Crome Photography

Congratulations to the children who received their first holy communion on Sunday!

Crome Photography I had the pleasure of grabbing a few shots of the wonderful children that Rome has made friends with this year at his bus stop. They're so precocious, amazing, and naturally photogenic, you can't help but have fun with all of them. Children are so spontaneous and mercurial in their moods that, as a photographer, it can be challenging to get that "perfect" shot. If you're a perfectionist, just forget it---kids won't always be as accommodating as their adult counterparts. When I look at other photography sites with family and children galleries, I'm usually half-amazed that they can get the money shot. The other part of me wonders what type of sorcery they used to convince the children to give them a decent smile. As a parent, I know that it's not easy to coax your child into giving you a shot that you'd be proud to show off to your friends and family. So, how do I deal with it? Just let the kids have fun and be themselves. You'll get some of the most unexpected and fantastic pictures that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Oh, and you can use some of the funny ones at their wedding reception as they get older.

Crome Photography

This week, I had a blast with my friends, Jackie & Amy, who were absolutely awesome for allowing me some camera time with their children. They were all just a joy to work with, and I know I'd love to grab some shots of them again. Also, I'm glad the weather held up this afternoon and the other day---it's hard to get pictures in the rain! 

On our first visit to Arlington, we didn't walk all the way to President John F. Kennedy's grave, so I told Rome and my husband that we'd make the trek today, despite the crowds and cooler-than-average weather. The crowds weren't too bad, but it was nearly impossible to see the changing of the guards ceremony and there was a large biker gathering at one of the sections. President Kennedy's grave sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a lovely site of Washington D.C. with the Washington monument clearly visible in the backdrop. His brothers, Ted and Robert, are buried nearby, but we didn't have time to look for their graves. Rome had asked who was "sleeping under the tombstone with the fire," and I told him that one of our nation's most beloved presidents lies there with his wife and 2 infant children who died young (one was a stillbirth). Rome concluded that he was very important and we told him that he was and he would learn more about him later. 

President Kennedy's grave is surprisingly very simple, as well as the Eternal Flame that sits atop of the grave markers. However, its simplicity and design fits well with the grave's architecture. On the other side of the grave, a curved marble (or granite) stone surrounds it with a portion of Kennedy's speech during his inauguration in 1961. From where we parked, President Kennedy's grave site is a little bit of a walk and curves uphill, but it's not that bad of a hike if you've got proper walking shoes. 

Because it's Memorial Day weekend, the thousands of graves are decorated with small American flags that were placed by The Old Guard, which is the special Army unit in charge of the ceremonies and maintenance of the graves. Each year, about 1,300 soldiers from the unit walk among the 360,000 tombstones placing flags into the ground using their boots as measurement (30 cm from the headstone). When you consider the sheer size of the cemetery, I can understand why the commanding officer uses that many soldiers to place the flags during the Memorial Day weekend. The soldiers place a flag on the grave and salute it, giving them proper honors. One of my husband's former soldiers is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and we were able to pay a visit to his grave and pay our respects. 

So even though Memorial Day weekend is a weekend for a family getaway, BBQs, picnics, trips to the beach, parades, and an extra day off work (in some cases, 2), it's also a good time to reflect on why we have a national day of remembrance to celebrate. As a military family, we've had friends and known people who have passed away from conflicts in war, so this weekend is a poignant reminder that we shouldn't always take our freedom and liberty for granted. It's also a great weekend to show Rome where some of our heroes lie and how to pay our respect to them. 

As with any other festival, a big part of the draw is the food. Sakura Matsuri had over 25 food vendors and had everything for even the pickiest of eaters. I found an awesome takoyaki stand and feasted on food I hadn't had since I was a kid. My husband loved the steamed pork buns, onigiri (rice balls), and the grilled yakitori, but if you weren't willing to sample any Japanese flavors, they did have a few American stands with funnel cakes and hot dogs. Honestly though, why eat that at a Japanese festival? 

Another wonderful aspect of festivals are the performances from local and visiting groups from Japan, since it gives everyone an insight to the unique and beautiful culture of the country. Nen Daiko, a local group from Fairfax, Viriginia gave a spectacular drum performance that had my kid asking for a drum set right after. The other crowd favorite was a large traditional drumming group from the University of Tokyo. We watched their performance, but I didn't get any shots, since it was really crowded and I had my hands full with...food (namely, grilled octopus legs). 

If you're into shopping for cute things or handmade Japanese crafts, there's a handful of stands for the "kawaii" (cute) lover in you. I'm not particularly interested in the larger dolls, but I did grab a handful of small vinyl figures for my brother and myself, plus Rome managed to bamboozle us into buying him a plushie. There were tons of anime-related plushies from popular characters like Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and Dragon Ball Z. My kryptonite comes in the form of Japanese stationery and they had an actual "kawaii" stand selling nothing but stationery! Talk about a shopper's delight for me; I was able to grab sets from Kamio, Q-Lia, San-X, and, of course, Sanrio. That was my particular highlight. 

Sakura Matsuri also featured performances from J-Pop artists from Japan, and crowds gathered to watch Magverry perform on the stage. I'm not really into J-Pop, but it was pretty cool to listen to Japanese rock music while I mingled around the various stands. I missed the cosplay anime fashion show, which was supposed to take place later that afternoon, but I saw enough young people dressed as their favorite anime character or carefully wrapped in beautiful Japanese kimonos. Popular cosplayers were dressed as various Naruto characters and I did see a handful of Lolita-goth costumes that I imagine would be popular in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

This year's Sakura Matsuri festival was a huge success and we're definitely going back next year. If you do plan to go, the cost is $5 per person while children 12 and under are free. Because they shut down Pennsylvania Ave. between the White House and the FBI Headquarters, it's advised to take the Metro or another form of public transportation rather than drive. I wouldn't recommend driving through D.C. during large festivities, because roads are often blocked off and parking is next to non-existent. Also, make sure you bring a fat wallet and an empty stomach---you're going to need both if you plan on doing any shopping or feasting on the excellent food. 

See you at next year's festival!

Fortunately, they did, and I was able to grab a few shots of the pink (and varying colors) of the blooms at the nearby Mount Vernon Estate the other day. Because I grew up in Japan, seeing these blossoms strikes a chord in my heart and it reminds me of my childhood. Not to sound mushy or anything, but I really, really, really adore cherry blossoms.

The best time to visit the cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin area of Washington D.C. varies each year, due to the weather, so it's best to check the http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ website in order to determine when you should visit. I know thousands of locals and tourists alike descend in the area to see the blooms, but another alternative would be to see the blossoms at other sites, such as the Botanical Garden or those around the Washington Monument. Also, take advantage of other festivals and activities that are offered around the same time. There's just loads to do when the blossoms come out.

Home to the University of South Carolina, you'll find a whole lot of downtown digs that cater to college students, such as bars, clubs, and coffee shops, but you'll also find some unique clothing and candy shops and restaurants with owners so friendly, it feels as though you've known them your entire lives. That's basically what I love about Columbia---it's genuine sense of friendliness and warmth. When we first moved to the city, I couldn't figure out why the city's motto was "famously hot," but after surviving our first summer, I found out it had to do more with the weather than its Civil War history with General Sherman. A brief history tidbit: General Sherman was the Union soldier who burned a handful of cities in the South during the American Civil War (1861-1865). South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, which prompted other states to secede and start the Civil War (among other things). Still, the burning of Columbia is controversial with some saying that the fire wasn't intentional, but others in the area, especially Southerners say otherwise. Anyway, I still think that their city's motto has something to do with the weather, Civil War history be damned. 

Ever heard of Hootie and the Blowfish? A musical band with a string of hits popular around the 90's? Songs like "Only Wanna Be with You" and "Time" are some of the hits that come to mind when I think of the band. The band was formed when its members were attending the University of South Carolina back in the mid 80's. Once in awhile, Darius Rucker, their lead singer, will head back to Columbia and play at the State Fair or at impromptu sessions at some of the bars. If you walk around the Five Points area of downtown Columbia, you'll run into a neat little homage that includes a sculpture for the band.

Some of the great points of downtown Columbia summarized:

• It's very walkable and you'll find a number of restaurants, bars, and shops within a short walking distance in the Five Points district.
• Visit the Horseshoe area of the University of South Carolina, which is home to some quiet parks and is shaded by majestic oak trees.
• There's a number of preserved historic homes in the general vicinity.
• Art galleries and museums will keep you and your family occupied.
• Richland Public County Library is a fantastic place to read books and stay cool during the hotter months (anywhere between May through October).

Once I find my external hard drive holding the stash of memories from Columbia, I'll put up more posts and pictures from Columbia. 

