From Maggi: Realtime Installments from Vieques
Aug 13th, 2007, 06:07 PM
#21
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Well, it's our last day on Vieques and we decided to just hang out at Blue Beach all day. This is my favorite beach yet. The water was like bathwater, calm and crystal clear. There are lots of little turnouts, each of which contains a shelter and most have picnic tables. We settled down for the day with our lunch and beach chairs for a day of snorkeling and floating.
There is a lot of varied coral toward the area of the rocky outcropping on the left. We saw huge brain coral, the long black spikes of spiny sea urchin, purple fans among many others. One of our party saw a turtle in the same area. The water is shallow to just a little over your head throughout the area.
Later we stopped at Navio Beach to check out the caves and agreed we would come back here if we had time. There were bigger waves here but the water was still turquoise and a perfect temperature. On the way out we took a look at Sun Bay. What a huge beach with gorgeous palm trees. A perfect spot for a family outing. I'd bring a hammock and spend the day limin'.
Now that our week is nearly up (we leave for San Juan tomorrow for one night before flying back to the States) I have come to the conclusion that this is the perfect place for beach lovers. All the beaches are accessible (OK with the exception of extreme potholes on the dirt roads) and there are tons of private places where you can park close to your own spot on the beach. Joan, I think you'd enjoy it here for sure.
Tonight after dinner our romantic guys lit candles leading up the steps to the little screened house on the property called "The Folly". We had our flan dessert in there by candlelight. A great way to end our vacation here on Vieques.
Tomorrow we will fly to San Juan, have dinner and spend the night at El Convento. On Wednesday, it'll be time to get back home and back to the rat race.
I'll add a few more details on the trip and both villas soon.
Night all, Maggi
There is a lot of varied coral toward the area of the rocky outcropping on the left. We saw huge brain coral, the long black spikes of spiny sea urchin, purple fans among many others. One of our party saw a turtle in the same area. The water is shallow to just a little over your head throughout the area.
Later we stopped at Navio Beach to check out the caves and agreed we would come back here if we had time. There were bigger waves here but the water was still turquoise and a perfect temperature. On the way out we took a look at Sun Bay. What a huge beach with gorgeous palm trees. A perfect spot for a family outing. I'd bring a hammock and spend the day limin'.
Now that our week is nearly up (we leave for San Juan tomorrow for one night before flying back to the States) I have come to the conclusion that this is the perfect place for beach lovers. All the beaches are accessible (OK with the exception of extreme potholes on the dirt roads) and there are tons of private places where you can park close to your own spot on the beach. Joan, I think you'd enjoy it here for sure.
Tonight after dinner our romantic guys lit candles leading up the steps to the little screened house on the property called "The Folly". We had our flan dessert in there by candlelight. A great way to end our vacation here on Vieques.
Tomorrow we will fly to San Juan, have dinner and spend the night at El Convento. On Wednesday, it'll be time to get back home and back to the rat race.
I'll add a few more details on the trip and both villas soon.
Night all, Maggi
Aug 15th, 2007, 04:01 AM
#23
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This morning we're at Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan. We had an uneventful and efficient flight yesterday from Vieques. Thanks to all who recommended flying vs. the ferry. We flew Vieques Air Link for $92 round trip (from Isla Grande airport). It takes a short 20 minute taxi ride from SJU.
We got a good rate at El Convento ($150/night). The Howard Johnson Plaza des Armas was just $15 cheaper a night. I'm very glad we opted for the better hotel. We are experiencing pleasant and efficient service from the front desk and our rooms are comfortable. Hubby loves the flat screen hi-def plasma TV. I love the free wine and cheese reception and proximity to shopping and a myriad of bars and restaurants.
Last night we walked a bit and ended up at Baru. The cuisine was described to as authentic Puerto Rican. I can't say I agree. The chef took a version of that cuisine and modernized it. The portions are meant to be shared, tapas style. What we had was tasty but overpriced. I just can't over charging $20 for risotto, which is basically rice with little bits of meat or vegetable. C'mon! Mojitos were $8 apiece. The atmosphere had. a cool vibe inside and a side patio with a little waterfall and a view of the kitchen. If you want to eat here, make reservations if you want to be inside. On the way to the restaurant we had a glipse inside a building through open windows where a flamenco dancing class was taking place. The echoing of their heels on the wood floor resounded down the deserted dark street. We stood and just drank that in for awhile.
