Beach Clean-up

Saturday, June 25th, there is a beach clean up from the ferry terminal to the barge in Isabel Segunda. Stop by  the Mar Azul after to wet your whistle or quench your thirst.

Facelift at the Gas Stations

Our two gas stations have brand new pumps.  The canopies have also been upgraded so they actually look like real gas stations.  The big one, located closest to Superdescuentos Morales, has only regular gas at the front pumps.  The premium is located on the west side of the station, and the diesel is in the back.  As you may know, there is gas station etiquette.  You need to use this just about every Friday afternoon, and always, always during times of shortage.  This consists of knowing where the line starts.  At the big station, the lines go in two directions and snake back along the two side streets flanking it.  Under these conditions, things usually move fairly smoothly.  But, with the premium pumps on the side, it creates a somewhat odd case of who goes first?  The best guess is that if the premium pumps are empty, it is OK to cut through the line to get to them.  If they are occupied, you have to get in the line heading in toward town and wait.  Alternatively, at the little station, there is only one  line, and both grades of gasoline.  It will look like the cars are simply parked along the side of the road, as it is protocol to not block the parking area.  For the uninitiated, it will appear as though you can simply pull in behind the last car at the pump.  Don't.  The reason this is important to remember is that it is almost July.

July is a busy month on the island.  It has Patronales, our four day combination concert and country fair, and it has more holidays than a centipede has legs.  All but one Monday during the month is a holiday.  That means that the cargo ferry does not run, which means that supply trucks cannot get here, which means there will be gas lines, which means you will need to know how to negotiate them.

If you are going to be on the island Saturday, the 25th, there is a beach clean up at the Mar Azul.  The beach between the ferry dock and the barge will be cleaned up from 12 noon to 4pm.  You will be able to reward yourself with a cold one afterwards.

If you are looking for an excursion, you might want to head out toward Playa Voltios.  (That's volt beach in spanish).  It is located past the Humane Society.  You can guess how it got its name from the electric cables coming up out of the sea.  The surf there is usually fairly strong and you might catch some of the local kids doing some surfing.  After that, stop at the Humane Society and adopt a dog or cat.  Then head into town and stop at Playa Voltios, the surf shop, next to the barbershop, next to the pharmacy.  They have a great selection of top quality sunglasses, think Oakley, and bathing suits and Reef flip flops.

A great lunch choice is Orquideas, located in Esperanza just behind Lazy Jack's.  Chef Beverly does eat in or take out and features grilled salmon over local greens and a fab churrasco wrap.  (She just rescued a chihuahua-rottweiler, not kidding, puppy named Conan.  His ears rival Dumbo's) For dinner, a fun stop is Next Course which offers cuisine ranging from Pad Thai to Southern BBQ.  Next Course is located on highway 201.  You have to go around to get there from the southside as the bridge featured on the last post is in between, and still has that 18" gap in it. 

Last night was Noche San Juan.  It is a night of revelry culminating in a dunk in the ocean.  At midnight you fall backwards three times into the sea and thereby absolving all your sins of the previous twelve months.  Kind of a Latin America meets Southern Baptist sort of thing.  It is great fun to watch people and their dunking styles.  There are always those few that have a few too many and fall backwards and forwards more than three times. 

The repair to the Malecon is nearing completion.  The work crews are about halfway through repaving the sidewalk with new brick, repairing the railings and roofing the gazebo areas with tiles.  It is going to be a much needed improvement to the waterfront in Esperanza.

JC

Here's what you should make for dinner SATURDAY Night...

PRIME RIB RESERVATIONS
at Coconuts!
COCONUTS VIEQUES
OPEN for DINNER
Friday-Tuesday, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
RESERVATIONS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED
787.741.9325
Think: Sushi Pizza!

Remember the Bridge?

The bridge on the middle road that has been out for almost one year might actually be repaired just in time for the September and October rains to test it.  I took a drive the other day and much to my amazement, the bridge has new footings, new retaining walls and the arroyo has been cleaned.  The bridge and the road are separated by an 18 inch gap on either end.   Once those gaps are closed, we should be in business.  This is good since a small bridge on the Pilon/Puerto Real road sort of moved a bit with the last deluge.  Losing that bridge would limit our cross island routes to the Garcia Road.  You can go through Monte Santo, but I would only do that for the first time after having packed a lunch.  It gets confusing in there. 

