Pretty Puerto Rico - Island in the Sun

If you're like me, you may have forgotten that Puerto Rico has strong ties to the United States. It is a self-governing commonwealth and recognizes the President of the USA as its chief of state, but has its own Governor. Both Spanish and English are official languages on this island, but Spanish is the most often heard of the two. Having said that, Puerto Rico is far enough removed from the mainland of the U.S. to give you a slight international buzz when traveling there.

Travelers to Puerto Rico often fly into San Juan. The Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is actually about 9 miles or so from San Juan. The airport itself is not difficult to navigate. After collecting your baggage, head for the exit doors. Should you require a taxi, then that is best arranged before you leave the baggage claim area. Check with the attendants before you leave the exit door and they will make arrangements. The attendants will want to know how many passengers and bags and where you're headed. Rates are determined by 3 zones within the City and the number of suitcases you've brought. Taxis are pretty reliable and public transportation is available.

When considering a rental car it might be good to bear in mind that there are an abundance of vehicles and lone drivers in San Juan. Rental cars are available at the airport and at off-site locations. However, traffic is generally heavy within the San Juan area, streets are narrow and locating a parking spot can be nerve-wracking. Road signs are typically in Spanish. In addition, it can be disconcerting to encounter a police vehicle. They always drive with their blue lights flashing. However, if they are in pursuit of someone then they turn their sirens on and their lights flash more quickly.

Public transportation in the San Juan area includes tourist buses and trolleys. For some reason, due to it being an election year, the public (tourist) buses are free until December 25, 2008. Tourist trolleys are free but there is no tour guide to direct you. You just hop on and hop off at different stops throughout Old San Juan. It can save you some walking.

There's quite a bit to see and do in the greater San Juan area. There are several UNESCO sites including the governor's residence La Forteleza, and Old San Juan. Visitor's can spend a great deal of time viewing both Fort San Felipe Del Morro (el Morro) and San Cristobal. Both fortresses are National Park Historic sites and open to the public. Purchasing a ticket at one fort allows you entrance to the other if you visit them on the same day.

Outside San Juan, the El Yunque National Forest provides respite from the crowded city. This forest is a United Nations Biosphere Reserve and rightfully so as is evidenced by the orchids, ferns, bromeliads, yagrumo trees and other prolific flora. There are many tours available from the San Juan area to the Forest. Some of the tours are for hikers and active people. The others are for those more inclined toward sedentary pursuits. There's something for everyone.

Further afield, places of interest include, Viques, with its Bioluminescent Bay and Guanica, a tropical dry forest that provides habitats for much of Puerto Rico's bird life. The Bay is best enjoyed on moonless nights in a kayak or canoe. Phosphorescent dinoflagellates in the water create blue green trails when stirred by jumping fish or swimming humans.

It takes more than a quick trip to Puerto Rico to take in all of the sights. Consideration should be given to the time of year when traveling. Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. Some flights may be more prone to being scratched due to bad weather during that season. Humidity can be high and therefore very taxing on the elderly and the young.