Life Transplanet

Today we went down to Rincon to look at a few properties in this area to get a feel for the market here. On our way there we stopped at an old graveyard up there in Lares and it was really creepy! I think it would be a great place for a horror movie. We even saw an exposed human skull!

When we got to Rincon we saw a couple of properties. One was near Corcega beach and another that is up in the hills a ways. We went with the real estate agent that Nick and Miri recommended, Steve, of Island West Realty. The properties were both pretty nice, but a little higher than we would like (230k and 180k). One of them was within walking distance to the beach and the other had an ocean view. We want something with enough land that we could garden and feel somewhat secluded from neighbors because a lot of the houses are only about 10 feet from the crazy roads. Steve had a lot of information about the island’s history, tax codes, and politics that we didn’t know before. He was also kind of like a tour guide showing us where all the rich and famous people come, where to get this and that, and how it has changed over the years. He seemed to know everyone. We told him to keep an eye out for properties, and he gave us the contact info for insurance agents, lawyers and other agents he recommends. Then, of course, we went to the beach.

Tomorrow we are going to San Juan with Awilda to help her deliver her pasteles and to visit with Carlos, the lawyer who is trying to figure out the title problems with the place in Lares. I think we are going to ask for our deposit back at the meeting, so we’ll see how that flies.

We woke up a little earlier today (around 9am which still feels like 6am in Colorado) so that we could drive down to Rincon again and meet up with Nick and Miri. We met at the Rincon organic farmers’ market then went up to their house in the hills and out to lunch at the Rum Shack. It was great to talk with a couple who has made the move and talk about the funny things about Puerto Rico and what makes it an interesting place to live. Their house is beautiful with an outstanding view. Hopefully we will meet up again while we are here and they can come meet with us in the mountains. It was nice seeing them in person and making new friends.

Later that afternoon Britton and I thought we would go to the beach since we were here anyway, so we went to Steps and Tres Palmas beach to watch some of the surfers. The beach is pretty rough since it has a coral reef breaker, so after hanging out there for a while, we went back to the main baleanario and swam for a while. Now we are back at Surf’s Up, but Nick and Miri told us that we can get free Wi-Fi at the Rincon main square which will come in handy I am sure. Anyway, we have been having a great time and Miri also gave us the name of a real estate agent to talk to as well so we might do that in the coming days too. We have been playing it day by day, but I think we need to get back to Awilda because she picked some gandules and wants to have us try arroz con gandules with her and Estrella tonight.

Last Christmas, my mom and I went to Puerto Rico on Christmas day. It was pretty interesting to see how Christmas was spent on a tropical island, and it really was like having Christmas during the summer, something I had never experienced. Britton and I are getting excited about our trip- a vacation to Puerto Rico- on January 28…about a month from now.

A Few Days after Christmas 2007 in Hatillo, PR

At the LOUD Hatillo, PR Mask Festival Parade

At the Arecibo, Puerto Rico Radio Telescope Observatory

For those of you on a warm tropical island and those covered in snow, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Feliz Navidad a todos!

And in Jimmy Buffet’s own words:

Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum
Santa’s run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum

Click below for song:
Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum

At a Beach in Rincon, PR

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