Three Kings Day

Puerto Rico celebrates Christmas, and also Three Kings Day.  Three Kings Day is actually the larger celebration, which commemorates when the Three Kings (or Three Wise Men) went to visit Jesus after his birth.  Children place grass by their beds, go to sleep, and wait to see what the Three Kings bring them in the morning.

On the Eve of Three Kings Day (January 5th) we went to the Isabela town square for their Three Kings Day celebration.

Excited/nervous to go to the Isabela town square for the first time! 

There were so many people already there that it took a really long time to find a parking spot.  The already small city streets had cars parked on one or both sides of them.  We finally found a parking spot we felt we could easily exit when we left, and parked.  

Entering the Isabela town square

According to google translate, and the invitation we saw- the show was supposed to start at 8:00, but didn't actually start until a little after 9:00.   So, we walked the square a few times to see everything.  There were many artisans selling wares, booths selling food (stuffed baked potatoes, pinchos, and more) and drinks (frappes, alcoholic beverages, and drinks in pineapples).

There were lots of people talking, eating, and milling around.  The town square has many trees and benches around it to sit and talk.  People were everywhere, and so were the festive Christmas lights.

We stopped and tried to listen to the presentation which was going on, but grew frustrated when we couldn't understand what was happening.  So, we walked the square again.  When we came back to our spot a man was speaking English to his son, and telling him what was going to happen.  So, we stayed in our spot since it was near the church.

The show began with a man and little girl talking about the Christmas story, and actors portraying the birth of Christ.  (That much we were able to understand!)

Then, the Three Kings appeared with their gifts on top of this building.  

Next, they appeared one at a time in the church windows.  Each had a special message to share with the kids and young at heart of Isabela.

After each of the Three Kings gave their messages, they all came out at the end together.

The night ended with fireworks above the church.

On Three Kings Day (January 6th) people in Puerto Rico get together with their families to celebrate, and it's a National Holiday- so Jake had the day off.

We went to the beach for lunch, and to relax for a bit.

Then, KC wanted to go back to the celebration to get a Three Kings Day figure to put out with our Christmas decorations.  So, we went back to the town square, and found this figurine.

Last, KC made Jake wait in line to take our picture with the Three Kings.  It isn't everyday you get a picture like this!  Our Christmas picture taking is now complete- we took pictures with Santa, and the Three Kings! :)

With our Christmas/Three Kings Day gift money (thanks parents! & thanks Pam and Tom for mailing it!) we bought a camera.  We're excited to have a "grown up" camera to take pictures with while here!

Over Vacation

Jake saved his vacation days, so he was able to have two weeks off at the end of the year.  Besides celebrating Christmas and New Year's, a few excursions, and adapting to life in Puerto Rico- this is how we spent the time.

-Jake Fixed Things

The ice maker

He kind of fixed his windshield wiper fluid problem...  We'll be ordering the part to really fix it soon.

 -Jake also put together a shelf for storage.  This is our combined "office/medicine cabinet".  Totally worth the $20.

-Beach Time 

-Sand Dunes Nearby

-Relaxing at Home & Celebrating Vacation Time!  

Guajataca Forest Reserve

On Friday we went to the Guajataca Forest Reserve.  The drive took us up through a mountainous area, which was so high we lost cell reception.  We read about the small road you had to drive up, and thought it wouldn't be that big of a deal as we had been on the Road to Hana in Hawaii last year.  Well, we were wrong.  This road was the narrowest road we have ever been on.

When you see this sign while driving, you start to get a little worried...

Our car made it up the narrow, windy road safely- with both our windows rolled down, and lots of honking! We encountered a few vehicles, and even a large truck, but we managed to make it to the forest reserve in one piece.

The view while driving up the road...

We parked the car, and took a look at the map.  Then, we started trekking up the paths.  The first place   we stopped was the observation deck which was the tallest point on the reserve (65 stories up).  We took in the views and drank some water.

Panoramic view from the observation deck

Next, we started the half hour hike to the wind caves.   Since we were in a mountainous area the altitude and humidity made for a sweaty hike.  The trails were a little narrower than the trails we've been on in Minnesota, but it was much more lush too.  

We were greeted by this sign.  Then, we saw the stairs we needed to go down, and debated whether it was worth the long flight of stairs.  

So many stairs...

Ultimately, we decided to trudge down the stairs and arrived at the cave.  We noticed a broken step, and heard something down there- so we decided not to go in.  This cave seemed a little less well cared for than another cave we visited on a previous trip.  Since there weren't many people out on the trails, we just enjoyed peering down into the cave before heading back up the trail.  Maybe next time we'll be a little more adventurous....

We took video of the descent back down the mountain.  We were happy to make it out without encountering another vehicle on the way down!

We knew we made it safely, when we saw this view at the end of the descent! 

One Month In!

We've been in Puerto Rico for one month today.  We've learned a lot, experienced a lot, and changed a lot!

-We're adjusting to "island time".  For two Type A personalities, this is a big adjustment.  Our expectations for our days have changed, and we're learning to go with the flow more.  (We both still have room to improve...)

-Shopping here is dramatically different from the states.  Since there are so many people on a small island, there are people everywhere.  Stores are very busy, and parking is scarce.  The stuff we find here is different than what we're used to, so we're doing what we can with what we find.  (Amazon Prime is a lifesaver!)

-Drivers in Puerto Rico are much more aggressive.  You need to be offensive, and learn the rules of the road.  Also, roads here are smaller, so you need to maneuver around tight areas!

-The people overall have been very welcoming and kind.  They try to communicate with our "Spanglish", and most do their best to help us.  We're thankful for the people we've met from the states, and the Puerto Ricans who have made us feel comfortable here.  Spanish is something we'll continue to improve upon to communicate more effectively.

-We've also learned that stuff is just stuff.  We only need so much, and most of what we had wasn't essential.  Our motto for 2015 is "Things don't make you happy."  The process of moving taught us to be content with what we have.

-The WEATHER is such a change from Minnesota.  (Sorry Minnesotans, we know you are bracing for a cold week!)  It is between 80-85 degrees every day here.  Since we live near the water, it is always warm.  We went from having four distinct seasons- to one...  Much of our clothes were overkill, and many are going back to Minnesota soon!

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve 2014

At the Post and Shop we found a Christmas/New Year's Eve present waiting for us!  Jake's mom and Tom sent our Christmas gift, but it took a little longer than expected to get here...

Our gift was full of games to play!  Also, KC hasn't seen A Christmas Story before, so we'll be watching that soon!

We spent the afternoon at the beach.  Then, we got ready to celebrate New Year's Eve.  We assumed (you know what assuming does) the places near our house would be hopping!  One of the place's websites even said they would have a band starting at 3:00.  So, we left around 7:00 and started driving the short distance...  Well, none of the places on the water were open, and most of the restaurants nearby were closed.  Thank goodness Desecheo was open!  It was packed!

We had a great dinner of mahi mahi, sweet plantains, and mamposteo (rice and beans).  Jake thinks it was his first time having rice and beans, but KNOWS it was his first time liking them! ;)  KC was happy to hear this since she loves rice and beans after being introduced to them while visiting her cousin in Belize a few years ago.

Our delicious meal

While driving home we saw a few fireworks, and heard many more throughout the night!

 New Year's Eve margaritas

New Year's Day 2015

We had a picnic lunch at the beach today, and spent the day there.  The ocean's waves were smaller this afternoon, so we were able to relax and enjoy our time in the water.  We spent a lot of time in the water swimming and the rest in the sun!  Then, we made a quick stop in the shady pool to cool off.  We're excited for our adventure to continue in 2015!