Category Archives: Tropical

Aibonito Festival de las Flores


Me and a HUGE bromeliad

This week we decided to check out the Aibonito Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival) with a friend. We have wanted to check out this festival for a long time, but Aibonito is a looong way from Rincon as it turns out (about 2 1/2 hour drive). We went the south way through Ponce and then through a panoramic route through the mountains to reach it. Since we came during the week it wasn’t too crowded and we found free parking close to the festival. The entrance charge was $6 per person. We bought quite a few flowers, though I was expecting a lot more crazy and exotic plants. Maybe it’s because I am a plant person, but there wasn’t too much that I haven’t already seen. I would say it was worth it to go at least once if you haven’t seen it before!

The flowers we were most interested in: Gingers and Heliconias


We got some of these cool varieties


These carnivorous plants are so cool


Hanging out under the shade


Quite a few booths and vendors


Nice bridge and pond in the permanent Festival area


Cool Aibonito sign -Aibonito supposedly was named that when someone arrived and said “Ay, que bonito” or “Oh, wow, how pretty!”


Lots of orchids!


Live music and carnival rides. The Gran Combo is coming to play on Sunday which is a big deal! Also check out how much harder this area of the island was hit by Maria -the trees are still stripped of leaves!


Some music of El Gran Combo


The drive to Aibonito is spectacular!


On the way back we stopped at the Holiday Inn in Ponce for dinner.

Overall, it was an exhausting yet fun day and now we have a bunch of plant starts to get in the ground!

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Random Growth and Update


In the jungle of our yard, growing and growing!

We have been pretty busy lately with doctor appointments for the baby, making a space for him in our cabin, keeping up with the landscaping (Britton has been having to pull a lot of weight, and I have been putting a lot on -haha), Farmer’s Markets and cabana rental activities amongst all the other various things we have to do to keep all the balls in the air (lawn mower repair, car repairs, house maintenance, shopping, etc). Here’s a little glimpse into some of our random life as it grows along.


Putting the crib together. A beautiful gift from a friend!


Snail hitched a ride to the farmer’s market


Some of our flowers and goods at the market


International Folk Dance night in Rincon was fun


These little geckos are everywhere. They have just become part of the background now


A walk through the tropic gardens


Plumeria in bloom smell so good!


Baby belly needed a rest


Croooaaak!


We hadn’t seen the inside of a hospital at all in many years of living here, and now seem to be getting a whole island tour! Mayaguez Medical Center


Britton and one of the friendliest souls in Rincon, Angel


Britton, turkeys and a cute back-up crib that was also a lovely gift


I actually use these scales that are everywhere in Puerto Rico. I also get my horoscope in Spanish! All for a peseta (quarter)


Dragonfly resting on the truck antenna after eating up the skeeters


A cool car and a cool spot by the water


A wild fruit we found growing by the quebrada that I learned is the delicious local named: pomarrosa blanca


Farm grown pomegranate isn’t as big, but is pretty juicy and good!


Fun girl’s night out (at the Goat house)


This guy is so funny! He dresses up as various comic characters and sells popcorn and other snacks around Rincon (that’s got to be hot!)


View from on high when we took a jaunt up the high hills of Rincon to Pico Atalaya to this abandoned property. It’s a steep trek on scary roads, but the vistas are amazing.

Well, that’s it for our little mish-mash of random life updates. You can also check out my latest baby bump update.

Oh and here’s a cute little song we made up one night at home: Enjoy.

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Playa Buye, Cabo Rojo

The other day we decided to take a spur of the moment day trip to Cabo Rojo to see Playa Buye, a favorite beach in Puerto Rico. We had heard of its splendid white sands and turquoise waters and couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves.


Playa Buye

This beach didn’t disappoint. The waters were calm, warm and serene and the beach was long and sandy. I loved the brightly painted houses and shops right on the water as well as some pretty cool graffiti art. This is a popular beach and it was summertime which means a lot more people. There were lots of stereos and people hanging out drinking from their coolers. I would recommend avoiding weekends in the summer if at all possible or you will be unlikely to find parking or a spot on the beach. Farther down the way near a little coconut cove it was much more peaceful and you could even see a fisherman wading out into the flat seas. I would love to try snorkeling there as well some time! The sun was intense, but it made for gorgeous photos. Check it out.


Britton at Buye

Me, my baby belly (check out the latest update) and a bunch of people with a boat pulling in


Graffiti Art. Now that would be quite the cockfight!


Hidden shady spot


Ran into our friends Daisy and Markus! So fun


Fisherman looks like he is standing on water!


Postcard perfect scenes!


More cool art


Classic Caribbean Scene!

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A Long Overdue Visit From Mom

It had been 3 and 1/2 years since I have seen my mom! Far too long! She came out for a visit and stayed in our little cabana for about a week. We crammed in a lot of activities and everyone was super worn out by the end of the week. But I am so glad I got to see her. The next time we see her she will get to meet her grandson and we are all so excited about that! Here are a few photos from our adventures.


Britton showing her some of the work we have done on the property since her last visit


Fun on the farm

Obligatory Rincon Lighthouse photo op stop! 



A trip to Crashboat in Aguadilla


New mural honoring recently deceased Harry the Pelican Whisperer 

Fun at Crashboat


Still climbing trees!


Short hike around the Sugar Mill Pier property


Overlooking the pier

Watched some pretty sunsets


Visited the hospital and doctor with our sonogram results


Went out to some chinchorros (but no drinking for this mama-to-be)


Checked out the Art Walk


Got some henna tattoos


Went to the beach (Domes)


And got a little too much sun

Especially after a super hot hike at Spanish Wall


Spanish Wall boulder


We are already missing this lady and can’t wait to see her again! Love you, Mom. Thanks for everything!

Rainbow over Anasco Bay

 

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