1st Decade of Marriage : : Puerto Rico

Edward Clemons
Aug 26, 2017 · 6 min read

Why am I creating this creative blog of our trip to Puerto Rico in August? Truth be told, it’s because I want you to experience what we experienced, even if it’s only through a photo. My brother wanted me to do a Shutterfly photo book but this is much cooler and we can share this with friends and family everywhere at the same time!

Now, this trip was more than a vacation it was a milestone in my wife and I’s relationship. A decade of marriage is a testament of God’s faithfulness to us and our faithfulness to the foundation of Jesus Christ. That is why we decided to skip Myrtle Beach and fly to Puerto Rico. Enjoy this brief but beautiful collection of Puerto Rican culture, food, sites, and our selfie game.

Bienvenido e Puerto Rico!

Welcome to Puerto Rico

These are some amazing resort views that we caught the moment we checked into our resort. The pool below is an adult only pool that is HOT 24/7.
Amazing city views of San Juan and Conado. This is a tourist spot but we got our feet active by walking the city.

Playas en Puerto Rico!

Beaches in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known for it’s amazing beaches but what sets it apart is the sand and the clarity. You can see the ocean’s floor while you get hit by the big waves.

Evette does not like laying on the beach much but I loved it. You can even see our “black people” tan we got.
See my big toe?

Bienvenido a San Juan viejo

Welcome to Old San Juan

Old San Juan is the highlight of the island. Everything about Puerto Rico originated in Old San Juan, including battles against world enemies.

You are looking at amazing colors that are vibrantly abundant in Old San Juan. From the cobble stones streets to the colorful trolleys, Old San Juan is definitely a photographer’s dreams.
Old San Juan is plagued with colorful houses and buildings that reflect Puerto Rican history.
Traffic was tight but I have Ghanaian and Miami driving skills so this was nothing.
This building is huge and the acoustics are amazing (yes, I sang to verify). I have no clue what this building is called but it was stunning.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Old San Juan Defense Fortress

Welcome to the massive structure called, San Felipe del Morro Fortress; Old San Juan’s defense fortress in the 1600s. You can see the lighthouse, the guard house, and the chapel from this view.

The fortress cemetery located at the edge of the island.
The entrance to the fortress was breathtaking. From the rustic stone to the wide walkway.
A close up on the entrance door.
The lighthouse was pretty interesting. The light can be seen for 23 miles down the ocean. Wow!
Everyone loves Panoramic shots! Here are a few from the top of the fortress. You can see the stretch of the fortress around the island on the right and Evette walking away from the camera on the left.
Now this view was one to remember. You can see how the guards could spot ships from a mile away and get prepared for battle. Oh, Evette turned for the camera this time. Look right!

hecho de la diversión

Fun Fact

The fortress was designed to be built at the entrance of the San Juan Harbor but after they were half way through building the fortress they realized they built it in the wrong spot. The entrance of the harbor was a distance to the right of this photo. Instead of stopping, they finished and built another smaller fortress with walls connected the two. I would have fired the person who said, “Right here is the perfect spot.”

I was in love with the stone and rustic feel of this place.
Here are some close ups of the rustic stone that has been protecting Puerto Rico for over 300 years on the edge of the island. Reminds me of the cornerstone of salvation, which is Jesus. Our mighty fortress! (I’m ready to preach)
These three flags were lifted over every historic structure in Old San Juan.
The amazing lighthouse. Evette said, “Babe, get a great picture of the lighthouse. God gave me a prophecy for the nations.” Well, this view definitely speaks to the power of a lighthouse.
Another Panoramic shot! You can see the distance we had to walk to get to the fortress and how far the city is.
And we’re off to see more of the city!

Sitio Histórico Nacional de San Juan

San Juan National Historic Site

This is where you can really see the city walls and more guard posts close up. The San Juan National Historic site includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and others but we only got to see a portion because we were hungry and tired from all the walking. Enjoy!

The walls were 42' high and I was not brave or stupid enough to stand on them like this guy. See the guard post?
The red stone was pretty amazing close up.
So I had to get a shot of my beautiful wife and the red stone together. Can you see her tan? Her skin matches the stone. :-)
Views! Views! Views!
Look who it is! I was walking down the ramp leading into Fort San Cristóbal

hecho de la diversión

Fun Fact

The spaniards built these forts around San Juan in the 1500s. A total of 23 acres of defense walls that surrounded the city. They also built the same structures in Spain that were very similar in style. The flags that we keep seeing are the Puerto Rican Flag, the Spanish Empire flag, and of course the US flag. If you are super intrigued and these photos are not enough for you, check out every better photos of Old San Juan right here https://www.flickr.com/search?text=old%20san%20juan&structured=yes

The doors was taller than what this photo can show you but you can see how thick the doors are. No one is getting in!

Vela en los Sueños

Sailing Dreams Sunset Tour

Let’s bring this collection of experiences to a close guys. To end our trip with a bang, we called Captain Judith, a native Puerto Rican, who became fascinated with sailing at the age of 9. She took the helm for the first time at the age of 23 and never look back to the shore. She gave us a 3 hour sailing experience that was both romantic and fun at the same time!

Strawberries were waiting for us when we stepped on the ship. This gave me many brownie points! Thanks Captain Judith!
And we’re off! We Sailed around the San Juan Harbor for three hours. This tour was a day tour, sunset tour, and night tour all wrapped in one. Oh and yes, we are sitting at the front of the ship. No shallow ships here! (a Life of Worship Church joke)
Captain Judith took some great photos of us to share with our children and you of course. But mostly our children. :-)
Take a look at Castillo San Felipe del Morro behind us. We stood on the top and sailed on the side!
The Captain let us take the helm and I sailed for a good 15 seconds. Bucket List ballin!
The fortress with the sunset hitting the rustic stone and red rocks.

10 años y siempre para ir

10 Years and Forever to Go

Our focus for marriage celebrations have always been “Forever to Go”. This trip was refreshing and reviving. I truly believe that you grow closer and more intimate together in the pauses of life and the pressures of life. Both have a role. We’ve grown over the past 10 years because the pressure was pointing to something bigger, dependence on Jesus. The pauses pushes in something deeper, gratitude to God. This truly brought us closer. And we only had one heated fellowship (argument) the entire trip. I never said we were perfect! :-)

Sunset Views!

Comida puertorriqueña

Puerto Rican Food

Lets end this with some yummy eats in Puerto Rico. I am a foodie and did not want anything processed or americanized. All authentic and fresh!

Left: Steak Tacos. Middle: Baha Fish Tacos and bean dip. Right: Breakfast Tacos with egg, bacon, spinach, and breakfast sauce.
Left: Deep fried french toast. Middle: Breakfast tacos. Right: Mallorca Breakfast Sandwich.
Columbian Skirt Steak, Arepa and cheese, eggs and rice, and rice and beans!

Bienvenido de nuevo a la vida real

Welcome back to real life!

Thank you for experiencing Puerto Rico with us. Stay tuned for next year’s trip to Spain!

)

Edward Clemons

Written by

Jesus Follower | Doctor of Pharmacy | Husband | Future Father | Multiplier of Leaders | Grill Master

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