Author Archive
Vieques Paddleboarding
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Vieques Paddleboarding invited about a dozen people who work in tourism to experience this new sport they are offering in Vieques. On December 6th, we paddled through the mangroves of Puerto Ferro Bay and then paddled to the mouth of the bay to snorkel. The mangroves were so beautiful and peaceful and the snorkeling was definitely some of the best I have done in Vieques. Thanks so much to Jorge and Aura, our guides.
Tofer who participated in the tour described his experience: “I am continuously amazed by the beauty of Vieques. I am most excited to learn that Vieques Paddleboarding’ s three-hour tour includes an intimate experience in the mangroves. Not enough of our VQS visitors make it to this magical place. This uniquely Vieques adventure made for a day to remember.”
They offer two tours to Puerto Ferro each day: 9:00 am to 12 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Phone. (787) 366-5202
Email. info@viequespaddleboarding.com
Between Ceramics and Glass
Posted by: | CommentsNew exhibition from the Green Leaf Pottery: Between Ceramics and Glass – Artwork by Erica Boulongne and Sara Cook
Catch this at the Fort Count Mirasol Museum, Vieques. At the well-attended opening on Saturday, November 19, we were also treated to a performance of traditional bomba music and dance.
My favorite fruits
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Papaya-banana smoothie in Kathy's backyard
Today I prepared a smoothie with ripe papayas and bananas. Of course, I added some honey, mint and vanilla to make it extra special and oh, how yummie it was. I got the fruit at the Placita Reyes market. This open air market can be found Tuesdays and Wednesdays near the intersection of Routes 200 and 201.
Restaurant Al Fogón
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Fresh fried fish
I would like to spread the word about Al Fogón, a great new restaurant just outside of Isabel II in Vieques. Last night I dined there and ate a delicious fried fish with perfectly seasoned rice and beans and tostones (fried plaintains). Al Fogón is located in the building that used house the restaurant Topacio. It is not far from the town plaza: just head towards Santa Maria and it is on the left after the first small bridge. The owners are Hilcia Guadalupe and Yabureibo Zenon – a young couple well-known for leading many good causes in Vieques. Now they turn their efforts to the “good cause” of providing culinary delights to residents and tourists of Vieques. Oh – did I say?…the prices are very reasonable.
Guests Angel and Carmin dining at Al Fogon
Senor Suerte (lucky cat)
Posted by: | CommentsToday I found a home for the kitten that has been living for about 2 months in my driveway and more recently on my balcony. I did not want to keep another cat because I already have two cats and a dog.
This kitten was special (aren’t they all). He must have been domesticated before he came to my property because he was very affectionate and calm (despite the fact that Luvy chased him all over the yard). One day he was missing and I thought Luvy (my dog) must have done him in. But he survived and came back the next day.
I also must confess that I took him to the Humane Society yesterday to surrender him. But when I found out that they would have had to put him to sleep, I decided to take him back to my house. (There was absolutely no room for any more cats.) I appreciate very much the assistance I received from Aleda and Sheila at the Humane Society. They helped me work through the dilemma I faced trying to decide whether to leave him or not.
On the way there and back to my house, I stopped in stores and people passing by on the street trying to find him a home. No luck… so I brought him to my home again. No luck… until today when Mamen Ventura came to do some repairs at my house. I casually mentioned the kitten that was sitting watching us work. And he said, “yes, I’ll take him home, we need a cat at my house.”
When he put the cat in his car, he jumped out. But Mamen scooped him up again. As he was driving away, I yelled you should name that cat, Senor Suerte (Mr. Luck). Now I am missing that cat but so very happy that he will be cared for.
Hope your day as nice as mine.
Kathy
Award-winning documentary about Vieques
Posted by: | CommentsThis award-winning documentary film demonstrates part of the peaceful resistance movement against the bombing practices of the U.S. Navy in Vieques, a sister island of Puerto Rico, after two bombs negligently killed David Sanes, a Viequense civilian employee, on the 19th of April 1999. This work documents the story of a people’s struggle against the world’s most powerful armed forces. DVD is for sale at Casa de Kathy for $20.00.
Great underwater pics
Posted by: | CommentsThanks to recent guest Andy, from Maine, for these underwater photos. He and his two sons, Harry and Gregory, took the photos.
Engaged at Black Sand Beach
Posted by: | CommentsThanks to future bride Christina for this post:
“Scott and I both wanted to go to the black sand beach because we had never seen anything like that before! It was quite easy to find thanks to your map, with the exception of one wrong turn at the bridge. Scott had been swimming for the last 24 hours with the ring in a small pocket in his swim trunks. I think when he realized that we were all alone on the beach that he had found the right moment. I was completely surprised to see him pull out a ring, and couldn’t believe he had been snorkeling with it in the ocean! I had thought that it might be nice to get engaged in Puerto Rico, but I had totally talked myself out of it because I couldn’t fathom how he would figure it all out logistically!”
P.S. from Kathy: Scott mailed the ring to me so it would arrive one day before they arrived. What a super organized guy.
Hurricane Earl Skims by Vieques
Posted by: | CommentsOn Monday night and Tuesday during the day (August 30 & 31), Hurricane Earl passed about 100 miles to the north of Vieques. While it was blowing about 135 miles per hour in its center, it brought only tropical storm force winds ( about 40-50 mph) and some rain to Vieques. Not much damage was done, although a few trees and lots of branches came down. One problem was the loss of water and electricity for a while. One sailboat (“Asante” – about 45 feet long) was pushed up on the shore of the beach in Esperanza. It took the rescue company two days to get it out because it was sitting in less than 3 feet of water. I went beach combing today on Sun Bay and saw lots of shells, sea sponges and sea fans, a crab, a baby conch (which I through back in the water), and the normal trash that gets brought in with a storm. Tonight Tropical Storm Fiona will pass us by far to the north and we are hoping for sunnier days this labor day weekend.
My first mango of the season
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I was walking home from snorkeling in Esperanza today and picked up three mangoes from the road. When I took the first delicious bite from my first mango of this season, I was swept with joy and anticipation of what is to come. I look forward to the dozens of mangoes I will eat this summer. Vieques has many varieties. I prefer the ones that are not stringy. When they are so plentiful, we can afford to be picky! Hope you have some mangoes while you are visiting.
