Isla del Encanto: WARNING!!

                  

They’re called “Panaderias”, the equivalent of mom and pops small town bakery/quickie grocery store. Panaderias are found in every pueblo on the island.

Those of you over a certain age will know what I am talking about, maybe; your neighborhood still has one. 
These Panaderias hit my hot spot for nostalgia. Suddenly, I am a little girl again looking at the coin-op pony in the corner.

North Americans are frequently a tad out of their comfort zone upon first entering. I’ve seen it over the years here, hell, I’ve been it. With luck, someone in the store will speak English, or want to practice their English.

The sometimes locals' surprised looks  tell me they haven’t seen a foreigner in a while.
 In my, I don’t know Jack, stage of Spanish, “Hola,” a smile and hand wave got me through purchases. People can be so amazingly friendly.

                                   CAUTION 
Stay away from the warm, homemade bread. Stay Away from the home made donuts. The hot pastrami made in front of you should NEVER pass your lips.

Each panaderia has its own best donut or pastry. Fresh bread will not allow you to walk out. Smells so good, you must have some. I’ve eaten sandwiches, when I wasn’t hungry, but they were so good. I was powerless. My mouth is watering while I write this.

If you’re in Puerto Rico save your money, eat where the locals eat, but be very careful there is a chronic disease called Ican’tpassapanaderia. It will enchant your taste buds, and leave you helpless.

I am officially under its spell and my bottom line is showing it. 
This is the real Puerto Rico. 

The Place To Be

When you’re down hearted, feeling low, at the end of your rope this is where you want to be, you CAN trust me on this one, I know.



Hammocks hanging from the Palm trees and sea grapes that frame my view of the Caribbean Sea, with surf sounds ranging from soothing to almost scary at times is a scene that makes anything better.

Friendly dogs,Lili and Paco, the cutest pair of brown Bassett and heaven only knows, follow grounds keeper Willy as he primps and tidies, they chase under the hammocks and around the palms, the happiest k9 kids ever despite both having injured rears.


Pelicans looking like jets in formation patrol the shallow water, then soar to plummet height to dive into breakfast, now, this is mornings entertainment.


Honestly the little lizards doing pushups and inflating their throats is a good opening act for my first cup of coffee. If the well tanned young men are bobbing in the surf waiting for the right wave at the same time, my life is complete.


Last night we celebrated my hubby’s birthday at Musafa’s (Carr. #3 Maunabo) karaoke night party with people singing their hearts out was a ton of fun, especially when this thin man with very erect posture in khaki pants, a blue sleeveless tee shirt and a white hard hat strode into the room; with a flair he took off the hard hat, grabbed the micro phone, belted out a song, put his hard hat and with posture just as erect as ever strode back out the way he came in. Bravo birthday night success.


My appetite returned at Paisajes Curet also on Carr. #3 Maunabo where we could see the light house as we enjoyed a rice, crab and beans dish with tostones or plantain chips. The word is out on their cooking- fresh!


A large dose of the beauty of nature, friendly places and if I’m still hanging by a rope; I’ll deal with it on Monday.

Isabela Beach & Restaurant Thumbs Up

Sun, sand, sloshing surf are great, but give me some good old people watching on the shore to go along with that any day. Isabela never lets me down.

A couple of young men practice with a Paso Fino horse. The Paso Fino gait is supposed to be one of the smoothest. This horse had an incredibly fast trot. The young men riding were fine horsemen in perfect rythm.

When can you spend the afternoon at the beach without developing an appetite? For me that's never. I love finding the cute cubby hole places that serve fantastic food.

Right off the beach is cute, charming with good food, reasonable prices. The chef handled our special requests perfectly. Amy, his wife served our meals with a smile.

We live near Isabela so this is not the first time eating at:

El Anzuelo Grill & Cantina, Carr. 466 Villa Pesquera, 787- 688- 1613