Our Sitcom-Worthy Escape to Puerto Rico: No Kids, No Bulldog, Just Pure Shenanigans
So, we did it! We ditched the kids (temporarily), left our snoring bulldog with my bff, and decided against anything as mundane as skydiving or bear chasing this year. Instead, Rick and I jetted off to Yabucoa, a hidden gem in Puerto Rico, an hour south of San Juan. It's this quaint beach town where tourists are myths, and the mojitos are strong—definitely not sipped but perhaps gulped!
Our home base was an AirBnB that promised peace but delivered some unforgettable adventures. For starters, I introduced Rick to the art of seaglass hunting. Picture this: me, screaming at the sight of a huge rare grey piece, Rick panicking, thinking I'd encountered a beach bear (if that's even a thing). Nearby sunbathers might've thought I was reenacting a scene from a thriller!
Adding to our adventures, Rick became the unofficial patron saint of Yabucoa's stray dogs. If I didn't keep an eye on him, I swear we'd have come back with a suitcase full of adopted pups instead of seaglass and souvenirs. Every canine from miles around must have sensed his presence because they flocked to him and, of course, he fed every single one. We're lucky our airline has a strict "no dogs as carry-ons" policy, or our house would resemble a canine sanctuary now!
Our journey to the AirBnB itself could've been an episode of a travel comedy show. The road to our place was so steep that our rental car performed more like a tired old mule than a modern vehicle. I had visions of us abandoning the car at the base of the hill and hauling our suitcases up like two hapless pack animals. Luckily, we made it up each time without having to resort to that, though not without some nervous laughter and possibly a few choice words about the car's horsepower.
Mingling with the locals was a crash course in charades and smiles, proving that 'beautiful' is a universal language, especially when followed by shared laughter and impromptu dances in their party bus. Yes, we partied on a bus, because why not?
We even ventured into the rainforest—no bears, just breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery that made you feel like you were on a movie set.
Speaking of movies, our trip hit peak cool when we stumbled upon Josh Gates filming an episode of *Expedition Unknown*. Star-struck? Just a tad.
Old San Juan was our final stop, where we soaked up history and more sun, walking the ancient streets and pretending we were part of its storied past.
Coming back home was tough but the hugs from the kiddos and slobbery kisses from snoozy made it a lot easier. You don't just switch from 'fiesta' to 'siesta' and then back to the daily grind without a little struggle. We returned somewhat ready to tackle the routine, armed with new inside jokes and a refreshed, zestier outlook on our daily sitcom of life.
Amid all the comedic escapades, the real treasure of our trip was the chance for Rick and me to reconnect not just as dad and bonus mom, but as two people in love. This vacation was a series of firsts for Rick—it was his inaugural journey beyond the continental USA, venturing farther west than he’d ever been, which had been Ohio to my cousins wedding. The plane ride itself, his first in over a decade, and less than a handful in his life, marked a milestone. Away from the daily roles and routines, we rediscovered the simple joy of being partners, exploring new territories both geographically and within our relationship. This trip was more than just a break from our responsibilities; it was a rediscovery of ourselves as a couple, making it truly invaluable.
Ready to jet off on your own adventure or rediscover the spark in your relationship? Don't wait for the perfect moment—create it. Pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and maybe find your own secluded beach town or party bus. Remember, every journey starts with a single step, or in our case, a single flight out of the routine. So, who’s up for making their own sitcom-worthy escape? Let's hear about the places you dream of exploring or the funniest travel mishap you've encountered. Share your stories below and let's keep the adventure spirit alive together!
