Passion Fruit

We're now at the Passion Fruit Bed & Breakfast in Fajardo, Puerto Rico for our last four nights. I've never been at a nicer B&B. It's amazing how much great service at a small place can mean when you're so used to sterile, corporate hotel chains and their "professionalism". I think I prefer the warm, personal touch.

The Passion Fruit isn't "fancy" like a hotel, but as far as I’m concerned it's even better. A great swimming pool to keep the kids occupied, delicious hearty breakfasts, a suite with two rooms, and the kids were thrilled that Doc & I let them have the one with the tv. Can you say Disney Channel in bed? (We don't have cable at home, so it's a very special and rare treat to watch "kid shows" for Bunch & Gator).

Last night we tucked the kids into bed and Doc and I went up the street for some authentic Puertoricanian food at a restaurant the workers here recommended to us. We both love mofongo!

Today we went hiking in El Yunque Rain Forrest...the only rain forest in the national park system. It was as beautiful as my memories of it. After our 1st hike through the Cloud Forrest to a summit tower, we headed down and started out on another hike that leads to a pulsing waterfall. But right after we got started, the skies opened up and started to pour their contents down. This was not well-received by The Gator. (I’m considering changing his name!) He decided he just wanted to go back. So Doc and Bunch went on, while I headed to the car to wait for an hour and a half with my boy.

At first I was admittedly a little peeved with him. I'd been looking forward to the hike to the waterfall...which I'd been to last year with Doc. But back in the car, Gator was pretty mellow, and after we started driving he eventually fell asleep. He had declined any offers of food since noon, which is just not normal for him. After adding up his mood, lethargy and appetite, I realized he probably wasn't feeling 100%, so I felt his face and he was pretty hot. By the time we returned to our room he was shivering and crawled into bed and went to sleep. Poor guy! Makes me feel bad for being less than patient with him and his attitude.

After sleeping for a few hours, Gator got up a few minutes ago, and is swimming with Doc and Bunch right now. I hope he’s feeling better for good! Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the solitude of this moment. There is just nothing like tropical breezes and balmy starlit summer nights. Buenos noches!