The World of Coca-Cola's right beside the Georgia Aquarium, which makes it convenient for visitors to head over to two fantastic places without worrying about distance, driving, parking, and all the little annoying urban headaches tourists usually have to go through. Prices are much cheaper than the aquarium and a bonus is that they offer free admission to active duty service members, retirees, and reservists of the U.S. Armed Forces. 'Course, dependents aren't free, but we still managed to save $16 off from one additional member. Kids ages 3-12 aren't free, but those 2 and under are. 

There's a number of things to see and do inside the WOCC, but one of my favorite things to see inside the place was the amount of unique and beautiful art works devoted to Coca-cola. While my husband and Rome wandered around the different sections of the building, I spent a huge amount of time looking at the various art media displayed on the walls. They even have a large area devoted to letters written from fans all over the world and I read a few that were amazingly touching and sweet. A lot of people don't realize that the Coca-Cola company donates millions of dollars to various global communities through the Coca-Cola Foundation which supports education, recycling, water stewardship, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. When you buy their products, you help support their charities. Reading through some of the letters displayed, it's obvious that the company has made a remarkable difference in many people's lives. 

One of the best things about the visit goes to their special tasting section. If you've got kids, prepare for a massive sugar rush, especially if you let them get their hands on the disposable cups near the fountain drinks. The area is known as Coca-Cola Freestyle, which has these stylish computerized fountains that pour over 100+ products into your cup. Head over to the other section where you can taste over 60 different Coca-cola products found all over the world. I'd have to say the best one was the Smart Apple drink from China. It's a sparkling apple-flavored soda that's highly addictive. Good thing I can't get my hands on that here or else my fridge would be stocked with nothing but Smart Apple bottles. We let Rome have a taste of a few non-caffeinated drinks (Sprite and lime products), but that didn't prevent him from becoming hyper minutes later.  

Also included in the tour is a look at how they bottle their products, a trip to the secret vault, and Coke Hands, which is an interactive and neat display you can walk through. Right by the exit, you'll hit the Coca-Cola store, which is a fun place to browse and marvel at some of their hard-to-find products. I snagged a couple of magnets (which I collect), pencils, and other small stationery products. I'm not sure if you can just stop by the store without purchasing a ticket, but it might be possible, since you can enter the gift store from outdoors.

Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours inside of the World of Coca-Cola and don't forget to grab your free souvenir coke bottle before you head out. If only they sold the Smart Apple products from China, I'd probably buy that stuff in bulk!  

'Course, the main reason why I wanted to visit the aquarium was to take a peek at their Beluga whale exhibit. There's a large tank filled with a handful of these gentle white creatures with plenty of spunk and personality. Their curiosity is often piqued by the hundreds of visitors who come to watch them each day, and I swear, I think they put on a little show by flipping around and coming close to children who press their faces up on the glass (which Rome did, despite my warnings). They're incredibly social creatures and, despite their numbers being nearly threatened, I hope that they flourish once again. 

The aquarium also offers a dolphin show, which we missed unfortunately, and a really cool underwater moving exhibit. Filled with some of the ocean's more formidable predators, like sharks, it's enough to impress even its most youngest visitors (and older ones too). Rome enjoyed it so much, he dragged his dad and I through it three times. It's longer than some of the other moving underwater tanks I've been to, but with its spectacular display of marine life, it's hard to get tired of it.

Since Rome absolutely loves visiting aquariums, it's definitely a treat to bring him to Atlanta to see the exhibits. He was particularly fascinated with the lionfish and its unique look. Unfortunately, I told him that we probably couldn't acquire one for a pet, since we don't have an aquarium at home, and I'm betting lionfish aren't exactly on display at your local pet store. I also had to convince him that they were venomous when threatened, so I'm not to keen on having something that's markedly harmful at my house. Better to see it at the aquarium or on tv, I gather. 

I can't really say when it would be the best time to visit the Georgia Aquarium, but I would recommend it during all the seasons. While we were admiring the animals, I heard a couple say that it gets 100x more crowded during the summer months when the kids are out in full swing for summer vacation. Luckily, it wasn't too bad when we went, but I can only imagine what it'd be like in the height of summer. Think Disney World in July. Well, maybe not that bad, but you get the picture. Pricing is a little on the high side ($35 for adults, $28 for children), but they offer 20% discount for military members and their families. Also, prices differ slightly, depending on which season you plan your visit, so just be aware that peak season rates may be applied. 

Overall, it's an enjoyable experience for the entire family, and certainly plan on spending a few hours inside, especially if you want to catch the dolphin shows. It's the perfect place to hang out to beat the summer heat in Atlanta.

We checked in at the Hilton Garden Inn located on Baker street at the Luckie Marietta district of Atlanta. We specifically chose it due to its proximity to the Georgia Aquarium and other nearby attractions. The contemporary hotel has a wonderful and pleasant staff, but I really liked the convenience of its location; across the street there's a cheap souvenir and deli, around the corner you'll find two great mom n' pop style eateries, and the Centennial Olympic Park is across the hotel (just blocks away) to help walk off some of that good food you'll definitely gorge on. Although the hotel has two on-site restaurants (Legal Sea Foods and The City View), they're kinda pricey, but most definitely worth a try. Also, the view from our hotel room was definitely worth the extra $$$ for splurging a little for comfort and convenience. We had a great view of downtown and part of the Centennial Park, plus we could see all the tourists heading towards the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola Museum across the street. Talk about people-gazing from your hotel room.

Rome looks out from the hallway window, overlooking the side of the hotel

If you're looking to see some architectural digs from the pre-Civil War era, you'll be a little bit disappointed in Atlanta, since the city's antebellum history was all but destroyed during the war. Unlike other cities such as Savannah and Charleston, which retain their Southern Belle charm, Atlanta's metropolitan is certainly more progressive and modern, with looming sky scrapers and large corporation buildings lining its skyline. You'll find the headquarters of Coca Cola, Delta Airlines, The Home Depot, CNN, AT&T, and UPS just to name a few. CNN was the only headquarters that I can recall that allows tours through its building. Coca Cola and some of the others aren't accessible to the general public.

What I do love about the city is its diversity and its major attractions, namely Six Flags Over Georgia, but we didn't take our son to the amusement park on our visit. He wasn't quite 4 yet and it was way too hot and muggy to drag a kid through a crowded park during the summer. We did take him to other places which will come at a later post.

My husband and I finally left Jacksonville on our wedding anniversary, which was fun and memorable in its own way, considering that we were on the move and making our way to Norfolk, Virginia to spend a few days with family members. Since Jacksonville's in the northeast portion of Florida, crossing into Georgia just takes a little under half an hour, and we made our way past the Dames Point Bridge (pictured above) to say goodbye. I guess driving back and forth from South Carolina and Florida (usually a 5 hr. trip) frequently over the past 3 years made me take seeing the bridge for granted, but I was a little nostalgic as we finally crossed it and made our way to Interstate 95, which would take us all the way up to Northern Virginia.

Even though I feel like I'm a seasoned out-of-State driver familiar with long hours of driving, the initial drive to our first stop, Norfolk, Virginia seemed exhausting and tiring. My husband and I split the hours driving one vehicle (the other had to be picked up in Norfolk), but I ended up with a huge headache the closer we reached North Carolina's border. Our first stop was Lumberton, North Carolina; a sleepy interstate town, Lumberton didn't really have much in terms of sightseeing or tourism, but it offered us a brief respite from our travels and a warm bed to sleep in at a local hotel. It was comforting to hear the soft Southern drawl of the front desk clerk and I, of course, took note of the famed Southern hospitality in the Carolinas. 

The rest of the drive into Virginia, after crossing the border from North Carolina, was unassuming, but I began to admire the change of scenery and its foliage. Florida and Georgia, and much of South Carolina, seem indistinguishable with the pine trees, but heading into North Carolina and Virginia, I noticed the varied changes in the trees off the side of the highway. I began to see beautiful oak, cypress, and maple trees with the colors of the fall season starting to change their leaves. Gorgeous. Fortunately for us, our son is a pro when it comes to road trips and we didn't have any issues with him during our travel. However, as any couple with small children knows, the trip takes longer due to frequent stops and rest breaks. Nor worries though, we made the drive up to Virginia in good time and in one piece. We hit Norfolk in the afternoon and made our way to my husband's aunt's house where we would be staying for a few days. My second trip to Norfolk, Virginia proved to be much more memorable than the first, it seems. More on that later!

**Pictures taken from my cell phone camera**

Held downtown at the Jacksonville Landing, Filipino Pride Day involves a lot of stands filled with vendors from all aspects of the city's Filipino community; there's representatives for healthcare, banks, insurance, sports, and my personal favorite---food. You can never go wrong with food, especially Filipino food. By the fountain, a stage was set up where the performers could show off their musical skills, such as the three girls from the picture above. I didn't catch their group's name, but I loved how they belted out a few pop songs a capella and accompanied with a Ukulele at times. Amazing young girls with a lot of promise and talent. In my opinion, the best part of their performance was singing a Katy Perry song with some beat box effects. These girls were just awesome. Maybe we'll see them on a talent show one of these days. 

