Discovering Puerto Rico » Puerto Rico

Hurricane Irene in Puerto Rico: The Aftermath

Coqui — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:46:04 +0000

I know I know, before you head for the comments; Hurricane Irene was actually Tropical Storm Irene when it made landfall in Puerto Rico. But Irene was still packing 70mph winds (just 5mph short of Category 1 Hurricane) and it did in fact become a Category 1 Hurricane as it was leaving Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Irene’s path seemed to shift considerably during Sunday with it eventually making landfall along the south east coast near Punta Santiago in the early hours of Monday morning. The wind brought down power lines leading to power outages across a large section of the island (estimates of around 1 million people without power initially). Houses were left without running water and the plantain and banana crops of the south east were badly hit (loses currently estimated at around $17M)

Even though Hurricane Irene was now off the coast of Puerto Rico, she was not down with the island. All day Monday it rained and it continued to rain on Tuesday, in fact Tuesday was just a crazy day. There were huge thunderstorms packing winds of 40-60mph, tornado watches and warnings, flash flood warnings and it just kept on raining. Some estimates put the rainfall at over 20 inches since Hurricane Irene swept across the island.

Thankfully for myself we only lost power for around 16 hours (fortunately, we had moved to my wife’s parents for the night as they have a generator). At daybreak we found a few trees down in the area and roads covered in tree branches, but nothing major. Others around the island were not so lucky; with roads closed, landslides, sink holes, rivers flooding not to mention no electricity and water. The areas on the east coast and central regions appear to have been badly hit by the storm.

Check out the following videos from El Nuevo Dias to get a sense of the damage and disruption that Hurricane Irene has had on Puerto Rico, and spare a thought or two for the people of the Bahamas and the East Coast USA who will also feel the wrath of Irene.

El Nuevo Dia Video 1

Video 2

And in pictures, check out these photo galleries from El Nuevo Dias
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gallery 3

The rains have now subsided (Thursday) and normality is returning, but for some the storms legacy will linger for a long time as families and communities work together to get back to normal.

Photos:
Satellite image by NHC
Fallen tree by @lbenitez

History of Puerto Rico Earthquakes

Coqui — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:21:05 +0000

The tragedy that is currently unfolding in Haiti from the recent devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake got me thinking about earthquakes here in Puerto Rico. The image above represents the earthquake activity for the past seven days here in Puerto Rico (roughly Jan 8 – 15, 2010) as you can see there are quite a few recorded; in fact the Puerto Rico Seismic Network has registered around 80 earthquake tremors in the first 15 days of 2010. Thankfully, for Puerto Rico these are usually on the lower end of the scale, but people do feel them around the island. In fact since being here I have actually felt two earthquakes, one of which was the 7.4 magnitude Martinique earthquake back in November 2007.

So what about major earthquakes in Puerto Rico?

According to the U.S Geological Survey there have been FOUR strong earthquakes that have affected Puerto Rico since it was first colonized: 1670, 1787, 1867, and 1918.

October 11, 1918 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This is the most recent earthquake to hit the island of Puerto Rico. The 7.5 quake was located northwest of Aguadilla in the Mona Canyon (between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic) creating a tsunami that produced waves up to 19.5 feet (6m) high. Reports indicate that the sea withdrew exposing never before seen reefs and ocean floor before the tsunami hit.

Areas around the western area were damaged and records show 116 people were killed. Two towns on the west coast Aguada and Anasco and were badly affected by this earthquake. In Aguada brick buildings were mostly destroyed (those that survived the initial quake were subsequently destroyed by the aftershock on October 24). The towns church built in 1876 was totally destroyed. It was a similar scenario in Aguada. In total the earthquake caused $4M worth of damage and the loss of 116 lives

See here for a more detailed account and view more images here

November 18, 1867 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This earthquake hit 20 days after the island was hit by Hurricane San Narciso (flooding from this hurricane left 211 people dead). The earthquakes epicenter was located on the east coast in the Anegada Passage (between Puerto Rico and St Croix). This quake also produced a tsunami that flooded low lying areas around the coast near Yabucoa. Reports indicated that just before the tsunami hit the sea withdrew up to 150 meters before the waves returned and flooding the surrounding areas. The eastern part of the island suffered the major damage from this earthquake with the church in Fajardo being completely destroyed and in Guayama the church was badly damaged.

May 2, 1787 – 8.0 magnitude (Richter Scale)

Records on this earthquake appear to be limited, with the epicenter reported to be to the north in the Puerto Rico Trench. The whole island felt this earthquake that resulted in damage around the island, including El Morro and San Cristobel forts. Other buildings destroyed or damaged included: Arecibo church, El Rosario and La Concepcion monasteries and churches in Bayamon, Toa Baja and Mayaguez.

