Puerto Rico's Fort San Cristobal

One of the reasons why I wanted to visit Puerto Rico was because of the historical Old San Juan and to understand what the island's role in the Spanish-American War (1898). On our first day, we visited Fort San Cristobal.

This huge fortress, begun in 1634 and reengineered in the 1770's, is one of the largest ever built in the America's by Spain. Its walls rise more than 150 feet above the sea - a marvel military engineering. San Cristobal protected San Juan against attackers coming by land as a partner to El Morro (post coming soon about El Morro), to which it is linked by a half-mile of monumental walls and bastions filled with cannon-firing positions. A complex system of tunnels and dry moats connects the center of San Cristobal to its "outworks," defensive elements arranged layer after layer over 27-acre site. (John Marino, Frommer's Puerto Rico, 160)

A part of history merges with the everyday life

Fort San Cristobal

A former strategic battle fortress, now a historical monument

Entrance to San Cristobal

Peeking into history

The Puerto Rican flag (middle)

If you're a watch soldier now, this is your view inside from one of the bunkers

Another view from the same bunker (above)

Walls that have witnessed war, history and time

A tunnel of tunnels

A cannon used to be here

San Cristobal peeking into Old San Juan

Leaving San Cristobal

Fort San Cristobal is a historian's delight. Experiencing and walking through history is one way to spend the warm, balmy afternoons in Old San Juan. Believe me, it's worth the sweat and achy feet.

In 1898 the first shots of the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico were fired by cannons on top of San Cristobal during an artillery duel with a U.S. Navy fleet. (Marino, 160)

The Lazy Wardrobe

Last night, I sorted through the clothes in my closet, and thought I might need to seriously revamp my wardrobe. I had two big meetings this week and I couldn't seem to find any suitable business suits. My two favorite business suits are quite old; the other one I even used during my interview to get my current job. With the new year (even if we're already two months into 2010) and the seeming belief that a new year beckons the arrival of a new life is making me want to make some changes most especially with the way I present or dress myself. I am not the most fashion conscious person in the world, and majority of the time, I put comfort over fashion, but with the college t-shirts, old sweats and unsightly stained jeans still hanging in my closet, I think it's about time to make room for new wardrobe.

Could this be another stage of maturity I am going through? Perhaps this process could be considered as a wardrobe detox like taking Acai Detox Xtreme or some sort of wardrobe revival? It would really help put things in perspective in reevaluating who I am. The complacent or more appropriately defined as lazy wardrobe needs to be spruced up with clothes that represent my current state of mind, clothes that truly represent who I am and what I feel, and most of all, a wardrobe that is truly me. There is nothing wrong with complacency, but for me, it has come to a point where dressing myself has become a chore or one might even consider a struggle. I definitely want dressing up to be fun again.

Tuesday Talk

This morning, I hurriedly grabbed my work bag and also my iShuffle. I woke up late again for the second day since coming back from my San Juan vacation. I guess I need to get back into work mode. It did not occur to me that I have not updated the songs in my Mp3 player since October or November of last year. Needless to say, as I was on my train to DC, I decided to listen to some music. I nearly fell off my seat with laughter as one Christmas song played after another. Sigh, I need to go Mp3 Hunting when I get home tonight.

As a weather update, I am so glad that we won't be getting any snow storms this week. Instead, we are getting a mixture of rain and some snow showers with no possibility of accumulation. For me, this is good news because the snow from the last storm is still here and needs to melt. Also, my heat pump needs a break. It has been churning for the past two months non-stop, and I am not looking forward to getting my electric bill this month or the next. (I suspect $100 and up, yikes!) Aside from that, the roads will remain clear for smooth driving and trains won't be shutdown due to frozen train tracks just like two weeks ago. I am just glad my area didn't suffer from the massive black-out in some counties because I can't imagine myself shivering in the dark. Just an interesting read: "According to Fox News, the federal inactivity could cost taxpayers about $100 million every day in lost productivity, or work that’s not getting done.” (For full article, read here.) So since the federal government shut down for four days, we are looking at approximately a $400 million loss. Phew, I don't even want to think about that.

