I was enticed to visit Puerto Rico for my friend's wedding, proximity to the beach and yoga. Tiffany mentioned the beachside yoga factor multiple times. The first morning, I woke up a little late. Keep in mind, we checked into the rental at 3:30 am. I felt fortunate to have woke up at 8:45 am. I went outside thinking I would be the first one up and Anne was already lounging at the pool. That girl is a machine. Later to bed and first person up.
At any rate, I knew that Tuesday was not an option to attend the class. We would not have enough time to walk down to the class so, mentally, I chose to attend the yoga class on Wednesday morning. Tuesday was full of errands and some tasks that were associated with the wedding. We had a prearranged dinner on the other side of Rincon. It was a lovely spot. I tried to go one and one with Anne on the wine factor and found out, quickly, that I could not match her.
Wednesday morning I woke up and made coffee. I went outside and again, Anne was pool side. I mentioned walking down to the yoga class and we were off. The walk down the hill was interesting and challenging. I was feeling the effects of the previous evening. We arrived, signed into the class and set up our mats. The setting was gorgeous. Under palm trees and being soothed by the sea. No music was required. Thankfully, it was a restorative class. I do not believe that I would have fared well had it been physically challenging. I was having difficulty in the restorative class. I was tired. Afterwards, we dined at a spot next door that offered breakfast and mimosas. I opted out of the mimosa factor and focused on my huevos rancheros. I can always rehydrate with salsa, eggs and black beans. I wasn't quite ready to begin day drinking.
We walked back up the hill (not as bad for me this time) and met with Tiffany to see how the day would play out. We had a few tasks and needed a vehicle to get to and from places. Dan's parents had a vehicle which accommodated them. Tiffany's parents did not have a car nor did we. Her brother offered to rent a car to help shuttle everyone around which helped. However, actually getting the rental was challenging. There was one agent and she was at the hospital checking on her mom. She called in the afternoon to say that she would be able to meet with us for an hour. So, we were trying to ease the situation and make use of the vehicle when needed. Dan's parents offered to let us use their car while they were dining and would not need it. We walked down to the restaurant as it seemed easier to do that than wait for them to finish. We began our walk down and it was the three of us ladies. I was walking on the street while Tiffany and Anne were on the sidewalk. A car slowly approached us from behind. I remember thinking--what is this guy doing as his pace had decreased. I look over as he passes us. Well, let's just say he was bushwhacking as I learned the term to be after the fact. He did two additional drives around us trying to shock us with his behavior. And, it was shocking. I was surprised at my reaction. I wasn't as horrified as Anne. She wanted to call the police to report him. I suppose since I have experienced this exhibitionism in other countries, I wasn't as mortified. Then, I thought, this is sad that in some ways it is acceptable behavior. It absolutely should not be! The guy was a sex offender, for sure. I was just not that surprised to have been exposed to it.
That was our story of the day and we kept it under wraps to Tiffany's parents. We did not want to add to their negative perception of Puerto Rico. And, honestly, this could have happened anywhere. It is not specific to Rincon.
The remainder of the day we did errands and relocated to our new rental. Our dinner that night had been hosted by Dan's parents. It was awesome. We arrived and maneuvered to an outdoor area that had been set up for us. Cocktail hour before being seated and enjoying a three course meal. So much food and it was delicious!
The next morning, I woke up, ready to greet the day. I knew that Anne and Tiffany would be having their hair done and I could or could not join them was the original plan. As it became closer to leaving, Tiffany asked me to hang back and manage the bar, charcuterie and set up for the party. I was more than happy to do it and in hindsight, thankful, to not have joined them at the salon. They were there the entire day! I would have been chomping at the bit to return to the beach. And, we would have arrived with fifteen minutes to set everything up which would have made me crazy!
The ceremony was short and beautiful. Truly, I was happy to be part of their celebration. So loving and relaxing. Anne's husband was our chef and I maintained the bar. It was wonderful.
My final day in Rincon was melancholy. I was the first person to depart and not prepared to do just that. I walked on the beach, enjoyed a lengthy lunch and watched basketball before departing for the Aguadilla airport. Tiffany had offered to escort me back to the airport but I felt capable in arranging my own ride. Plus, they had already done so much for me. I wanted to do something myself.
My return flight home was long and painful. I was upgraded to first class on the first leg of the trip. I spent this sleeping and not indulging in any of the upgrades. The additional space to sleep was great. I arrived in Newark and slept another few hours on the floor. Not ideal but it worked. Our flight to Denver was delayed and so I waited to board and hoped that it would be quick and painless. I finally returned to Denver and took a shower and nap. I needed it and was extremely thankful to be home.
I am sure there are many details that I overlooked. All, in all, in Rincon, they have water and electricity. We did experience a power outage, briefly, a few of the days. Tap water was accessible and useable. It is an island and the water was not steaming hot like in the mainland. I have experienced this in other countries/islands. I saw only one city in Puerto Rico and know there is devastation in San Juan and other areas of the island. I will return to explore more of it and support their economy. I think in July might occur.
I am off to greet the day. I have a training session and a sushi date! Life is grand~
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