As I've mentioned earlier, my favorite thing about festivals of any kind is FOOD. Yes, glorious food. With over 30 different vendors, I think they had about 10 (give or take) selling Filipino food; mostly favorites such as BBQ, lumpia, pansit, and lechon. The stand we picked offered a good number of delicious selections, which I admit, I had gorged myself silly on, but it was worth every penny. Part of the proceeds of that vendor's profits were going to the Philippines to help fund a new medical care facility in Cavite, so although the $10 platter was a little too much, it was going to a good cause. 

Since my husband and I don't live here at home, it's very rare that we get to experience a large Filipino cultural event like the one held in Jax. Our son was more interested in the two large bouncy houses and the water fountain, which he immersed himself in, despite our warnings not to go anywhere near the thing, but that's okay. What's important was that we were there to have fun with our family and run into a lot of familiar faces from our school days. It's funny seeing people's reactions when they see you and say, "Oh my God, I hadn't seen you since we graduated high school!" 

Oh, and did I mention that tons of people support the festival? It's wonderful to see that the Filipino Pride Day isn't just some inclusive event for Filipinos, but for everyone in Jacksonville's community. While waiting in line for a delicious halo-halo dessert, I met a young woman who recently moved to Florida from New York. She wasn't from Jacksonville, but had drove up from Naples, Florida to attend the event with her Filipino parents. She'd only been living in Florida for a week, but she gushed that she absolutely loved it down here and she'd rather be in Florida instead of California, the Mecca of most Filipino transplants in the U.S. Looking at her, I remembered a time when I used to loathe living in Jax., not because I was young and itching to get away from "home," but because I always felt that there wasn't anything much the city could offer. Obviously, I was wrong. Now that I'm older and have lived away from home all these years, I've learned to appreciate the little nuances that make Jacksonville unique and, surprisingly, culturally diverse. I know deep down that my husband and I would probably never settle back down here, but I know that we'll always be back to visit our family members who remain in the city. 

So, here's to a successful Filipino Pride Day 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida! I'm sure it'll be even more successful in the coming years and I hope we can make it back to visit one again. I'm certainly looking forward to it. 

Inside the hangar deck, you'll find rows of aircraft used during different war periods, particularly during WWII, but you'll also find large weapons used to shoot down enemy planes and defend the Yorktown. What our son especially enjoyed was a chance to climb into an open cockpit of an F-14 Tomcat and pretend to shoot down imaginary planes as he played with all the buttons on the console. Also, you'll find other planes such as the N-2 Stearman Kaydet, SBD Dauntless, TBM Avenger, and others preserved in the hangar bay. Walking through the interior, you can watch a short film on the aircraft carrier, view memorabilia from WWII, and visit the Medal of Honor Museum, also located on the hangar level. If you go up one deck, you can also check out their control room with the sonar equipment, but since the room is cloaked in a red light, it's sort of hard to take good pictures (unless you use flash, which I didn't).

Up on the flight deck, the Yorktown keeps a number of more modern aircraft, such as the F-4J Phantom and the F-18 Hornet, but it's most likely due to their size and its relation to always being parked on the flight decks of aircraft carriers. For those afraid of heights, I'd suggest staying away from the edge of the deck, as it's pretty easy to get vertigo or topple over the edge due to its short barriers. What I do like about the Yorktown is that they are handicap accessible and those needing assistance to reach other parts of the ship can use the designated elevators to check out different parts of the museum. I enjoyed walking around and checking out the airplanes and helicopters, but the view from above the flight deck overlooking the Ravenel Bridge and the Charleston Harbor were spectacular. After your walking tour, you can head back down to the hangar bay and grab a bite to eat at their snack bar for light snacks or head one deck below to the CPO Galley for a hot meal for $8.50. 

Sitting beside on the opposite pier of the USS Yorktown, you'll find the USS Laffey (DD-724), an Allen M. Sumner class destroyer commissioned in 1944. Considering its age and the battles it had gone through (22 Japanese bombers and Kamikaze pilots tried to take her down), it's amazing to see that she's very well preserved. Just behind the USS Laffey, you can visit the USS Clagmore, a Balao-class submarine that served 30 years during the Cold War. It wasn't used during WWII, because it had been commissioned after the war had ended.

While walking around USS Yorktown, I was left wondering if they did ghost tours at night, but I was told by one of the guides that they didn't and special permission would be needed for overnight stays on the ship. Charleston has enough ghost tours in the historical district, but it would be fantastic if the Yorktown provided a bit of nightly fun for paranormal lovers. If you do plan to visit the museum, it's open daily from 9 - 6:30pm and there are discounts for military members. Adult tickets are $18, Senior citizens and military members are $15, children ages 6-11 are $11, and free for 6 and under.

For more info visit their website: http://www.patriotspoint.org/

Located on Meeting Street between Market and Cumberland Streets, you'll find Toast Restaurant, a homegrown establishment that proudly displays the NY Times clipping of its rave reviews. It's not very showy, in fact, but rather unpretentious with its simple green awning and chalkboard listing the specials of the day. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by our host and given an explanation of some of Toast's signature dishes. What I really liked about the place was the staff's friendliness and their "it seems we've been friends for a long time" kind of attitude. I don't know if it's just Charleston, but after living in South Carolina nearly 3 years, I can attest to the state's well-deserved raves on Southern Hospitality. Charleston, it seems, just takes it to a whole new level. In a good way.

Perusing through Toast's menu, you'll find a number of Lowcountry favorites (shrimp and grits, old fashioned oat meal, and eggs Benedict Charleston style) and other items to make your mouth water, such as panko encrusted crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, and blackened catfish. For my starter, I just kept it simple with a light tuna salad on greens and ordered their crab cake sammie for dinner. My husband chose to get their grilled smoked pork chops, but skipped the appetizer. Our son had the homestyle mac n' cheese from their children's menu. I didn't get a good shot of my entree, but I can tell you it was as tasty as it sounds. The blue crab cake was pan seared and placed on kaiser rolls smothered with a peppery remoulade. Delish. Toast certainly knew how to impress me on a first "date," it seemed.

After stuffing ourselves silly with dinner, I'm surprised my husband and I both had enough room to try Toast's delectable desserts. Placed in a refrigerated turn-style, you can drool over the sweets placed on display. They had enough desserts to put cavities into all your teeth, and if you've got a sweet tooth like my husband, you'd probably want to order a slice of every pie they had on the shelf. I, for one, don't have much of a sweet tooth, but it didn't stop me from grabbing one of their red velvet cupcakes with toasted walnuts on top. It's creamy, light, and sweet enough to satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect ending to a wonderful dinner. Absolutely no complaints at Toast's that night.

Although we didn't come for lunch or breakfast, Toast is known for having one of the best breakfast places in town and offering bottomless Mimosa's for $10 that lasts all day. Now, I don't think anyone would want to sit in a restaurant all day sipping on Mimosa's, but if you happen to visit Charleston with a group of friends, then scoot on over to Toast's for their hospitality, food, and all around feel-good ambiance.

The Boardwalk Inn is one of the many different types of properties found at the Wild Dunes Resort, which includes beach houses and condos for rent, along with regular hotel-type accommodations. We stayed at their hotel, so you'll find standard to deluxe rooms with excellent amenities. Downstairs, the lobby includes a lovely little reception area, well, two if you count the larger one near the fireplace. Pictured above is the waiting area you find right when you enter the building. There's also a dining room which offers lunch and dinner, but we never had a chance to check it out, because everyone knows that Charleston is known for having some of the best places to eat in the South. We definitely weren't planning on passing it up!

We were given the standard room that faced the front of the hotel, much to my disappointment. I was hoping to get a room that faced the dunes by the beach, but I was happy with what we were offered. I did like the large walk out patio / balcony that overlooked the grounds out front and I could see the resort patrons casually jogging or walking around the immense property. As for the room, I have no complaints; it's large with two queen-sized beds and had ample room for a rambunctious young boy with a tendency to jump on the mattress until his legs give out. What I didn't like about the beds were the three large cushion-type pillows that just didn't have a comfortable texture to them. They felt like those huge decorative pillows found on fancy couches and felt like them too. However, the 2 pillows underneath were comfy enough. The rest of the room was standard: small fridge, microwave, flat screen TV with premium channels, a writing desk, and wi-fi throughout the property.

