Welcome to Puerto Rico

The view from our room

Well we arrived at our hotel about 6 p.m. this evening. We're staying at the Hotel Verdanza. We always request a handicap accessible room for Dan, which means we're on the first floor with a lovely pool view. Handicap accessible doesn't allow for sea views, sadly. I guess that means if you're disabled you just get to see the pool and nothing else. 

We've already been to dinner at a place recommended by the nice people who picked us up at the airport to bring us to the hotel. We or rather I wanted a place that the locals eat at. Here's my thought, if you're going to someplace new and different then that includes the food. Being a self confessed Foodie, I wanted LOCAL flavor. So they recommended Mi Casita restaurant. Just down and across the street from the hotel. 

Three cheers for Mi Casita. I had the Beefsteak Native with rice and beans, iced tea (sweet) and Dan had spaghetti and meatballs with a lechuga y tomate salad (lettuce and tomato) with Puerto Rican coffee. Word of warning, if you order coffee, make sure you tell them you want American coffee otherwise, you will get the caffein rush of all time. His was more like espresso than coffee and was served in an espresso cup. He did get a rush, hard to believe for him but true. However, other than that misstep the food was excellent and the portions were large. I couldn't finish all of my food, however Dan finished his. 

I wanted to get this on the blog for everyone so I decided not to go exploring in the night as I was hoping to do. Although if I get bored I still might. :)

Interestingly the bath in our room is similar to an Italian style with a simple wet room set up. I think that's cool, but Dan's not sure yet. The room is on the small side, but well equipped with all the creature comforts and the hotel provided us with our dessert. A gelato style creation that made my eyes roll back in my head for its sweetness, creamy texture and good taste. And it was the perfect finale to a great day so far. See y'all tomorrow with more pictures and stories of our explorations.

I love flowers and the hotel has orchids
growing outside. This one was on a tree
near our room.

Don't know what this kind of flower is, but it was growing
profusely on large bushes all around the pool area.