West Coast Freed

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico airport is located about 20-30 minutes outside the capital city. We checked into our hotel, Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. We were welcomed by a bottle of wine and a fresh fruit selection at our harbour view suite. 

The next morning after a coffee and a bite at a local 'nook in the wall cafe' we set out on the cobble stone streets to explore Old San Juan. The colonial Old City that was first settled by the Spanish in 1508, and formed an essential stopover from Europe to the Americas.  Some of the finest museums and attractions including stunning cathedrals and world-renowned historic forts are located on Old San Juan. 

After a couple days we ventured on to stay at a small luxury hotel with a central courtyard where they serve breakfast and a pool on the fourth floor terrace with great views of Old San Juan. This Hotel was converted from old monastery adjoining the San Juan Cathedral square. The cathedral is the second-oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. 

Our first trip together as a couple... Puerto Rico and St. Thomas! The excitement was overwhelming, We set flight from Vancouver to New York then onward to San Juan, Puerto Rico.... Mmmm nope, not quite, our flight from NY was delayed by almost 36 hours due to extreme weather!! Sheri and I spent the time delving in to what might take couple years to experience over gradual intimate movements together. We survived!

back in the air it was a short, 3.5 hour flight. It was a breeze at the San Juan terminal, we were off the plane, checked luggage in hand and into our taxi in under 20 minutes!  

Legendary Culture

Puerto Rico isn’t just a pretty island devoid of personality — there is so much history, culture and art. While there are lots of cultural options all over the island, San Juan is the epicenter and an easy place to explore. 

Experience vibrant nights that come alive with live music, dancing and street vendors, rooftop patios and so much more!

St. Thomas

A little slice of heaven... This was an exceptionally easy choice for a vacation destination; breathtaking beaches, rich culture, delicious food not to mention although this is a decent jaunt from Canada we didn't have to stress as Puerto Rico and Saint Thomas (Virgin Islands) are U.S. Territory. This meant, the currency is the U.S. dollar and while Spanish is the main language of the island(s), English is widely spoken and everyone in the tourism industry speaks English!

After 5 days in Puerto Rico we caught a hopper flight to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. We stayed at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort.... Stunning. We spent our 4 days exploring the Island, sampling the local fare, snorkelling and relaxing on the beaches of our resort!