Now, the bathroom was large and roomy. Heck, I think I liked the bathroom more than the room, but the toilet was located in a small area off to the left with the large tub / shower on the right. There were individual bathrobes and slippers for use, but I don't think we even touched those. The bath amenities were a step up from the usual ones I've used at other hotels. I can't recall the brand of their soaps, but I fell in love with the oatmeal bath bar and lotions, I considered ringing housekeeping to bring back more. Also, the towels are so luxuriously plush and soft, it kinda makes you wonder if they use some kind of premium fabric softener to clean them. It reminded me of our towels at home, because I'm a nut when it comes to using softeners to keep our clothes and other washable items nice and fluffy.

Because this was a resort, I sort of feel bad for NOT using most of their amenities. Rather, I think my husband and I should've booked a hotel closer to the historical district of Charleston, but since the Boardwalk Inn was running a special the weekend we went, we decided to take that offer. This resort is just yards from a private beach, offers tennis and golf lessons to patrons, swimming excursions, fine dining, eco-tours, para-sailing, and a number of other family-friendly recreational activities for all ages to enjoy. Because we stayed only 2 nights, I don't think we spent enough time at the resort, which we didn't, and chose to spend most of our time exploring other parts of Charleston. The Boardwalk Inn would be perfect for families looking to get away from the city and enjoy activities at a private resort, namely golfing and tennis. Also, since I do absolutely adore the city of Charleston, I will say that if you get a chance to visit, you must spend at least 3 - 4 days exploring the city. A day or two simply isn't enough to enjoy all that this gorgeous jewel of the South can offer.

I've never been really big on parties or social gatherings, but last week we celebrated Rome's 4th birthday a little early with close friends and family. When he gets older, we'll certainly be able to invite his classmates and friends to celebrate with him, but we'll leave that up to Rome. This year, we decided to hold a small gathering and order food, cake, and other treats for everyone to enjoy while Rome had fun being around everyone. As the resident "mom-tographer," I was on hand to snap shots of everyone and enjoy our family's efforts to make sure our son had a wonderful and memorable birthday. 'Course, I made sure I had enough time to make it back to the counter where all the food was sitting and grab a plate (or two) to eat.

Today, I'm proud to see my little guy grow into a healthy boy who's sweet, lovable, and such a character, there's nothing I wouldn't change with him. The best part of watching him grow up is being there every step of the way with my camera. The funny thing about being an avid photographer is that people often expect that if you have children, they automatically know how to pose in front of the lens. I've found that some do, but my son usually likes to act up when I'm about to hit the shutter release button. I've had him cross his eyes, pucker up his face, and stick his tongue out, but that's one thing I love about Rome---he never ceases to give me something to take a picture of.

It's just another fun aspect of being a parent. Well, a parent with a camera always at hand.

Happy birthday, my darling and dearest Rome. You'll always be mommy's number one man and I'm looking forward to another 365 days of pure awesomeness.

No visit to Charleston would be complete without having a bowl of their she-crab soup, a delightfully rich, milky, and creamy bisque filled with bits of potatoes and fresh Atlantic blue crab meat. Both my husband and I ordered a small cup to start as an appetizer and we didn't leave a lick of soup left in the cup once we were done. It was that good. The soup is very flavorful and tastes so fresh, you would think that the chef had hauled the day's fresh crab catch into his kitchen to prepare it. Also, if you're ever in the Lowcountry area, the she-crab soup is a must and one of the region's signature dishes. More often than not, you'll find most Lowcountry restaurants in the Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia regions offering a bowl of the soup.

For my entree, I ordered the Rockville shrimps and hominy, which was absolutely heavenly---it was one of THE best shrimp and grits variation I have ever tasted in the South and, let me tell you, they know their shrimp and grits here. Medium sized chunks of shrimp were sautéed in a slightly spicy Cajun-type sauce which was drenched over Old Mill Hominy grits and served with a side of corn fritters and tomato jam. The tomato jam paired with the corn fritters is ridiculously delicious. If I wasn't so intent in finishing the shrimp and grits, I probably would've asked for more. The flavors just explode in your mouth and, if you don't pace yourself, you're going to get full very fast and easily (which is what happened in my case). For those who haven't had grits, it's coarsely ground corn kernels that have slightly thick consistency, depending on how much liquid is used. Grits to Southerners is like rice to Asians; it's common in the area and they sure as hell know how to prepare it.

Another great aspect of the restaurant is that it's located in an area with easy access to a number of tourist hot spots and just minutes away from the historical district of Charleston. Also, the Mt. Pleasant area is right around the corner from the Isle of Palms, an area known for its sand dunes, pricey beach houses, and beaches, of course. Locklear's is in a plaza that's off one of the main roads in Mt. Pleasant and close to the area hotels, so I think it's fairly easy to find. You'll also find a few other restaurants, notably seafood, that offer Lowcountry cuisine, but I think that Locklear's is definitely worth a visit. It's not busy, even during the peak of lunch hour and, as I've mentioned earlier, the staff is super friendly and attentive. Our son loved looking at the fish in the tank by the hostess' stand and I was worried that he'd be a bother to the patrons eating by the table nearby, but the people were just delighted with Rome and didn't mind that he was oogling the tank.

Locklear's is also a very kid-friendly restaurant, which is always something my husband and I typically take into account when we travel and look for places to eat. The interior is painted with bright yellow paint and has ample seating space. Outside, you'll find plenty of outdoor seating, but since Locklear's located beside a main thoroughfare, it may be a little noisy with the passing traffic. As for pricing, I found Locklear's to be fairly moderate with dishes averaging between $8 - $12, with items on the kid's menu about half of that.

Verdict for Locklear's? A resounding YES. Also, you've just got to try their shrimp and grits.

Because we didn't make it to Boom Shaka Laka for breakfast, we were given the lunch menu and I glanced at their items briefly while trying to hide my disappointment about not eating there earlier. I don't live at home, so I never find out about different mom-and-pop restaurants unless I'm actively looking for something specific or if a friend mentions it. Also, judging from its menu items, Boom Shaka Laka offered "home cooked" Hawaiian meals, plus some Filipino favorites such as adobo, which isn't surprising since the owner is from Hawaii (and exposed to the island's large Filipino population). However, one of the things I noticed on the menu was that there weren't enough Hawaiian dishes to classify the restaurant as strictly Hawaiian or Polynesian. Spam, of course, is on the menu, but it was only offered during breakfast.

My husband and I both ordered their teriyaki chicken with rice, macaroni salad, and a Hawaiian roll. To be honest, it wasn't anything impressive; the food was good enough, but it was missing that "wow" factor. Many mom-and-pop joints I've sampled normally had something outstanding in their dishes, but Boom Shaka Laka's was a bit on the normal-to-bland side. Still, the food was filling and the waitress was more than happy to offer us extra rolls and salad, if we wanted. For the kids, there's a small selection of the usual kid-friendly favorites: mac n' cheese, corn dogs, hot dogs, fries, etc. Also, we remained the only people in the restaurant the entire time we ate during lunch.

Sadly, I just found out that Boom Shaka Laka is no longer in business; they closed up shop around June, so we probably were one of their last customers before they shut their doors permanently. Hopefully, they'll re-open one day at another (and better) location in the future and I'll be writing a positive review of the place. Perhaps, it's just another casualty of the recession.

Pictured above is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan's main hub for arriving and departing flights. Most tourists, coming from Canada and the U.S. will probably make a stop at this airport to catch a different connecting flight to the other islands in the Caribbean and another reason why the airport seems a little busy for its size. Prior to choosing Puerto Rico for a vacation, we were considering taking our vacation at Cancun, Mexico, Aruba, Costa Rica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Budget-wise, Mexico and Costa Rica would have been much easier on our wallet, but we also figured in the flight time and things to do. San Juan had an excellent blend of things to do for adults looking into relaxation and fun for children. As an avid photographer, there were endless things to capture on camera in Puerto Rico and I still haven't been able to go through all the shots I took during our stay. Even though I now own a smartphone, I still cringe a little when I see people taking "family" photographs in front of world renowned monuments with their cell phone. "Different strokes for different folks," is what the saying goes, and if all you brought with you on your vacation is your phone, then so be it. Because most people I saw quickly reached for their phones during photo-ops, I nearly wanted to clap when I saw someone use an actual camera (disposable, high end SLR's, point-and-shoots, etc.). Personally, I prefer the photos off my cameras, although my cell phone virtually rivals one of my point-and-shoots.

Above is a picture from our seating area about Jet Blue Airline's cabin. Since the flight is just a quick 2 hours away from Jacksonville, Florida, we're placed in one of their mid-sized jets, which is comfortable and roomy enough for the quick trip back home. I don't recall seeing a first-class or business section, but it could be the first few rows up front. It's our first time riding on Jet Blue, but I enjoyed the experience (and prices) so we'll definitely book flights with them in the future. Depending on the season, a roundtrip flight from Jacksonville to San Juan can cost as low as $130 USD for 1 adult. Not bad, but since we travel as a family, we prefer to book vacation packages, which can net some incredible discounts if you have the right coupons, codes, or catch them during a promotional period. We got lucky and were able to combine a discount with coupons, so we saved a good 35% off our trip. I love great deals.