A few friends of mine have commented on the wisdom of remaining in the Caribbean during the summer.  "Isn't it hot?"  Well, yes it is.  But, it is alot less hot than most of the lower forty eight.  Just the other day it reached 98 degrees in Southern Vermont, where I am from.  The midwest had temps of over 100 degrees in May.  We are hovering around the high 80's in the daytime and high 70's at night.  The Trade Winds are blowing and there is a large body of water that you can jump into, so I think I'd rather be here than there.  It has been a bit humid, but that is as good as botox for your skin.

On your way to Sun Bay, stop at Jimmy's Catering, the kiosk located directly across from the gates.  Jimmy and family are open on the weekends with really, really good pastillos.  Those are fried meat pies.  Depending on availability there are lobster, crab, beef, pork, chicken, and fish to choose from.  This weekend they had octopus.  If there are octopus pastillos, there is probably octopus salad.  (ask for pulpo).  They also have really, really cold beer. 

JC

Artisan jewelry @ SolCreation

Now at Sol Creation:One of a kind rings and pendants. Absolutely gorgeous; handmade of sterling silver and gold. They make wonderful gifts

 

See you soon @ Sol Creation

ONLY AT COCONUTS!

Top off a hot Caribbean day with a cool bowl of Chilled Vichyssoise
or a Grilled Shrimp Pincho on Spicy Sesame Noodles...
BLT Flatbread, Gruyere Cheese Popovers and Rotisserie Chicken & Gravy...

COCONUTS VIEQUES
OPEN for DINNER
Friday-Tuesday, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
RESERVATIONS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED
787.741.9325
Think: Sushi Pizza!

June 17th on the Plaza!

The movie “Garfield.” Don’t be catty. Go see it.

~jts

The "R" Continues

The r word is continuing in earnest here.  I have mentioned previously that May is the third most rainy month of the year for us, but enough already. 

We refer to days like these as having the "dreaded drinking clouds".  You can imagine what those might be.  However, if your liver wants to be on vacation along with the rest of you, there is quite a bit to do here.  First, just because it is cloudy doesn't mean that you can't go to the beach.  In fact, there are several beach activities that are actually more pleasant when the sun isn't beating down on you.  Kayaking is one of those.  It takes some work to pull those kayaks through the water and a bit of cloud cover is welcoming.  Sailing is another.  Whether you are on a larger captained boat or rent a hobie cat, the clouds will reduce that nasty feel of sizzled skin.  Remember to use sunscreen, even on cloudy days the sun can burn you; you just don't know it until it's too late.

Bioluminescent  Bay tours are actually better with cloud cover and a bit of rain.  The clouds block the stars and the moon, so the bay glows even brighter.  The raindrops hit the surface and create quite a light show.  If we get a storm force blow however, the bay is no longer an option.  The pelting rain and run off will churn up mud, which in turn limits the movement of the microorganisms that cause the bioluminescence. 

The Fort Museum in Isabel Segunda is a great place to learn about the history of Vieques.  There are often special art exhibits by both local and Puerto Rican artists.  On the hill just up from the ferry dock is the lighthouse.  If you have seen the movie Heartbreak Ridge with Clint Eastwood, you will recognize it.  In Esperanza, you can visit the Vieques Historical Society and Conservation Trust.  There is a gift shop, the world's smallest aquarium and lots of ecological information.

There is also plenty of shopping both in Isabel and in Esperanza.  Not too long ago, there were just a couple of places to pick up a keepsake of the island.  Now there are numerous outlets, ranging from island designed clothing to refrigerator magnets (my personal favorite) to locally crafted jewelry to T-shirts.  Siddhia Hutchinson's Gallery is also another stop on the rainy day agenda.  Located just down from the lighthouse, the gallery showcases Vieques inspired art and art by Vieques residents.  Shopping includes food, and you should stop in for some fab cheeses offered by Chris and Beth at Buen Provecho.  Pick up a bottle of wine at El Sombrero Viejo and you have a great way to pass the afternoon. 