1670 – Magnitude Unknown

Information on this earthquake is extremely limited but it did cause significant damage around the San German area in the west coast of Puerto Rico.

As I sit writing this, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Haiti that has been affected by the Jan 12, 2010 earthquake.

Resources: United States Geological Survey, Puerto Rico Seismic Network (main image), wiki (1918 quake image)

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Discriminates Against Island Residents

Coqui — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:22:03 +0000

BIG THRILL SMALL BILL is the latest offer from The Puerto Rico Tourism Company. It is valid on bookings made between May 1 and June 30, 3009 for stays between May 1 and December 20, 2009.

First of all let me say that if you are a USA resident, then the ‘Big Thrill Small Bill’ vacation deal being offered by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company is pretty awesome (4th night FREE, $200 instant discount, $100 credit card for use in Puerto Rico and a book of discount tickets).

UNFORTUNATELY this offer is NOT available for any one currently living in Puerto Rico.

OK, no big deal you may think as it is meant to be a tourism offer after all; a way to attract people to the island. Well if that is the case then:

1. Why is it only available to USA residents. Surely the island needs to attract visitors from other countries (especially Europe).

2. Does the Puerto Rico Tourism Company think that local residents do not take vacations.

In the current economic situation that the island is facing, many Puerto Rican families and residents are probably contemplating vacationing on the island more now, than ever before. But give me one good reason why a local family should plan to stay at a local hotel, when they will be charged more than $400 more, than a family traveling from the USA.

This is how it roughly breaks down (obviously prices will vary depending on the hotel)

So lets say the room rate $150 per night

Total for 4 nights is $600

USA Residents:
Free 4th night ($150)
$200.00 credit given at booking time
$100 Gift card (can be used for anything here in Puerto Rico), given at check-in.

That’s $450 in savings.

Taking into account all of these discounts and offers the USA family will actually be paying $150 for a 4 night stay at a participating hotel in Puerto Rico (and there are plenty of hotels to choose from; Major Chain Hotels as well as the Small Inns & Hotels of Puerto Rico).

Puerto Rico Resident
No Credits or discounts
Cost is $600

This works out to be $450 more for the Puerto Rican family / resident.

Why should I have to pay $450 more for the same room, just because I already live on the island

Is that FAIR?

Please let me know what you think in the comments below.

Note: I did contact the PRTC about this offer, but as of the time of writing I had not received a reply

For those USA residents out there, the Big Thrill Small Bill offer can be purchased through the following sites Cheap Caribbean, Classic Vacations, Expedia, Libgo, Orbitz, Pleasant Holidays, Travel Impressions & Travelocity. If you prefer to stay in one of Puerto Rico’s smaller hotels, then you will need to book the offer directly with them. For more information on the Big Thrill Small Bill offer, as well as a list of the Small Inns & Hotels that are participating see here.

Update May 27, 2009
I received this reply from the PRTC
‘Thank you for taking the time to express your concern in regards to the Big Thrill, Small Bill offer.

It is customary of all travel destinations to offer exclusive vacation packages customized to each market’s needs and tastes so as to stimulate the demand for travel to the destination. This is a standard practice within the hospitality industry and not an exclusive practice of either PRTC or the Puerto Rico hospitality industry.

Many local hotels promote and advertise a variety of offers and packages for local residents which aim to promote tourism within the island. These offers are marketed by each property individually and valid only for Puerto Rico residents. Many of these packages are published in local Sunday’s newspapers within the travel section and many include meal plan or stay-an- x amount-of-nights-get-one-free-offers. There are also various Paradores offers which are geared towards the local market exclusively.

PRTC also promotes Puerto Rico in Europe and Latin America and the travel offers and specials which the Company utilizes as marketing tools are used exclusively for these international markets. The specifications of the promotional packages vary between these two markets and many times from country to country as to appeal to each particular segment of the population.

Once again I thank you for your time and for allowing PRTC to answer your concerns’

Sincerely,

Marta S. Albanese Bras
Public Relations
Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Photo Resource: xctmx

Virgin Atlantic Direct Flights London to Puerto Rico

Coqui — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:29:07 +0000

For any one considering traveling from the UK to Puerto Rico (or Puerto Rico to the UK), you currently have 2 main options:

1. Fly Puerto Rico to the USA, then USA to United Kingdom (several major airlines offer this)
2. Fly Puerto Rico to Madrid, then Madrid to United Kingdom (Iberia offer this route)

From Nov 2009 (at least for the winter season) that will not be the case; there is going to be a third option. Virgin Atlantic will start weekly flights from London Gatwick (airport code LGW) to San Juan, Puerto Rico (airport code SJU). The flights will operate via Antigua, so they are not direct in the true sense of the word, but if the price is competitive, then it will be a great option for UK travelers or Puerto Rico travelers wanting to visit the UK.