What's my final verdict on Puerto Rico? It's an astounding YES, of course, and my husband and I are planning to go back someday. Would we take our son with us? Perhaps when he's a little older and I can't say for sure if he's going to remember his memories in San Juan from the age of 3. He may be able to, along with the thousands of pictures I took, but it'll be fun to take him back to re-experience the sights and sounds he may have forgotten while he was young. Maybe we'll head back and catch one of the cruise ships and sail into the various Caribbean islands littered around the area or just explore another part of Puerto Rico.

Until then, we'll definitely see you later, Puerto Rico!

Because our 3-year old isn't a huge fan of dark and semi-claustrophobia-inducing interiors, which is what Miro's first level reminded me of, we asked our server if we could sit upstairs on their open veranda. The main floor includes a bar with booths and tables lit with tea lights to create a rather somber and, to me, a slightly Gothic atmosphere. It may have been the dark wood used to build the structure that made it seem so bleak inside, but I prefer eating at a place where I can see my food and relax comfortably. Fortunately, the 2nd floor of Miro's restaurant has enough room on their patio area to sit a family of 3 and you don't have to worry about the live acoustic band downstairs drowning out your dinner conversation. Also, the 2nd floor contains unique black and white murals of some of Jazz's greats and you can enjoy the view of the streets below. I know I sound pretty critical of Miro's interior, but it certainly doesn't reflect what I think about their restaurant or food as a whole.

Looking through the menu, Miro offers a small combination of Spanish and seafood cuisine that seem a little fancier with Spanish-sounding names. Luckily, there are English descriptions on the bottom of each entree and I didn't have to worry too much about pronunciation, as Spanish seems to roll easily off my tongue, despite never having taken Spanish classes or speaking it myself. For our appetizer, we ordered cod fritters that our son absolutely loved and allowed him to eat that as his dinner. They also offer a basket of toast with some olive oil dip to munch on while you wait for your food. My husband ordered seafood ravioli stuffed with lobster and drenched with pesto sauce. Although it looked rather simple and slightly unappealing with its mismatched color combination, the dish was pretty tasteful. I did find that they were slightly stingy with the lobster meat, but the pesto sauce more than made up for it.

For my entree, I decided I wanted some red meat for dinner and went with their Churrasco steak with chimichurri accompanied with Maposteao risotto. The steak was ordered just right; medium rare with enough juices to keep the insides tender and moist (but not entirely too bloody). Combined with the creamy risotto, I was surprised to find that the dish was, well, pretty damned good. Across from me, my husband was salivating and offering to finish whatever I couldn't handle, but I was more than happy to share. It doesn't look like much in the picture above, but the steak is really very filling. Also, eating anything with rice will make you full quite easily. If I could change one thing about my dish, I probably would have suggested that they go ahead and spread the chimichurri sauce over the meat as soon as it comes off the grill. Because I was given a small amount of sauce on the side dish, I didn't think it tasted well with meat that had already cooled after coming off the grill.

Despite its rather odd and dark interior on the first floor, I would still recommend Miro restaurant to anyone looking for a taste of seafood or Spanish cuisine in San Juan. Miro is a little more pricier than other eateries in the area, but they do have a good selection of meats as well as seafood dishes for even the pickiest of eaters. Unfortunately, I can't say that Miro's is entirely kid-friendly, due to the lack of a menu for children, but it does have a jazz bar and parties tend to gather until the wee hours of the morning and I doubt children are a common sight at the restaurant past 10pm. However, because they also serve lunch, I would hope that they offer a small selection aimed towards patrons with little ones in the future. As I've mentioned before, if you do travel somewhere that doesn't cater to entire families (especially those with little children), you can usually get away with ordering something off the appetizer menu or asking the waiter if the chef can split a bigger meal in two, so that you can still portion out smaller meals for your children. If they don't, ask for a spare plate to share your food. I've found that most establishments don't mind, save for buffet places, and you don't have to worry about ordering extra food for your children. Adults shouldn't always have all the fun.

We ordered appetizers that included ceviche and fried minced shrimp with dough, which was filling enough, so I only had a few bites to save my appetite for the main course. My husband ordered a beefsteak plate with rice while I had their minced meat Havana style (pictured above) which came with some shaved yuca croutons that were so good, I actually asked for more (after pilfering my husband's portions). My meat had a fried egg on top, which reminded me of breakfast, but the combination with the spiciness of the meat was perfect. My meat tasted like a Latin version of a meatloaf, but there's something in meat that just makes it stand out among other meatloaves I've had before. For our son, we ordered the chicken chunks on their appetizer menu and he was happy with that, even though we still had to cut everything up in bite-sized pieces. There isn't really anything tailored for children, but you can choose any of the meats on their appetizer section. Moreover, the staff at Yerba Buena will be more than happy to make a kid-friendly portion for your child, if you need it. Combined with excellent service and good food, I'd be more than happy to pay their slightly expensive prices.

Like most of the restaurants in San Juan, Yerba Buena's drinks were fresh and made to order; juices for children tasted like they were squeezed from the fruits in the backyard and some were a little too tart without sugar. Unlike the heavily pasteurized and modified drinks we have in the U.S., the ones we ordered at the restaurant were delicious and healthy. Our waiter told me that it's better to drink things that are fresh, rather than something that was heavily processed in a factory. After all, it's cheaper and sometimes more beneficial to your health. If only I could remember that as a mantra when we headed back to the States. Unless I wanted to squeeze a lemon and make fresh lemonade myself, I wasn't going to get anything as close to the freshly-squeezed taste most places offered with their drinks.

Since we were enjoying ourselves for dinner, we also opted to try some of their alcoholic beverages; the famed Mojitos, namely, and we weren't leaving Puerto Rico without guzzling one. The Mojitos at Yerba Buena were true to its namesake; their drinks were made with the actual spearmint, or Yerba Buena mint, that are found in Cuba and the surrounding area. Unlike other places were I've had Mojitos (sadly, before I had my kid), I don't remember them tasting quite as good as the ones at the restaurant. Our server told me that Mojitos originated from Cuba, so as a native Cubano, he knows what it takes to make a real good Mojito. The bartender was also from Cuba, or so he says, but I think that Yerba Buena found a way to perfect their version.

Yerba Buena is a fantastic restaurant to try for their Cuban and Caribbean infused food, but it's also an ideal spot to watch scores of beautiful people wandering the streets of Condado at night. Like other places we've eaten at, there is absolutely no rush to eat your food and if you want to keep the table all night, by all means, do. After dinner, you can order a cup of their excellent, but strong coffee and check out their desserts menu. Because we succeeded in stuffing ourselves silly, we couldn't try any of their sweets. As for prices, Yerba Buena is a little on the steep side, with our bill easily topping over $90 USD, but the food and service is well worth it. Our son loved the gliding table we sat at, and enjoyed his food, although it was getting close to his bedtime. It was actually pretty rare to see families out late with little children, but we made an exception for him because we were all on vacation. Overall, I would highly recommend this Cuban joint in the Condado strip.

Paseo de La Princesa hugs the outer portion of Old San Juan's fortifications (part of the city's defenses in the past), so it's a lovely and picturesque promenade filled with large Spanish Oaks dripping with moss and highlighted with a handful of sculptures and statues. Crowning the walkway, you'll run into the beautiful Raices Fountain, which was designed by Luis Sanguino and depicts the cultures that make up the pride of the Puerto Rican heritage; the mixes of Spanish, African, and Taino Indian ethnicity are represented by the figures on the fountain being led away out to sea on a horse and jumping dolphins. We were told that it was best to view the fountain at sunset, but if we hadn't brought our son with us, that would've been our ideal time to visit. Still, the fountains are quite mesmerizing and, if you go early enough, you can take your time snapping family-album-worthy shots in front of the sculptures. Also, you'll find some tall sculptures resembling large pointed spikes pointed upward, but I wasn't able to discern their meaning or find the the plaque denoting its significance. I assume it had something to do with defending the city from various European invaders, but I could be wrong.

If you do plan to walk Paseo La Princesa, walking shoes (or sandals, if you must) are required. Because I thought I was going to look somewhat fashionable in my pictures, I opted for flat, gladiator style sandals, which was such a horrible choice to walk in. My feet had gotten all sweaty during the walk, so I nearly slipped a few times climbing the steps and inclines to get pictures of the guard house (pictured above), which is posted on top of a small hill with gorgeous views of the bay. I had to climb a few steep steps up a mound past La Fortaleza, which is the Governor's Mansion) to crawl halfway up on top of the bricks to get a "good shot," which I eventually ended up with. If my husband had brought his cellphone, he would've captured a very unflattering shot of me sprawled on top of the structure with my legs barely anchoring the edges and sweating profusely for my unconventional efforts. It was all done in vain, for when we walked around the other side of the garita, we found narrow steps that led towards it. Still, I wanted this angle for a picture and not one directly in front of the guard house, so it's a win-win situation for me.

