1. The plane touches down in Puerto Rico and the majority of the passengers begin to spontaneously applaud. This may happen when you arrive in other countries, but I have not experienced it elsewhere
2. Within 10 seconds of leaving the airport you hear some driver blowing his horn for no apparent reason. After a day or so, the car horn beeping will become background noise.
3. Whether you are driving a rental car or you are in a taxi, you are amazed at the lack of use of the turn signal. My theory is that the majority of Puerto Rican drivers disconnect the car horn, when they purchase a vehicle. It can be the only explanation for not using the turn signal.
4. You arrive at your hotel and wonder how on earth you didn’t have a car accident. Do not worry, this feeling will diminish the more times you drive here in Puerto Rico
5. The smell of the street vendor food drives you crazy. Give in to your temptation; it may not be the healthiest of foods, but Puerto Rican street food is delicious
6. You enter a restaurant and think that people must be arguing because the conversation volume is so loud. Don’t worry, a fight is not about to break out; this level of conversation is normal here. After a few days you will not notice it as much
7. The restaurant menu is in Spanish. If you are struggling; ask for the English version
8. You see ‘Mofongo’ on the menu and wonder what that could be. Don’t ask, just try it, it’s delicious. For those that want to know, it is mashed plantains with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings.
9. It’s early evening and you keep hearing ‘Koo Kee’, ‘Koo Kee’. You are not going mad; this sound comes from Puerto Rico’s unofficial mascot the ‘Coqui’ frog. It’s small in size, loud in volume. You will hear this sound all over the island during the night. Again, this is a sound that you will become accustomed to.
10. The week has flown by and you have to leave this beautiful island. This is normal, even though it appears that things happen slowly in Puerto Rico. If you are on vacation; the time fly’s by.
20 Responses
Wow I feel so lucky to have found your site. We just booked a 6 day 5 night trip in March. We just pulled Puerto Rico out of a hat and know nothing about it. 3 adults and 4 kids ages 10-13. What do you recomend that we do not miss. As a side note can we rent jet skiis and what are the restrictions if you know. Thanks Beth
Must sees (as you will find on my site):
Old san Juan – plenty to keep you busy there for a day – 2 forts, cathedral, squares, restaurants, museums.
El Yunque rainforest (45 mins from San Juan) – several trails to walk – couple lead to a waterfall where you can swim – get there early and then spend the afternoon at Luquillo beach
Bio bay tour from fajardo – not doen this, but I’ve heard and read that it is good
Day trip to Culebra or Vieques islands – much quieter than San Juan
Ponce on the south coast is nice and the drive is pretty also.
Camuy Caves and the Arecibo Observatory
Plenty of great restaurants and make sure you try the local ingredients.
You will be able to rent Jet Ski’s
Yum! I would say the food, as in Puerto Rican food, is the major attraction for me.
When i visit again, it will be ALL about the food. Arroz con Gandules, Veggie Pasteles, Yuca, Llame, Yautia. Hmmmmm. My mouth is watering thinking about it all.
I’m glad i found your blog.
Missy.
@Missy
I agree, the food here is excellent. Hope you make it back here sonn.
Very amusing! And true! lol
Made me nostalgic for my island…haven’t been back since 99. 🙁
I lived in Utuado, PR for one year. I loved the food the people. I was born and raised in North Carolina, so I was not used to spanish. I learned it well, can understand it better then I speak it. Loved the culture. One day I will return.
witch side of the street do you drive on in peurto rico?
Richard.
We drive on the right, te same as mainland USA.
Love your site…lots of great onfo. We will be down for a cruise in Nov. but we arrive early and depart later so we can explore. My husband is looking to eat whole roasted pig?
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the feedback on the site, really appreciate it.
Probably the best place on weekends for roast pig is Guavate.
You might find a restaurant in Old San Juan where you can get it also, but not 100% sure.
Other potential places are on the road side on the way to El Yunque (Route 3) or Pinones which is just east of Isla Verde (again roadside places). If no Lechon, they will have other great local food.
Hope you have a great trip here
Piñones.
That’s all. 😉
Ha! I just told some friends from Brazil about #1– they couldn’t believe it, but I assured them that the dozens of times I’ve landed at SJU, the clapping has ALWAYS occurred. Always.
Love Puerto Rico and love your site!
Hi Steve
Appreciate the feedback.
Forget about the turn signals; what about the drivers just drifting in and out of lanes and ALWAYS passing on the right? It’s like the left lanes were reserved for slower cars in PR. LOL!
Yup, it can be a challenge here
Most of what you said could also describe NYC. Especially the part about the horns. I never understood why people feel the need to lay on their car horns.
I have been traveling there for 10 days every January for 10 years now. My Aunt is a professor at the College and has been for 35 years so in those 10 years of visiting i’ve seen so much and there’s so much more to see. I can’t say enough about the people that live in Rincon They are so friendly. I’m against commercialized places and Rincon is so laid back that IT’S THE SPOT to be. I took my 15 year old Twins there for the first time in 2009 and I did not feel like I had to watch over them so close. VERY SAFE There are atleast 5 beaches to snorkle, swim and sun bathe Easy to drive around , the plces to stay are nice and cheap too, Stay at a local cottage and get the real feeling of Puert Rico living without the worry. Want more opinion from me ema il me jilldoe420@yahoo.com I have another trip planned for April can’t wait to go
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the
blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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