Hurry on over to Puerto Rico

“What’s the hurry? You’re in Vieques.” That was their motto and I didn’t question it. Why should I? I was on a small island hundreds of miles away from DC – away from the inauguration, away from the crowds, away from the cold, and away from the hustle and bustle of life. With the sun overhead, a book in my hand, and the sand between my toes I hadn’t a care in the world.

Torrey didn’t want to stick around DC during the chaos of the inauguration. Who could blame him? I’d been there and done that two other times, and for a guy I voted for. A crowd of millions in freezing temperatures was not appealing to me. When Dad put the kibosh on a ski trip, I jumped on board Torrey’s Puerto Rico trip. We left Monday for the island territory. The following morning we were on a ten-seater prop plane headed for the tiny island of Vieques, known for its bioluminescence bay and a one time weapons testing site for the US Navy (they left in 2003). Vieques was the perfect island getaway. We stayed at a cute little island guesthouse on the Atlantic side – Casa de Amistad. Using el Publico, we made our way to the Carribean side of the island where the beaches are said to be unmatched in beauty. Tor and I grabbed a quick bite to eat coincidentally enough at one of the few establishments that had American cable and the very thing we were trying to escape – the inauguration.

After a quick bite to eat, we strolled along the beach until we reached an adequately sandy area. What joy to be away from it all! What relief!!!

I wish I could tell you something exciting, but I did nothing. Soaked up the sun, swam in the water, and decompressed, that’s what I did. Torrey did swim out far while snorkeling and I’m pretty sure I saw a fin of sorts. Whether it was friend or foe, we’ll never know.

We met a nice couple at our hotel and pal’d around with them the rest of the trip. We went to a local bar and chatted with the islanders- mostly about life on Vieques and why so many people throw in the proverbial towel regarding life in the states to retreat to the island life. What an enticing idea…

The next day was much of the same. Sandy beaches, clear blue water, and a tropical storm thrown in for good measure. I’m sure it’s the island god’s way to force lazy beach bums to actually get up and find/explore a new beach, which is what we did.

Our stint on the island came quickly to an end. Before I knew it, I was on a ferry headed for the main island followed by a plane ride back to the states, back to reality. The reality of a cold winter and a presidential term just beginning. Back to being in a hurry.