After heading through Old San Juan's famed gate, we decided to head back towards the more touristy parts of Old San Juan, which is filled with brightly colored buildings and street vendors selling everything from gigantic pork rinds to flavored shaved ice. Since my husband is a little picky and paranoid with the sanitation and cleanliness of street food, I was only able to sneak a bite out of one large bacalaito, which earned me a sour look from the husband as I tried to feed it to our son. We walked around the narrow streets in the area and marveled at some of the prettier buildings in bright Caribbean colors. The only thing I do regret about visiting Paseo La Princesa was that we didn't visit during the evenings, when local musicians are out and playing along the promenade. Our nightly pursuits usually involved trying to find the best places for local grub.

In the end, we did enjoy our last tour of Old San Juan and I was able to walk away with plenty of pictures to remember this special part of the city. For those with children, it's a fantastic area to let the kids walk around and tire themselves out, which is what happened to our son. An unforgiving combination of the heat and humidity was enough to knock him out cold for a (rare) 3-hour nap, so if you do bring the little ones to San Juan, slather some sunscreen on them and let them run their hearts out at the promenade.

Most, if not all, the eateries we passed were brimming with a combination of hungry tourists and locals, but we did spot a nondescript building with a simple sign that read "Cafe del Angel" on its front. It wasn't glitzy or had the ambiance that beckoned to a budding foodie, but I figured that if it served local Puerto Rican cuisine, it'd be good enough. Certainly, with my stomach talking to me through vicious growls, I didn't have a chance to be really choosy. We also had to consider food options for our slightly-picky 3 year old son whose palate didn't include anything too exotic. Cafe del Angel is just a 15 minute walk down from the Marriott and located right across the street from a number of upscale dining establishments, but it's a far cry from its more glitzier (and pricier) counterparts. The interior had a bar with cheesy tiki decorations and numerous tables filled every inch of available space in the small interior, making the eatery a claustrophobic's nightmare. Outdoor, there's a few patio seating available for customers who prefer to wine and dine while listening to the din of traffic, but we opted to sit inside. Our server, Mario, sat us by the window where I had a perfect view of the people who were ready to experience San Juan's night life.

We started our dinner with a fresh fish ceviche appetizer with some toasted, buttered bread rolls. The ceviche was absolutely mouthwatering with peppers, onions, carrots, and a lemon marinade that helps cook the fish. There's a little bit of sweet relish that takes the acidity off from the strong lemon taste, but altogether, the flavor was refreshing. Cafe del Angel has an enormous menu which includes numerous local Puerto Rican flavors. I wasn't sure what I would order, but Mario suggested that I try the Puerto Rican plate, in case I wanted to stick to basics. Originally, I wanted the shrimp mofongo, but after eating mofongo nearly every day during our stay there, I opted for something different.

The Puerto Rican plate included slices of pork tenderloin smothered with a thick peppered gravy, fried plantains, rice with chick peas, and pasteles---similar to tamales, but with a thinner consistency, and includes filling inside. As you can see from my snapshot, the Puerto Rican plate is enough to feed 2 hungry people; I couldn't even finish a third of my entree and had to bring the leftovers back to our hotel. The pork was tender and very flavorful along with the gravy and went well with the rice. The plantains were caramelized with brown sugar and the pasteles were somewhat bland, but adding some hot sauce made its taste infinitely better. Overall, the portions were definitely good for the price of dinner (nothing over $12 USD) and they have enough on their menu for even the pickiest of eaters. I would suggest that you order lightly for an appetizer since they do bring large plates to the tables. Either order a large appetizer or a small dinner or vice versa.

If you enjoy people-watching, then Cafe del Angel fits the bill; they have seats by the windows where you can look at the locals pass by or, even better, sit outside with them. Unlike restaurants in the U.S., they don't rush to get you in and out of their place, so feel free to sit back, relax, and enjoy your food. I didn't try any of their alcoholic beverages, but I was told that they're fairly inexpensive and great, compared to other bars. Cafe del Angel is also kid-friendly, as they've got a good number of things on their menu for children. Overall, I would recommend the restaurant for a combination of its prices and menu variety.

The interior of MAPR is broken down into three wings or sections; one wing housed an exhibition from the 17th century, particularly of the artist Campeche, another featured the personal collection of Angel Ramos and Tina Hills, while another showcased works from more modern artists. Split into 4 levels, the museum also includes an interactive art section for the children, so that they can experience art firsthand by painting masks, drawing on a large house made out of chalkboard, and playing with a moving art maze. Like many art museums we've visited, photography (flash or no flash) is prohibited, so you're limited at what you can put on film. With security guards and cameras surreptitiously placed all throughout the gallery, it's a little hard to grab a shot of a favorite painting. However, despite the camera-ban, you are allowed to take pictures in the large, open hall in the east wing atrium (pictured above) which is dominated by a five story stained-glass window designed by Eric Tabales, a local San Juan artist. It's magnificent and quite dizzying to stare at the glass from the main floor, so it's best to move up to the 3rd floor to get a better glimpse. Most of the art work we looked through was a mix between modern and classic, but the different art media represented made it a unique viewing experience for our 3 year old, who enjoyed the 3D art gallery the most.

Behind the MAPR lies a 2.5 acre garden filled with over 365 natural ecological species of flora and fauna native to Puerto Rico. Stepping into what seems like a natural miniature rain forest in the middle of the city, the garden provides a lush canopy of trees to keep you shaded from the midday sun. My son loved the pond filled with a number of colorful Koi carps milling about nearby, thinking that he had treats to throw at them. Also, the garden is home to a few large and unique sculptures, some which are painted in a vibrant red color, to maintain contrast against the natural hues of the surrounding area.

If you plan to visit MAPR, allow at least an hour and a half to explore the galleries and experience the gardens in the back. When you're done, you can grab a bite to eat at their restaurant, Laurel, which serves an eclectic mix of Latin and Caribbean cuisine in an atmosphere decorated with vibrant and cozy colors. We didn't eat at Laurel, but I did have a chance to peek inside the restaurant and take a look at their menu and prices. Prices are a little on the steep side, with appetizers ranging between $12 - $19 USD and entrees from $25 USD and up. It's another reason why we decided to head elsewhere for lunch. Still, MAPR is highly recommended and admission will run adults $6 and children age 5 and over $3. Kids under 5 are free. Also, be aware that you won't be able to bring your bags or purses in the museum, so they'll have to be checked in at the main entrance. Cameras are okay, as long as you adhere to the rules and don't try to sneak in shots from their galleries. Pictures in the east wing atrium and gardens are allowed.

What I immediately liked about Di Zucchero was its decor and interior. Outside on the patio, there were bright red chairs and a table facing the street, which made it a prime spot for people-watching. One end of the patio had large antiquated chaises big enough to seat 3 comfortably so that you and your friends could enjoy the meal al fresco. Unfortunately, it was in the upper 80's by the time we made it to Di Zucchero and, without outdoor umbrellas, I wasn't in the mood to eat in the heat and humidity. That was one thing I found odd about the restaurant---no umbrellas to shield patrons from the heat.

Overlooking the menu, there really wasn't a large selection of breakfast choices, but they had pancakes for our son, omelettes, crepes, and other healthy selections. Well, that and everything was made fancier by putting it in Italian. It was one of the few places we found that served salads for breakfast, but since I wasn't planning on going semi-vegetarian on our trip, I overlooked that section. Instead, I chose to have their muffins a la eggs Benedict-style with a small salad on the side. It was good, but not enough to fill my belly, so I helped my son finish his 2 blueberry pancakes. On the other hand, my husband had ordered an Italian-style omelette that came with two pieces of toasted bread. I wished I had ordered something a little more filling.

Di Zucchero is a restaurant and lounge, so at night it was common to hear music and see a crowd gathering outside or hanging out at the extra space on the second floor. In the mornings, the restaurant seems much calmer, lazier, and less chaotic that its nighttime alter ego. The waitstaff, although limited during the day, was a little on the slow side, and it took over 30 minutes for our breakfast to be served. Service, on the whole, in Puerto Rico is much more relaxed and slower than the U.S., so if you visit, make sure you have plenty of patience. Di Zucchero seemed slower than most, but don't mind the wait---the food is worth it. Also, expect slightly higher prices for breakfast at the restaurant and less choices for meals. I'm not sure what their lunch or dinner menu consists of, but breakfast tends to be more on the lighter and healthier side Also, you won't find heaping mounds of food here; Di Zucchero portions are much smaller, but the price doesn't reflect that. If you'd like a heavier breakfast, any of the local eateries, such as Danny's (previously reviewed), serves excellent food.