My friend and I bought white linen Puerto Rican shirts for our hubbies and they wore them to dinner. Handmade cigars are available at various stands with locally grown tobacco. We took a long walk last night and also this morning on the exercise path along the outside of the city at the water's edge. There are hundreds of feral cats perched on various rocks along the way.
The view this morning was beautiful with the ancient wall of the fort sillouetted against the sunrise. I was startled by a huge Carnival cruiseship coming around the corner. It seemed so surreal, the juxtaposition of the old and the new.
We're on our way to the airport soon. Wish us luck! When I get home I'll upload my photos and finish my report. Thanks for reading,
Maggi
We got a good rate at El Convento ($150/night). The Howard Johnson Plaza des Armas was just $15 cheaper a night. I'm very glad we opted for the better hotel. We are experiencing pleasant and efficient service from the front desk and our rooms are comfortable. Hubby loves the flat screen hi-def plasma TV. I love the free wine and cheese reception and proximity to shopping and a myriad of bars and restaurants.
Last night we walked a bit and ended up at Baru. The cuisine was described to as authentic Puerto Rican. I can't say I agree. The chef took a version of that cuisine and modernized it. The portions are meant to be shared, tapas style. What we had was tasty but overpriced. I just can't over charging $20 for risotto, which is basically rice with little bits of meat or vegetable. C'mon! Mojitos were $8 apiece. The atmosphere had. a cool vibe inside and a side patio with a little waterfall and a view of the kitchen. If you want to eat here, make reservations if you want to be inside. On the way to the restaurant we had a glipse inside a building through open windows where a flamenco dancing class was taking place. The echoing of their heels on the wood floor resounded down the deserted dark street. We stood and just drank that in for awhile.
My friend and I bought white linen Puerto Rican shirts for our hubbies and they wore them to dinner. Handmade cigars are available at various stands with locally grown tobacco. We took a long walk last night and also this morning on the exercise path along the outside of the city at the water's edge. There are hundreds of feral cats perched on various rocks along the way.
The view this morning was beautiful with the ancient wall of the fort sillouetted against the sunrise. I was startled by a huge Carnival cruiseship coming around the corner. It seemed so surreal, the juxtaposition of the old and the new.
We're on our way to the airport soon. Wish us luck! When I get home I'll upload my photos and finish my report. Thanks for reading,
Maggi
Aug 15th, 2007, 06:19 AM
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Hi, Maggi--Still enjoying the great read you've provided us. But I'm dying to ask a question--how did you get such a great rate with El Convento? I wanted to stay there last month for one night, mid week, and the lowest price I found was for about $300! We ended up at the Sheraton Old San Juan instead and having a fabulous lunch at El Convento so our friends could at least see the property.
Aug 15th, 2007, 08:30 PM
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EJ and Caribtraveler, when I went on the El Convento website on July 31st that's the price that came up and I booked it right away. It must have been a web special. The Small Luxury Hotels toll free number couldn't match it and their rate was quite a bit higher. Just luck, I guess.
Joan, the guy whose house we rented is refurbishing another rental. He gave us a tour of several of his homes and they are all fabulous. We fell in love with one that is not on the rental market yet, but will be soon. It's a three bedroom and we hope to return to stay there with friends next year. If you want any info on these or Vieques in general, send me an email.
There is a funny postscript to our travels. After our rocky beginning 7 days ago with Northwest, we had some trepidation about our trip back. We were booked on Delta from San Juan with a stopover in Atlanta. San Juan to Atlanta was fine.
In ATL they asked for one volunteer. After a quick consultation with my traveling companions, I offered my seat. Then, a bit later they asked for another person, so my girlfriend offered hers. We were supposed to fly out less than two hours hence. We left our hubbies to catch the original flight and made our way to our next gate. We played a game of Scrabble while we waited and boarded the plane at the prescribed time. In the meantime we're wondered how the guys are doing, are they in Detroit yet, will they be bored waiting for us, will we find each other at the airport? We were worried 'cause, as luck would have it, we all four were cellphone-less at the moment.
