Jimmy’s. It was within walking distance, they serve good BBQ, and I still had to ride the mechanical bull. I’m not sure how this happened, but Renee and I downed a lot of drinks (free of charge may I add because the bartender remembered Renee) and were drunk. These two ex-cops started talking to us and one really wanted Renee’s d. Luckily, our favorite couple came over and started talking to us so we could escape those men. Like honestly, you’re probably twice my age. Creepy. It’s so nice that I remind you of your daughter. Really, so nice. I was especially aware of my age this vacation. I didn’t recognize most of the ’90s music that Renee loved. The youngest person I saw was probably 25. I didn’t hate it though. I think I’m mature for my age. We made our way downstairs and I tried to win over a coast guard for Renee, but my attempt was futile.
On Sunday, our vacation was coming to a close. After tons of lines (boarding pass, agriculture, baggage check, security, boarding) and waiting, we eventually made it onto our flight. I finished my second book of the week while in the air and watched SNL for the rest of the trip. Elisa and Felicia were waiting for us by the curb when we arrived. They were the best chauffeurs.
Yesterday was a big day. I got my nails done with Ariel. We talked for hours in her car and at Starbucks about everything. Little things are important, but that’s not what made it a big day. I finally decided on a job. I’ve chosen to start working at a spinal solutions company in Pennsylvania in two weeks! The outpouring of love and encouragement was a little bit overwhelming. Hearing my parents’ excitement, receiving kind words via text, and the satisfaction of waiting for a job I really wanted have made this experience so great already and it hasn’t even began. I really owe everything to my mom and my dad for paying for my education. It has given me the freedom to go anywhere and do anything. It has given me the ability to make connections throughout the world and within my mind. Ben Franklin had it right when he said an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. I’m ready to make his words a reality.
A new chapter begins soon.
Liana's Life 