What I particularly liked about the mall was its unique moving sculptures in the main drag that served as the focal point of the area. My son was completely fascinated with the manatee with its moving arms and the people tossing pennies in the fountain. Walking around the three levels of the mall, you'll also find beautiful colored hanging sculptures and decorative mosaics on the floor. The interior is wide, spacious, and adorned with bright Caribbean colors to uplift your visual senses. It isn't drab or monochromatic like some of the malls I've visited in the U.S. As for its stores, you'll find some favorites such as Sephora, Gap, Banana Republic, and Build-A-Bear Workshop for the kiddies. However, it's worth looking at some of the local stores such as Pequena Ola, Ilori, or Valija Gitana. Also unique to Plaza Las Americas are some of the fast food eateries located in different points of the shopping center. Instead of having one major food court, a number of vendors are scattered in a few of the wings or galas, making it more convenient for the hungry shoppers who don't need to move towards one area for food. We ended up at the Deli Cuisine for some fast home cooked mom and pop Puerto Rican food, just because I wasn't tempted to try anything that resembled food from back home (i.e., pizza, Mexican, Japanese, American, etc.).

Plaza Las Americas is certainly a worthwhile shopping excursion, but don't forget to support the local boutiques and stores outside of the shopping center. If you need to pick up souvenirs, I would skip shopping at the mall, since mall prices are comparable to those back in the States. Also, I didn't recall seeing a store dedicated to just Puerto Rican souvenirs, but if you must shop for something, definitely spend it at one of the non-U.S. brand shops. After all, you can get that same T-shirt at the Old Navy store back home, so you're better off buying that unique sunglasses from Ilori. A big plus to the mall is its central location in San Juan and accessibility for the tourists; there are taxi stands outside the main area and easy bus routes to take you to and from the hotel. The cab fare from the Condado area to Plaza Las Americas will cost you $10. Also, try to grab some fresh fruit from the vendors selling them, since they're absolutely delicious.

Puerto Rican sampler

Puerto Rican pizza

Because most of the other places we checked out were busy or crowded, we ended up at Danny's---something as a last resort---but, surprisingly, its food didn't disappoint. Not to be confused with the American Denny's restaurant, Danny's is somewhat similar, but also offers local Puerto Rican cuisine, mostly in the form of appetizers. Pictured above is Danny's Puerto Rican sampler; empanadas, alcapurrias, and fried plantains. Most of the appetizers featured American favorites, such as chicken wings and a variety of salads. I would, however, skip their Italian section as it doesn't compare to the other Italian restaurant across the street (which was jam packed the night we ate dinner), and instead try their pizzas. We ordered a large Puerto Rican pizza, which was big enough for the three of us and tasted like heaven. It didn't look like much, when the waitress first presented it, having just some mushrooms and pieces of chicken spread with cheese. However, what set my taste buds on fire was its crust and cheese. There was a hint of cinnamon and sugar mixed with the spices that made me dream of its taste later on that night. It was intoxicating and I will rarely rave about a pizza unless there's something unusual or unique about it. Danny's Puerto Rican pizza was a winner in my book.

Dining out at Danny's

Because Danny's is open from 7am - 1am, it makes it an ideal place for breakfast and late dinners, especially if other nearby restaurants are crowded. Most entrees run from $8 to $15, which is the norm for restaurants in the area, but their pizzas are worth it. Nothing really stood out in their menu, particularly with its large sandwich and Italian selections, but it's worth trying the few Puerto Rican food that they offer. Because we had breakfast at Danny's one morning, I do have to commend their breakfast menu and the huge portions that they serve. Breakfast is comparatively cheaper than dinner, of course, and you can get a full plate of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast for under $6. Compared to a breakfast platter at the Marriott for $15 a person, Danny's was a much better alternative and just a short distance away.

If you do stay at a hotel that has access to the beach---take advantage of it. One day, we decided to spend our morning enjoying the beautiful warm weather and the beach, so we armed ourselves with some sunscreen, hats, and water. Since the Marriott has its own beach staff, they will set up your chair and umbrella at the location of your choice free of charge. They even have servers who come by to take your drink orders and will come back with a cool beverage to quench your thirst. While my son and husband walked along the length of the beach (and its waters), I just lounged about lazily underneath the canopy of my umbrella. Even though we were out on the beach around 10am, the rays are brutal. I spent most of my time watching the waves and the people enjoying them.

Since I brought my camera with me, I did manage to wander off into the edge of the water for a few shots of the waves and outcropping of rocks (pictured above), but the fear of tripping over something and dropping my camera made me hurry to go back underneath the relative safety of my umbrella. Condado Beach isn't really crowded, but on nice days like this, prime spots are quickly taken so most people tend to head out early to take them. I just wanted to make sure I grabbed some good shots with the camera before really kickin' back and enjoying the surroundings. Oh, and I do have to mention the eye-candy of gorgeous Latin hunks in the area---another great reason to take the camera to the beach!

San Juan's finest

While chatting with these two police officers, I found out that most tourist areas, such as Old San Juan, and the nearby beaches tend to have a good number of police units out. The female officer told me that, although San Juan is typically safe for all visitors, there are still crimes that involve mugging, theft, and assault on non-locals which frequently occur at night. Also, the majority of the victims are women who have gone out by themselves or are alone at certain parts of the city. Basically, it all boils down to common sense; if you're going to go out in an unfamiliar city, make sure you do it with a friend or research the location of where you're going to. Even though San Juan has a pretty decent police force patrolling the area, they can't be everywhere at once. These two officers were pretty easygoing and helpful, so I was glad to be able to get their shots and talk with them a bit.

I also have to note that most of the police we saw in San Juan were incredibly fit specimens. The few we spotted in Old San Juan were exceptionally muscular and somewhat intimidating, but then again, I'm guessing they like to place the best looking ones where all the tourists gather. However, if I was a criminal, I certainly wouldn't want to be manhandled or tackled by one of them. Well, that depends on their looks...

Cafeteria Mallorca

Chicken mofongo

Located off the main thoroughfare and across the street from Plaza Salvador Brau, was the Cafe Mallorca; a little eatery frequented by a handful of locals and a few tourists like us. There's nothing fancy or outstanding within its interior, but one look at the place and you knew that you were in good hands when it came to Puerto Rican food. Most of the patrons were eating heavy meaty meals and sandwiches, so we figured we'd follow suit. Glancing at their menu, you were given a choice of lunch or breakfast items to choose from, depending on the time you arrived. We came in around 11:30, so I was surprised that they were still serving breakfast. Our waiter gladly handed us the lunch menu and gave us a few choices for local food. I ended up with the chicken mofongo (picture no. 2) and side salad. The mofongo didn't disappoint; it was stewed chicken drenched over a thick crust of crushed plantains, chicharrones, garlic, and bits of meat. The chicken stew contained shredded meat with tomatoes, beans, green peppers, and a mild salsa-spice sauce that was incredibly delicious. Being a true Asian, I wished I had ordered a side of rice to go along with it, but after a few bites of the mofongo, you'd want to rethink that. The mofongo is enough to keep your belly full for at least 4-5 hours. I think I finished 60% of it.

Beef stew

My husband ordered the carne guisada (beef stew) that also came with fried plantain bananas with a caramel glaze over them. His order also came with rice and red beans. Since I'm the official food taster, I sampled his dish and found that the beef was slow cooked and tender with the pieces falling apart in my mouth. I'm not sure how they cook their food at Cafe Mallorca, but I can just imagine that everything is braised or set in a pot for hours, because the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. Like other local restaurants in Puerto Rico, we were served warm toasted bread while we waited for our meals and offered coffee and desserts afterward. Cafe Mallorca includes a bakery, but because we had stuffed ourselves silly with food, our bellies didn't have enough room for the sweets. I do regret not picking some up, even to bring back to our hotel room, but I promised that we'd eat back here on a future visit. Like me, my husband couldn't finish his food, so we sort of languished at our table waiting for the food to slowly digest before resuming our exploration of Old San Juan. By the time we finished, it was getting closer to 1pm, so the restaurant was beginning to get crowded.

In the end, I would highly recommend Cafe Mallorca for its excellent and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, quick service, and prices. The food is relatively cheap, compared to other restaurants in the area, and they are fast. I mean, you're not going to be waiting for more than 10 minutes for your meal, but they also don't rush to give you the check once you're done. A quick nod to the waiter will set you on your way. My mofongo lunch just cost $8 USD while my husband's was around $9, so you can easily splurge on dessert or coffee afterward. After our meal, we decided to walk around Old San Juan a little bit more before heading back for an afternoon siesta. A heavy meal at Cafe Mallorca will easily put you to sleep.