If you really, really need something to do, the best cloudy day activity is scraping the paint off the rejas gates at my house.  You do this with a butter knife, so injuries will be minor. 

Last, but not least, you can visit the Vieques Humane Society and bring home a live keepsake.  (Again, my personal favorite.)

As far as dining goes, the only schedule change is that Bananas is open for food 12:30pm-6pm every day, the bar stays open until 9pm. 

JC

Manten a Vieques Bella!

This inaugural campaign is up and running….FAST!  I heard you can help
gather volunteers.  Please visit www.keepviequesbeautiful.wordpress.com to
find out how you can join one of the largest collaborate efforts to
recognize and reward all Viequense efforts….past, present and future….to
Manten a Vieques Bella!  Be sure to visit the events calendar and pick a
Date to Collaborate!
Sincerely,
Serena A. Broska
recycle@carolina.rr.com
704-785-5310
Keep Vieques Beautiful!

Latest Vieques Environmental News!

You can find the downloadable PDFs in Spanish and English here.
http://www.enchanted-isle.com/vieques/e-cleanup.htm
~jts

El Blok- a new hotel coming

The 21-room, $7 million eco-friendly small inn will be located at the foot of El Malecón La Esperanza, close to one of Vieques’ most visited beaches, Sun Bay. 50% funded by PR gov't. Read the rest here.
http://newsismybusiness.com/?p=1090

Junio- Mes de la Pesca Recreativa (Recreational Fishing Month)

FISHING TOURNAMENT

Patronales in Vieques July 13 - 17

This is the Annual Premiere Festival on Vieques!
6 days of concerts, parades, and revelry!
For the latest information, go to www.viequesevents.net  page 15

jts

Jellyfish Have Arrived

Finally, the water is warm enough for us to swim in.  That sounds like a ridiculous statement, but for those of that live here, winter water temperatures are tough.  Unfortunately, with the warm water comes the infamous jellyfish.  Interestingly, an early common name for jellyfish (they are not really fish) was Medusa.  Remembering mythology class, Medusa is the goddess that has one eye and snakes for hair.  Looking at the eye would cause one to turn to stone.  The jellyfish has long tentacles that resemble snakes and have little stingers along them.  You don't turn to stone, but you may wish you did if you get stung.

It worth mentioning that the Portuguese Man-o-War is not really a jellyfish, but a whole other life form.  However, the treatment is the same.  A minor sting can be rinsed with seawater.  An exception to this is when you have been caught in a colony of just hatched jellies.  These little guys are almost microscopic and you feel kind of an all over burn.  In this case, you are simply washing more stingers over your body.  Move to another area on the beach and rinse again.  A major sting, (the kind where the tentacle wraps around you) can be treated by applying regular white vinegar.  Folklore advises ammonia or peeing on yourself, but current medical thought is vinegar.  Trying to pee on your shoulder is a bit tricky, so remember to pack some vinegar along with your sunscreen and you'll be fine.  (For anyone highly allergic to bee stings, your epi-pen will work on a jelly sting.)   Also, be smart.  If you see something that looks like a clear balloon floating on the water, get away from it.  The jelly does not have to be alive to sting. 

There are weddings weddings everywhere during the month of June.  As a heads up, if you are planning a quick weekend get-a-way, be sure to have reservations for a room and a car.  Dining out is not really an issue since the weddings are usually catered at a villa or guesthouse. 

For a fabulous Puerto Rican dining experience head to Conuco in town, across from Banco Popular.  The name means a family garden plot, which is the inspiration for fresh grown vegetables on the menu.  The food is very reasonably priced and the service is super.  Best to make a reservation.

Another spot to hit is the recently opened Bieke Cafe located next to the Patio restaurant.  The rice and beans are outrageously good.  After lunch, you can walk over to Ute's clothing store.  She has the best line of colorful island wear on the island. 

JC