Puerto Rico: Island Paradise

Isla Verde is the one of most popular beaches near the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Tourits can enjoy the scent of salt water and are able to relax to get an unforgettable experience in this beach. If you love the beach, I recommend going to this one. It is advantageous to tourists because it is near many other attractions people such as yourself, the reader, might enjoy all over the metropolitan area. The beautiful ocean, the palm trees, the people, the environment, and many other things make this beach a great one to visit.

Isla Verde is located near some of the most high-end 5-star hotels in the metro area, which makes it a hot spot for tourits. One of these hotels is El Conquistador, a hotel in San Juan that is known for its very luxurious setting near the coastline. El Conquistador gives tourists an experience that is unlike any other in the Caribbean. If you choose to stay in a hotel in the metorpolitan area, Isla Verde beach is not far. I recommend to dedicate a day to visit this beach.

Isla Verde, being near San Juan, also makes it easier for those who are planning to visit the very popular Old San Juan. Old San Juan is a city that is filled with history and defines the dawn of the Puerto Rican culture. Also, if you are new to the island, Isla Verde is not far from the Luis Munoz Marin International Aiport, which is always a plus for newcomers. Some inexpensive shopping malls and grocery stores are near the airport, stop by to try some delicious local food. Whenever I return to Puerto Rico, this beach will be near the top of my To-Do List.

El Yunque National Forest, is located in northeastern quadrant of Puerto Rico. The rainforest is very diverse with for fans of exploring and hiking.The employees who work at the park offer tours around the rainforest. They offer a service where you rent an audio playing device and a recording describes facts about the forest and tells some of its history as you walk around. The rainforest includes caves, cool-looking trees, and wildlife that are unique to the island. El Yunque's very popular attraction is rivaled only by Old San Juan.

El Yunque is enviromentally friendly. Which means both children and families and welcomed. When visiting Puerto Rico with friends, suggest visiting El Yunque for a facinating experience. The atmosphere of nature makes you forget all about stress and other commodities we are all accustomed to. One element keep an eye for is its various creatures.

In Puerto Rico, you'll find many indigenous species such as the Puerto Rican parrot, the sharp-shinned hawk, and of course, the always popular Coqui frog. What is facinating about the Coqui frog is that it can be heard all over the island, no matter where you go. These creatures are surprisingly small judging by their loud singing in the night. If you ask any local, the Coqui frog is as native as the people who live in it. These frogs are truly a national treasure. When visiting Puerto Rico, DO NOT leave without exploring this magical rainforest.

Old San Juan, there is so much to say about this historic city that is hard knowing where to start. Old San Juan dates back to the old colonial years of Spanish Coquistadors. Originally founded by the first spanish Governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon, Old San Juan still retains much of its original architecture constructed all those centuries ago. This city contains many structures that form part of the history of this little island. Let's explore some of them.

One notable structure in Old San Juan that is a popular attraction to history enthusiaits and tourits alike is the fort San Felipe del Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro). This fort, still around today, was used to protect the island from invading colonies. A tour of the fortress is open to the public where you can learn much about the history of this old structure and how it was used in colonial times. This fortress is as much a treasure as it is symbol that represents Puerto Rico and its history to all who visit.

Another aspect that is intriguing to tourists are the streets of Old San Juan. The local government has taken necessary steps in preserving the buildings and keep them in top conditioned for its historic value. This old city has been a popular tourist attraction for many years, and what you can find inside are now stores with unforgettable Puerto Rican souvenirs for visitors. You may also find on the streets are some locals singing and playing typical island music to set the mood representing the facinating culture of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has their own share of Salsa artists, such as El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico. This orchestra is a great starting point to new comers of the Salsa genre. Salsa is one of my favorites genres of music. I find salsa to be synonymous with the hispanic culture, and thus, the small island of Puerto Rico. There is something about salsa that captures the magic of the tropical environment. This group has many great songs that can help set the mood such as "Mi Isla" (My Island) and "A Mi Me Gusta Mi Pueblo" (I Like My People). *see videos*

El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico is one of many talented salsa artists from Puerto Rico. This salsa-based orchestra is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group and the "most popular Salsa Group that has ever existed". The group is known all around the world and many famous salsa musicians and singers have spawned from El Gran Combo, such as Andy Montanez and Hector Lavoe. I recommend watching the two YouTube videos to get an idea of the Puerto Rican culture. If you visit Puerto Rico, and speak with a Boricua about favorite salsa artists, you can mention you have listened to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

The people and culture of Puerto Rico is beautifully displayed in the videos made for those songs. The local population feel very close to their island, and no matter where they live, their heart will always belong to their little island. Currently, there are many Puerto Ricans living in the United States, however, their place of origin connects them in unimaginable ways. They may come from different backgrounds, but are united under one people.This is true for all countries, but, the boricua, is unique.

Puerto Rico has many breath-taking plates at its disposal. One of which is this delicious plate-stewed rice with chicken. You can mix anything with rice and it will still taste really good. This plate is common in small business in Puerto Rico, you can find it anywhere you go. I suggest when going to the beach, find a nearby business, buy some stewed rice with chicken, and enjoy the clashing of the waves. This plate can also be used in get-togethers or as a casual meal during the day.

There is certainly something special about hispanic food. Stewed rice with chicken requires ingredients that can be found in your local food market. The different spices and ingredients, such as Adobo, used to mix with the food creates a unique taste only found in Puerto Rican homes. I am certainly thinking of bringing stewed rice with chicken to lunch every week as a reminder of the island's culture. If you visit Puerto Rico and have never tasted native food, try starting with this amazing plate.

Puerto Rico is also home to many other great plates. However, this was a delicacy that stood out on my trip to Puerto Rico. If you visit Puerto Rico, try this plate or many others you may find interesting. There are many activities to do in this little island. This post will be the first of many to come about my trip to Puerto Rico: The Island of Enchantment.