Currently flights are scheduled to start around November 7 and will operate every Saturday during the winter season. Flights will leave London Gatwick around 9:25am, with the return flight from San Juan departing around 6:35pm. Flights will be with one of Virgin Atlantics Boeing 747’s that are configured for: 14 Upper Class, 58 Premium Economy and 379 Economy seats

As of writing this, the new schedule to Puerto Rico has not been added to the online site.

2009 Hurricane Season Predictions

Coqui — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:23:05 +0000

The hurricane forecast team from the Colorado State University is predicting that the 2009 Hurricane Season will be an average one. The latest predictions from team call for 12 named storms of which 6 are forecast to be hurricanes, with 2 of these forecast to be major hurricane of category 3 or higher.

The team from the Colorado State University base there findings on ‘a weak El Nino maritime temperature fluctuation, along with an unusual cooling of tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures it observed in recent months’

Additionally the team are predicting a 31 percent chance that the US Gulf Coast, between Florida and Texas by a major hurricane with an average major hurricane landfall risk in the Caribbean.

The 2009 Hurricane Season runs from 1 June to 30 November and you will be able to track any hurricanes in the Caribbean on our weather page.

For more detailed information, check out the Tropical Meteorology Project at the Colorado State Univesity

Photo Resource: NASA

Puerto Rico Quarter

Coqui — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:25:01 +0000

The new Puerto Rico Quarter will be available at banks tomorrow, Monday March 30, 2009.

On Thursday April 2, United States Mint Director Ed Moy will be at the La Arcada in Paseo La Princesa, San Juan, to perform the official launch of the Puerto Rico Quarter. The new Governor, Luis Fortuno and his wife, First Lady Luce Vela Gutierrez will also be attending the ceremony, and children under 18 will receive a FREE Puerto Rico Quarter. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 11am.

As you can see from the image, the back of the new quarter features an historic sentry box and a hibiscus flower with the inscriptions, PUERTO RICO and Isla del Encanto. The sentry box and walls that are depicted on the quarter are probably one of the most recognized symbols of Puerto Rico and highlight the islands strength and rich heritage . The design was originally commissioned by the past Govenor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá.

So, if you are in Old San Juan on Thursday April 2, head down to La Arcada in Paseo La Princesa at 11am and enjoy the celebration commemorating the launch of Puerto Rico’s very own quarter.

What: Puerto Rico Quarter
When: Official launch April 2, 2009 at 11am
Where: La Arcada in the Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan

Image Resorce: US Mint

Bio Bay Moon Phase Calendar for 2009

Coqui — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:42:59 +0000

The Bio Bay Moon Phase Calendar has been updated for 2009, so if you are planning on checking out one of the three Bio Bays here in Puerto Rico, make sure you arrange the dates to correspond to the best nights to go.

As a quick summary, the following dates will NOT be good for visiting the bio bays (you should contact one of the bio bay tour operators to confirm the dates when they will not operate):

March 7-11
April 4-10
May 4-9
June 3-7
July 1-7
August 1-5
September 1-4 and 29-30
October1-4 and 28-31
November 1-2 and 28-30
December 1-2 and 28-31

Note: Reputable Bio Bay tour operates will not operate a tour on nights when the moon phase is bad for seeing the bio bays.

You can find the full Bio Bay Moon Calendar here.

Related posts:
What Will the Weather be Like in Puerto Rico

Fee Free Weekends at Old San Juan Forts

Patron Saint Festivals in Puerto Rico

Local Culebra Resident Joins Bloggers to Launch TrainforHumanity.org Humanitarian Initiative

Coqui — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:05:01 +0000

A good friend of mine Mark Hayward who owns the Palmetto Guesthouse over on Culebra has got together with a few of his online friends with the vision to make a difference in the world. Together these bloggers have created and founded the non-profit Train for Humanity, which is an online humanitarian awareness and fundraising organization

The aim of Train for Humanity is ‘to utilize the web, social media, and blogging, in tandem with athletes in training, to support organizations that help prevent suffering and alleviate the pain of children, orphans, and refugees who have been displaced due to genocide or internal strife and war within their country.’

