Month: February 2023

I know I said I would mainly focus on the US for my bucket list, but I couldn’t resist bringing up San Juan at least once (it’s a US territory so, I guess it kind of counts 🙂). This has been on my bucket list for such a long time and I actually got to go 2 years ago. It was definitely an interesting experience, especially with COVID regulations, but I would love to go back and visit some of the old (and new) spots! Since it is one of the oldest European cities in the Americas that was established in 1521, the Puerto Rican capital is a beautiful blend of cosmopolitan pursuits and colonial history. 

The first thing I would do when you arrive is dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean and relax at the numerous beaches in San Juan. I highly recommend Condado Beach, which is only a short walk away from most hotels and resorts.

Although it isn’t safe for swimming due to strong undercurrents, it’s great for lounging and grabbing a bite at local street carts and traditional restaurants. However, if you are looking to cool off in the salty ocean, Escambron Beach is a great option for snorkeling, scuba diving, and getting great views of the shoreline.

Get transported back in time in Old San Juan, the heart of the colonial city. One thing that will definitely stick out are the castillos (“castles” in Spanish) and historic defense forts once used by the Spanish Empire’s military  as early as 1533. Some notable ones include La Fortaleza (the first fortification) and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

The majority of them are located at the San Juan National Historic Site alongside powder houses and three fourths of the old city wall. 

However, history doesn’t just mean defense in Old San Juan. My favorite look into the past actually came from roaming the Calles (“streets” in Spanish) with the beautiful brightly-colored buildings and cobblestone/brick roads. Now, these buildings are homes, hotels, stores, and restaurants for tourists and locals to enjoy.

 If you keep walking, you may even see the Plaza de Armas, the main square, complete with San Juan City Hall and the Puerto Rico Department of State. However, the main attraction has to be the round fountain with four statues; each one representing a different season. 

The last place I want to bring up is the Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast. It’s a short ferry ride away and one of the most magnificent things you will see. If you go at the right time, the entire bay will be lit an electrifying blue thanks to Pyrodinium bahamense, a type of marine plankton that glows when agitated.

Sadly, I never got a chance to go due to some closures, but this site is definitely on “things to do” if I visit again. 

Even though I already went to this beautiful Caribbean island, I would not mind going again to take in the color, culture and of course, paradise. 

 

I was feeling a little lost on what this post would be about, so I thought it was the right time to move my blog in another direction: a more US-centric bucket list. And first up is Seattle, WA. This seems a little random compared to the rest of my list, but I’ve watched too many things set in this rainy city from a young age (Grey’s Anatomy and iCarly anyone?).  Yes, I know the actual filming didn’t take place here, but Seattle seems like a beautiful place that I would love to visit in the near future. Coffee capital, the arts and nature. What more do you need?

When you think of Seattle, you probably only know of the Space Needle. This 605 ft tall tower has become an icon for the city since its opening during the 1962 World’s fair. I, for the longest time, assumed that it was just an observatory deck to see the cityscape, so I was shocked when I learned there’s actually a cocktail lounge. Although you have to be 21+ for the the lounge, anyone can experience the world’s first revolving glass floor with unobstructed views of downtown Seattle, the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges and so much more.

To all my coffee fans, did you know that Seattle is actually home to Starbucks’ headquarters. What’s even more shocking is that the multinational coffee chain’s founders opened the original shop in Pike Place Market, a public farmers’ market downtown, in 1971. Although the location changed, the store has kept its historic charm (complete with the old logo) from day one, which is definitely something we don’t see in Starbucks franchises near us. 

And if you think that’s cool, there is also a Starbucks Reserve Roastery a mile away, offering rare and high-quality coffee and Italian food. You can even join a tour of the multi-story building and get a deeper glimpse into the art of roastery.

Speaking of history, Seattle’s Pioneer Square has a rich background, especially since it was once the heart of the city when the city founders settled here in 1852.

Now, it’s home  to art galleries, boutiques and an amazing night life. But, something I’ve never seen anywhere else has to be the Beneath the Streets tours. It’s exactly what it sounds like: tour guides take you into underground passageways and give you a glimpse into how a indigenous encampment became one of the largest cities in the US. 

Nature is also a big part of Seattle earning the nickname “Emerald City.”  The mountain ranges and walking trails in and out of the city are a major part of the breathtaking views you get wherever you go in Seattle. My personal favorite is Mount Rainier, which is approximately 2.5 hours away.

The drive is far, but so worth it; you get to experience witnessing an active volcano and hiking trails for beginners and pros alike. Olympic National Park is another amazing destination that combines alpine, rainforest and meadows into one of the largest wilderness areas of Washington state. 

Probably one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a guaranteed “good time” with adventure, site-seeing and LOTS of coffee!