Al Dente
Al Dente is one of the loveliest places in the Old City, offering exquisite Italian cuisine in a colonial Spanish setting. This unpretentious restaurant has a decor that evokes a trattoria similar to those found in Palermo, Italy. One might sample the scallops on a bed of spinach, gnocchi with pesto, or well-seasoned calamari. The chef also makes his own desserts, including cheesecake, tiramisu and chocolate tortes. More
Ok, Abe's no hurricane. He is, rather, a fun local guide who happens to run some great tours in Vieques. What makes Abe so good? Start with his bad jokes, of which there are many, and of which at least one will probably make you laugh. Then there are his tours, of which there are also many, and which cover the best of Vieques Island's excellent snorkeling spots as well as its breathtaking natural wonder, the Bioluminescent Bay.
Abe and his son run a great operation, well organized, entertaining, and attentive to their customers' needs. I've taken his snorkeling tour to Cayo Afuera and his biobay tour, and would recommend both. Abe runs a tight ship; he doesn't stand for anything that will put his customers at risk, but as long as you follow his guidelines, you're pretty much assured a good time.
Until you hear his jokes.
Hello Abe! originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 19:44:44.
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Phew. Hurricane Earl strengthened to a Category 4 storm yesterday, but it also missed Puerto Rico, passing 110 miles northeast of San Juan. That's good news for us, and let's hope it stays clear of North Carolina as well.
As I've mentioned before, hurricane season doesn't mean you should avoid traveling to Puerto Rico. Sure, it's raining. Maybe even pouring. But the facts speak for themselves: the truth is, a major hurricane actually making land in Puerto Rico and causing extensive damage is rare. And even on those days when the weather keeps you indoors, there are ways to have fun on the island. Puerto Rico is still under a tropical storm warning, which means it could see winds of at 39 milers per hour or more. But it looks like Fiona, coming on the heels of Earl, will also pass us by.
If you're traveling to Puerto, make sure to check the National Weather Forecast before you go. But at least you don't have to worry about Earl.
Goodbye Earl! originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 08:27:49.
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September is a relatively quiet month in Puerto Rico: there's not much in the way of big celebrations or parties on the event calendar.
Unless you like fashion. Or WWE wrestling. Or Latin music. Or ancient Egypt. If any of that appeals to you, then there's a lot going on around the island. This is also a great month to be one of two patron saints: the Virgen de la Monserrate and Saint Michael Archangel are honored at towns around the island.
September Calendar originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 18:18:00.
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I've long been a fan of Puerto Rican coffee, and particularly of the Yaucono Select brand of joe. I first tasted this excellent brew two years ago, but had a hard time finding it outside of Puerto Rico. Thankfully, Yaucono now has an online store where you and I can order some Yaucono Select for ourselves.
I've made it an immediate add to my list of souvenirs you can buy in Puerto Rico ... even if you don't have to be in Puerto Rico to get it.
Oh, and the ladies? They're the ones who first introduced me to my favorite cup of Puerto Rican coffee.
Yaucono Goodness originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 17:30:02.
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How cool is this idea: you go on a wonderful Puerto Rican vacation (or you go back for a wonderful vacation). Then you come home and play Puerto Rico, the Game! The game allows you to take on one of several roles to help build the island's fortunes during colonial times. Want to be governor? Builder? Ship captain? Choose your destiny and see if you can make the island prosper enough to win.
The award-winning game looks like a blast; I've already added it to my Christmas list, but I may not be able to wait that long. :)
Puerto Rico, the Game originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 00:43:23.