This past weekend, I experienced the first time away from the grind in years. This is not to indicate that everything in life is a "Grind." But it was nice to have the opportunity to step away from everyday life and get a taste of what life is like without certain responsibilities. March was our 6th Anniversary. The plan was, with grandparent accessible, to take a one-on-one trip away. Leaving the kids with the elders. For one reason or another, time away just continued to elude us. The final plan was to take a weekend getaway somewhere within travel reason. The location that was decided upon was Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is probably one of those hidden gems on the east coast where you don't fully appreciate the convenience offered. For one, it is a territory of the United States which means that you are not really traveling international although it feels like it. The other benefit is that there is no currency conversion needed. U.S. Dollars are the coin of choice. Finally although Spanish is the primary language, everyone speaks english, so the stress of trying to communicate basic needs in a foreign tongue are not an issue.

The trip was spent mainly relaxing. No kids meant more sleep. The beach meant even more sleep. It also meant snorkeling which is one of my great pleasures of the tropics. The trip for me was also about taking pictures as I always do on any trip. I love photography and trips like this amplify that desire. Especially given the history of Puerto Rico. As with many locations in the world, the influence of the spanish on this small island are profound. The architecture and design carry with them today the style of the Spanish.

This all came to me last night as I was going through old pictures I had taken in Denia, Spain, Barcelona and even the Philippines. The most striking comparisons were the design of their military forts and castles. What I saw on this trip in a fort at Old San Juan gave me stunning flashback images of the castle in Denia, Spain. I would say that I am a definite fan of Spanish architecture.

This was a short weekend trip, and one that I know was limited in its experience of Puerto Rico. There is the Rainforest the famous observatory and so much more left to explore there. Despite the brevity of this trip, I will say that the decision has been made to return. If not for the sheer beauty of this tropical isle, then at least for the convenient 4 hour flight from the NY, NJ area.