The sentry box

Barracks

San Cristóbal is clearly impressive with its myriad of levels that make the fort feel more like a Spanish castle rather than a military fortification. However, it's technically a castle because of the "castillo" portion of its name. Outside the main entrance of the fort, you can wander around in a large field for a photo-op inside of the many garitas, a sentry box in which guards were stationed to keep watch for enemies. Luckily, we didn't have to wait at all for a shot by one of the garitas. Supposedly, one of the garitas is haunted by the ghost of a soldier who had fallen into the rocky cliffs below. After reviewing my pictures of the sentry box (see above), I was disappointed to find that everything was...normal. If you're familiar with the show, Ghost Hunters International, you'll find an episode where the crew visits El Morro and San Cristóbal and capture some eerie unexplained events on camera. Fortunately, nothing too creepy happened on our visit, although the extensive tunnels leading to the dungeons below the fortress were somewhat daunting. Since my son wanted to roam inside one of the darker tunnels that housed a number of dungeons, my husband and I followed him, but the air started to feel uncomfortable and oppressive. I don't know it it's the heat or the narrowness of the pathway, but I didn't like the feeling underground and only made it a few yards underneath before heading back outside for some fresh air. It was too dark to take good pictures and I didn't have my tripod, so we didn't stay underground too long.

If you head above the fortress, on its ramparts, you'll find exhilarating views of both Old San Juan and the Atlantic Ocean. We were able to see a cruise ship come into a dock in Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay) as well as other spectacular sights in the city. If you walk around the area, you'll also find the barracks were the soldiers used to sleep (picture no. 2) and the chapel where they attended religious services. There are uniforms and weapons on display, but what I enjoyed most was looking at the buildings and learning about San Juan's military history. For those who like guided tours, you can catch one offered by English-speaking park staff who are more than happy to offer intriguing stories about the fort. Also, visiting the fort is inexpensive; adult tickets (16 yrs. and over) are only $3 and children 15 and under are FREE. Hours of the fort are from 9:00am to 6:00pm, so take your time to visit. I would allow between 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the fort and its surrounding areas. Also, make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, since the fort sits on a steep hill and its building encompasses a maze of tunnels and pathways that are steep and difficult to climb in slippers or heels. 

Alleys

Plaza de Colón

Our cab dropped us off at Plaza de Colón, the plaza named in honor of Christoper Columbus, and our cab driver was nice enough to point out a few things that were worth seeing. Even though we were there around 10am, the humidity was starting to creep up on us, so we had to run into one of the many souvenir shops to arm ourselves with bottled water. My first impression of Old San Juan was that it was very colorful and had a cheerful atmosphere. Vendors were starting to set up their tents to sell various handmade souvenirs, such as purses and masks, and the smell from the street food carts were beginning to pervade my senses. I fought the temptation though. Old San Juan has a number of famous plazas dispersed throughout its area, but some of the notable ones are Plaza San José, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, and Plaza de Armas. Also, in case you have little children in tow, there are free trolleys you can hop on and off on your trek so that you don't have to suffer in the heat. They're marked by trolley stops (with numbers) along various streets in Old San Juan. I do recommend walking as much as you can, since you may miss some of the quaint little shops and unique restaurants along the way. Also, we enjoyed interacting with the local residents as they were incredibly friendly and particularly helpful in directing us to local eateries we may enjoy.

Old San Juan is best explored first thing in the morning, as tourists tend to trickle in after a lazy breakfast or lounging at the beach. Also, we were told that it was best to come during the weekday versus the weekend, when the bulk of the tourists from hotels and the cruise lines converge in the city. The day we went it wasn't crowded at all. I would also recommend at least one full day or two mornings to really take in this area of the city, as there's so much to see and do. Don't forget to arm yourself with a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as the heat and humidity is fairly brutal in Puerto Rico. When you're done exploring, you can catch the bus back to your hotel or head to the taxi pick up area, which is clearly marked and located towards the southeastern portion of Old San Juan and not too far from Colon plaza.

We were served by Maria, who recommended a few items to try on their list. I started out with the calamari salad drenched in some mysterious, but unbelievably tasty sauce and garnished with lime. I liked the freshness of the calamari and its tender meat. It didn't taste rubbery or overly fried at all. We also ordered a chicken tenders basket for my son while my husband had their Cuban sandwich. While we were waiting for our meal, Maria served us some warm toasted bread with a garlic spread that we finished within minutes. I guess it's an "all you can eat" bread basket because Maria had to come back twice to give us more bread.  Also, there are a number of Puerto Rican dishes in their menu, but I wasn't ready to try the mofongo just yet. For those who are slightly picky, you can find basic sandwiches and a few chicken dishes that don't sound too exotic. They do have a decent appetizer menu and a relatively good selection of seafood and meat dishes.

The only downside I could find with the Latin Star are the prices of the meals. Since they're in the Condado area, meals seem a bit overpriced at $12 - 22 for main dishes and $8 - 10 for appetizers. Bottled water will cost you $2 and drinks are around $6 and up. A good thing about the restaurant is that it's opened 24 hours and if everything on Ashford Avenue is packed (which is common), you can always drop by here.

Marriott Stellaris

San Juan Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino

Our package included the double bed oceanfront view with a balcony. Other rooms have the city view, partial ocean view, or the pool view, but I think you can request oceanfront rooms if they have them available at the time. Ours was located on the 7th floor, which was high enough to spy on the people frolicking below on the beach and in the ocean. The beds were comfortable in true Marriott fashion and the bathroom was pretty spacious. My only complaint was the lack of a microwave, but since you're at a resort, they'll find sneaky ways to make sure you use their facilities instead of hoarding microwaveable meals in your luggage and eating up in the rooms. Oh, and the fridge was about the size of a small TV. It's still large enough to fit a few bottles of water and my son's juice pouches. The maids also brought in 4 complimentary bottles of water each day, so don't worry about running out of water. If you do happen to run out, the front desk is more than happy to send more bottles to your room.

Bar

The resort also boasts a lively lobby area complete with a full service bar, a lounge, a coffee / snack area, and free wi-fi in the area. Adjacent to the lobby is the Stellaris casino, which features a number of games (cards & slots) to keep you occupied, in case the weather turns ugly. Nearly every night, the lobby was packed with visitors and guests dancing to live bands playing salsa or rock, but being on the 7th floor, you couldn't hear anything. There's also a small souvenir store carrying various sundries, in case you forgot to pack your sunblock lotion or toothbrush. However, here's a tidbit: don't buy from the hotel---they're overpriced. Instead, head out and walk a block to the corner Walgreens and get your alcohol, snacks, and other items there.

As for the restaurants in the hotel, I can't write a review on it because we didn't get to dine in any of them. Why not? We didn't book an all-inclusive package (which wasn't available, anyway), so we opted to indulge ourselves in some of the finest dining that San Juan had to offer. However, we did take advantage of the resort's two pools (one for the kids and another for the adults), the water slide, and its pristine beach. I only regret that I didn't have a waterproof case for my camera or a waterproof point & shoot for those water shots. Still, who wants to relax on the beach while lugging an obnoxious black camera around?

Room with a view

San Juan in May is doable. Since we live in South Carolina (& make frequent trips to Florida), the humidity didn't faze us. Well, most of the time. Florida in May simmers at 40% humidity give or take, but San Juan was a balmy 70%. The air was arguably thicker and it was hot, but it didn't really bother our family. What we wanted to do was check in the hotel, grab a quick bite to eat, and nap until we were ready to do a little exploring. We were spending a week in San Juan and banking on a combination of exploring, noshing on the local cuisine, and taking advantage of our hotel's amenities.

Prior to choosing the specifics of our vacation, location was a key factor in booking our trip. Since we knew we wanted to enjoy the beach and be close enough to check out other nearby sights, namely Old San Juan, we picked a resort located in the Condado region of the city. The only downside I could think of in our area was that San Juan faces the Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean, so the waters are a little rough, but it's a delight to the surfers and boogie-borders. I'll get into more detail of our hotel in another post, so bear with me. The Condado area is a prime choice for people who want to be near the night life, delectable restaurants, the beach, and shopping.

My biggest decision was what camera and gear to bring to San Juan, but thankfully, I kept it light. Knowing that I'd be traveling with a 3 year old and in the heat, I should've considered bringing my Sony (micro camera), which was lighter, but I had to drag the Nikon out the bag and grab 2 lenses. The result? Awesome pictures, but my neck and shoulders were suffering due to the extra weight in the bag. Mind you, I didn't bring a camera bag, since I chose to go with fashion rather than convenience.