Just as the doors of our plane were closing, who should come strolling on board, but our hubbies! At the last minute the other flight needed two more volunteers and they gave up their seats with no hope or guarantee of getting on our plane. They were originally rescheduled for three hours later. But through some paperwork problem two other people were not allowed on board and our two guys were given their seats.
I wish someone had gotten a photo of our faces when we saw them striding on with big smiles on their faces. Kind of reminds me of "The Amazing Race" when at the last minute one team makes the flight after all.
Now we're home safe and sound, cats purring on our laps and ready to reflect on all that we experienced in the last week. I promise to follow up with photos and villa evaluations.
Maggi
Joan, the guy whose house we rented is refurbishing another rental. He gave us a tour of several of his homes and they are all fabulous. We fell in love with one that is not on the rental market yet, but will be soon. It's a three bedroom and we hope to return to stay there with friends next year. If you want any info on these or Vieques in general, send me an email.
There is a funny postscript to our travels. After our rocky beginning 7 days ago with Northwest, we had some trepidation about our trip back. We were booked on Delta from San Juan with a stopover in Atlanta. San Juan to Atlanta was fine.
In ATL they asked for one volunteer. After a quick consultation with my traveling companions, I offered my seat. Then, a bit later they asked for another person, so my girlfriend offered hers. We were supposed to fly out less than two hours hence. We left our hubbies to catch the original flight and made our way to our next gate. We played a game of Scrabble while we waited and boarded the plane at the prescribed time. In the meantime we're wondered how the guys are doing, are they in Detroit yet, will they be bored waiting for us, will we find each other at the airport? We were worried 'cause, as luck would have it, we all four were cellphone-less at the moment.
Just as the doors of our plane were closing, who should come strolling on board, but our hubbies! At the last minute the other flight needed two more volunteers and they gave up their seats with no hope or guarantee of getting on our plane. They were originally rescheduled for three hours later. But through some paperwork problem two other people were not allowed on board and our two guys were given their seats.
I wish someone had gotten a photo of our faces when we saw them striding on with big smiles on their faces. Kind of reminds me of "The Amazing Race" when at the last minute one team makes the flight after all.
Now we're home safe and sound, cats purring on our laps and ready to reflect on all that we experienced in the last week. I promise to follow up with photos and villa evaluations.
Maggi
Aug 16th, 2007, 03:05 PM
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Now that we are home I needed to check and make sure that I have been credited on our charge card and now I can disclose the name of the first villa that was unacceptable: Las Piedras. I took many photos documenting our case, just in case.
The second villa that was so wonderful was called the Pool Cottage. Tom, one of the owners greeted us with a chilled white wine. What a difference! The Pool and Palm Cottages form a compound. They are in back of the offices of the "Bravos Boyz", Kevin and Tom, who are renovating houses on the island and are doing a spectacular job. They own the home, The Overlook, which is just above the Cottages and can be rented as well.
Here's a link to my photos on Picasa:
http://picasaweb.google.com/maggiwun/Vieques2007
or, to my blog at:
http://maggiwun.blogspot.com/
The second villa that was so wonderful was called the Pool Cottage. Tom, one of the owners greeted us with a chilled white wine. What a difference! The Pool and Palm Cottages form a compound. They are in back of the offices of the "Bravos Boyz", Kevin and Tom, who are renovating houses on the island and are doing a spectacular job. They own the home, The Overlook, which is just above the Cottages and can be rented as well.
Here's a link to my photos on Picasa:
http://picasaweb.google.com/maggiwun/Vieques2007
or, to my blog at:
http://maggiwun.blogspot.com/
Aug 18th, 2007, 04:18 AM
#29
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A final note: Since I sent a link to the photos and my blog to a few people on Vieques I have received several emails from the rental manager of Las Piedras profusely apologizing for its condition. Apparently the photos will be used as evidence to the absentee owner that the house should no longer be rented until major repairs are done.
Aug 19th, 2007, 04:23 AM
#30
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Maggi, Great report. I'm glad you had a good time, and it turned out for the best. When I was thinking of taking the family to Vieques a couple years ago, I looked at Los Piedros. Wow, that looked terrible. Also, I think the Tom and Kevin you mentioned are the same great gentlemen that were managing a house we rented a few years back. Two very friendly guys.
