Now I need some Help; Puerto Rico what to see?

Hello,

How about visiting El Yunque National Forest. 🙂

--Islander

If you're a science geek like us, I'd vote for taking a trip out to the radio telescope at Arecibo (it's the largest single dish radio telescope in the world and was featured in the movie "Contact"). We've been told Arecibo is about a 90 minute drive east from San Juan/Santurce and that the scenery out near the observatory is beautiful.

We plan to make this trip one day -- have wanted to ever since we started participating in the SETI AT HOME project (in which individuals from all over the world donate down time on their home computer to scan data packets collected from radio telescopes for potential signs of intelligent radio communications). Virtually all of the data packets we've downloaded were collected at Arecibo.

You can find a 2005 calendar of events for the Arecibo observatory at:

http://www.naic.edu/science/calendar/eventcal.htm

GeekCrip

If you have the chance, go to Vieques to the bioluminescent bay (Mosquito Bay). You kayak in with a group, can get in the water and make "angels". Stars above, all around you glows, truly a magical experience. I know there's a bay on Puerto Rico as well but Vieques is superior. It's a ferry ride from Fajardo or a plane trip from San Juan or Fajardo. Staying in Esperanza is inexpensive and a trip back in time. Hope you consider this!

there's a hotel about 10 minutes from the ports called either Hotel Manhattan or Hotel New York...right on the beach, just outside Old San Juan...mind you, its a gay resort, but they have a great outdoor bar that plays dance music all the time. friendly people, great drinks, nice hang out

Interesting you're going to Purto Rico. When I came to STT to look around at the possibility of starting a business, I was advised by several residents to consider Puerto Rico. Several of them had lived in Puerto Rico before, and had moved. Unfortunately, many of them were dissappointed, as were you. Puerto Rico, they felt, had many of the things they didn't find in STT. Better wages, better services, generally better opportunities, an interesting cultural component, easier air service to the mainland, and still the great weather, good beaches, an island lifestyle and part of the US.

For me, STT just proved too small; I think that Puerto Rico might be the answer, with weekend trips to STT. Of course, as with you, the museums and hightened beat of New York will be missed, but at least from Puerto Rico it is much easier and faster to go for three days and get that New York fix.

Aventuras Tierra Adentro (sp?) in El Yunque is a fantastic trip! Highly recommend it!

Eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in San Juan. I LOVE that place!

What's the name of the hotel in San Juan, right dwn the street from Ruth's Chris, that has that huge chandelier in the lobby? Is that ESJ Towers? Whichever one it is, check that out on a Friday or Saturday nite. Great place.

Hello Gasp,

Have you decided what to do while visiting Puerto Rico for the weekend? With these suggestions I think you need more then a weekend. Enjoy!!

--Islander

yes! now i have to sort through all the stuff to do and figure out a plan. thanks everyone!

Gasp--

If you haven't already reserved a room, consider La Galleria San Juan. It is on the charming, quirky end of hotels---not a Sheraton/Westin. The owner is an artist and her B & B is decorated with her art and her beloved parrots. Very nice people and I don't thiink you two would be disappointed. If cost is a concern, call them because they frequently will negotiate discounts for island neighbors. website: http://www.thegalleryinn.com/

For a real borinquen lunch experience I would suggest "El Jibarito" in Old San Juan. Great food and atmosphere.

Lastly, walk through all the streets and alleys of Old San Juan, many small stores with great stuff.

Have fun!