On Your Outlook, for 2010

Photo by myself in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

While waiting for lunch during our vacation in Puerto Rico, I spotted a couple of kids sitting nearby.

Each brother exuded his personality. One met the world with a defiant, cocky look, while the other proffered a measured gaze.

--
What's your attitude toward 2010? Are you hopeful? Fearful? Blase?

I'm planning on taking things day-by-day. As long as I continue to go to the gym and take photos, that will be enough for me. Small goals I know, but it's the honest truth. I don't need very much to keep me happy.

How about you, dear readers? What are you plans? How is your outlook?

Related posts: Coping a Feel on the Subway, Suprise, Suprise and The Latest Urban Adventure.

Read more...

A Short Visit to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Photo by myself in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

An ancient fort that used to defend the island from pirates of the Carribean, is located next to an incredible cemetery.

--
Sorry to detract from my usual photos of New York. Mark and I are still on a brief vacation in Puerto Rico, where it is incredibly humid and sunny. Friday afternoon, we took a trip into Old San Juan, about 20 minutes from our hotel.

Unfortunately the heat and a disappointing lunch experience made our time in town brief. We found the streets extremely clean in this charming old neighborhood. The buildings were ornate, some painted bright colors.


One of many shop-lined streets, paved in blue brick. The stores cater heavily to tourists.


Lush vegetation is everywhere. We were entranced by the little balconies, shutters and details.



Stores and restaurants were located along narrow streets, lined with tropical plants. Unfortunately, the only locals we encountered were the police and shop owners. Oh, and cats, lol, which were very friendly.

Mark and I will be back in New York, Monday night. It's very nice here, I'm starting to miss the energy and bustle of the city. I can just feel my brain and body turning into jello!


A time-lapse image of the same cat? Actually, these three friendly strays are probably brothers.

Related posts: Signs of Hope, Now on Sale, in Midtown and Signs of the Times.

Read more...

Tropical Luxury at the Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico

Photo by myself at the Caribe Hilton hotel, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

As you can see, it’s beautiful here – brightly sunny with a gentle sea breeze.

Mark and I are staying at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, a sprawling hotel complex by the water. There are restaurants, a spa, an outdoor hammock forest, a swimming lagoon and several outdoor pools. A casino is located just a 15-minute walk away.

Mark and I are usually intrepid travelers and prefer smaller hotels, off the beaten path. However, I don’t have many complaints about the obvious luxury of this place. It's not bad!

Staying here is like being on a cruise ship on land. There are free activities offered every day, from yoga classes to bingo to feeding giant koi in a pond. It's a great place for families.


A grove of hammocks provide a restful spot to read a book.

Large swans and other waterfowl live in a central garden. There are reefs with colorful fish just offshore, visible from a small dock. At night, the outdoor gardens and pools are lit with festive lights.

The only disappointment so far has been a couple extremely overpriced meals we've had outside the hotel, which fell short in terms of food and service. (Mark even had food poisoning). We have been spoiled by New York, where you can eat very well for a reasonable price.

Coming up tomorrow, photos from our trip into Old San Juan.


Work on your tan next to several swimming pools.

Related posts: Signs of Hope, Now on Sale, in Midtown and Signs of the Times.

Read more...