The 3 pilot project athletes are Mark Hayward, Dan Clements, and Leo Babauta. Each of them is hoping to raise awareness for the current crisis in Darfur and funds for the organization Darfur Peace and Development. All three are currently in training for endurance events ranging from marathons to triathlons and would love you to sponsor them.

Over the past five years, 200,000 civilians have died due to violence, malnutrition, and disease in Darfur and an additional 2.2 million people have been displaced. They want to do something about it.

This may be a small step in the big scheme of things, but without small steps, we would never have made it to where we are now.

We all can make a difference, if we just put our minds to it.

If you would like to learn more, visit the Train for Humanity website and please consider sponsoring one of them or spreading the word.

Related posts:
Local and International Art Feature in April

Flamenco Beach Culebra

Puerto Rico The Local Food

San Juan New Bus Routes for Tourists and Locals

Coqui — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:20:57 +0000

There is not a lot of information about this currently, but the Secretary of State for Puerto Rico announced recently a new bus service that will integrate with the current public bus transportation system. The main purpose of the new service is to enhance the current bus routes and tie into underground train or subway route (ATI).

The new bus routes will service the beach areas and tourist areas of San Juan.

BEACH FRONT
Hybrid buses are set to pick-up passengers at the main train stations and the route will take in the beaches of in Isla Verde, Condado and Ocean Park

TOURIST ROUTE
This new service is scheduled to start on on August 11th, 2008. This will be a permanent route that will connect the San Juan tourist areas of Isla Verde, Santurce, Condado and Old San Juan. This will be excellent for people who want to vist the various areas with out having to rely on taxis.

Related posts:
Puerto Rico and Car Rental

Puerto Rico Events in June 2009

Old San Juan Wired and Free

Airline Luggage Surcharges

Coqui — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:34:53 +0000

With the cost of fuel rising daily, 3 of the major airline carriers that service Puerto Rico have decided to initiate a luggage surcharge for ALL checked bags.

United, American Airways and US Airways all require that passengers pay an additional $15 for the first piece of checked luggage and $25 for the second piece (this is per person). There are also extra charges depending on if your luggage is oversized and or over the weight limit.

The following are the effective dates and charges:

United
The luggage surcharge applies to Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Traveling on or after August 18, 2008 on an Economy ticket or Economy award ticket purchased on or after June 13, 2008, the first piece of luggage will cost $15
Tickets purchased after February 4, 2008 the second piece of luggage will cost you $25
Overweight charge – Over 50 lbs/23 kgs will cost $100 or $125 depending on when you purchased your ticket
Oversized charge (62-80 in) – $100 or $125 depending on when you purchased your ticket

See the United Airlines site for full details and exceptions to these charges.

American Airlines
The luggage surcharge applies to flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
$15 for the first checked piece for tickets purchased on or after June 15, 2008
$25 for the second checked piece for tickets purchased on or after May 12, 2008
Overweight charge – Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs will cost $50 USD
Oversized charge (>62in) – $150

See the American Airlines site for full details and exceptions to the charges

US Airways
Charges apply to all flights to and from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as flights within the U.S.
First piece of luggage – $15 (<50lbs), $50 (51-70lbs), $100 (71-100lbs)
Second piece of luggage - $25 (<50lbs), $75 (51-70lbs), $125 (71-100lbs)
Oversized charge (62-80 in) - $100

See the US Airways site for full details and exceptions

So for any one traveling to Puerto Rico you need to factor in an extra $30 per person, if you plan on traveling with 1 piece of checked luggage.

So called Low Cost Airlines:
JetBlue are currently only charging for the second piece of checked luggage at $25
Spirit Air will charge after June 20, 2008 $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second

Coqui Tips:
If you are planning on a quick weekend break to Puerto Rico, consider traveling with just carry on luggage. This way you will avoid the checked luggage surcharge and also the delay waiting for your luggage to reach the carousel.

If you are traveling with someone else, consider redistributing your luggage between other suitcases to ensure that no one has a piece that is over the weight limit. It’s much better to do this before you get to the airport, rather than in line at the check-in

If weight could be a potential problem (because you are taking some great souvenirs back home), then consider getting these ‘portable digital luggage scales’.
These scales will easily fit in your luggage and will allow you to weigh your bags before getting to the airport. The scales cost around $25, and will pay for themselves by saving you from having to pay the weight restriction surcharge.

Related posts:
Pre & Post Puerto Rico Cruise Luggage Options

Virgin Atlantic Direct Flights London to Puerto Rico

2009 Puerto Rico International Rum Festival