I still love winter, but where, oh where, is Spring?

Streets Of Old San Juan

It is Sunday and I am trying to psyche myself to go back to work tomorrow. Before my trip to Puerto Rico, I was stuck at home due to the snow storm for a whole week, so it feels like I had two weeks of vacation. At the moment, my heart misses the warm weather and sights of Puerto Rico, and since we are again looking at four days of another snow shower next week, part of me wants to pack and head for another tropical getaway. It would be nice if I have satelite high speed internet and blog from even the most remote location in the world.

Anyway, my friend, F, and I arrived at the San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) airport at about 2 PM. The airport was so crowded because passengers' flights were delayed due to snow storms in the Mainland. I on the other hand could not wait to get my feet wet at the beach or step on some warm sand. As we were getting out of the baggage pick up area, our hotel pick up service was already there waiting for us. Our hotel is located in Old San Juan which is about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport. As our limo drove through the streets of San Juan, I had a big smile on my face and could not believe I am officially on vacation.

As soon as we got to our room, we quickly unpacked and hurriedly grabbed our cameras to explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan.

 

This is the view from our hotel. 

   

Rows and rows of brightly colored houses adorned the streets of Old San Juan

  

The roads are paved with blue cobbler stones

  

Streets are just waiting to be photographed

  

Many colors to choose from

  

I thought this house is a cutie 

  

Houses adorned with plants

  

Front doors are adorned with all types of artsy welcome messages just like this one

  

More colorful houses

  

Houses meet San Cristobal Castle 

"El viejo San Juan, the seven-square-block landmark zone of the island's capital, is a perfectly preserved  microcosm of Spanish colonial architecture and a remarkable walk back through history." (1000 Places To See Before You Die, 883) 

Home Again

Why is it that when one is on vacation, time goes by quickly? I still can't believe my vacation in Puerto Rico went by so fast (in fact, too fast). Yesterday, I was sweating to the tropical temperatures in San Juan, and now I am back to keeping myself warm with coats and jackets here in Maryland. Although the warm and sunny beaches of Puerto Rico seems like a distant memory right now, somehow it feels great to be back home, checking mail and e-mails, and sleeping on my own bed again. My recent trip to Puerto Rico was indeed refreshing and it gave me the needed break from my daily stress and the needed change from my usual routine. For a few days, I forgot about the existence of snow storms, work stress, financial stress and other family related issues. Puerto Rico's history, beautiful sights and beaches kept me occupied for that short duration. I am a firm believer that aside from the knowledge we gain from traveling, vacations are a necessity in life, a necessity for surviving the current demands of the world we live in.

I will be posting photos from my recent trip and I will be visiting your blogs soon. For now, I'll get back to paying bills, doing laundry, cleaning house and adding more to my house to do list for spring including adding new shutters for my house.

I wish everyone a great weekend.

It's Another Snow Day!

I have ran out of tea, and the milk is almost gone. My dinner table is littered with used tea cups and coffee mugs, as I have been drinking lots of tea and coffee to keep myself warm. My jacket is still hanging on my bike as I was trying to dry it off after shoveling the snow yesterday. My winter boots are still on the doormat, as I was too lazy to put them in the closet. My ice scraper is sprawled on the kitchen floor. Letters are scattered on the couch, as I have read and written several letters for the past three days. I have ran out of stamps and my roll of return address labels is empty. I have been eating mostly bread with jam and peanut butter since yesterday as my refrigerator is starting to run empty.

Last night, I was thinking that it would be possible to go to the grocery store today, but the wind is so gusty and the roads remain uncleared. I looked out the windy and the snow is still everywhere. Life is at a stand still, and I feel that the busy DC corporate life is so far away. I am still in my pjs, sporting an old, rag-looking knitted sweater, my hair unkempt, and wearing a big smile on my face.

It's another snow day!

I Heart History

Two weeks ago, my friend, F, and I drove to Gettysburg National Military Park and spent a whole day exploring the area. The hike around the park was a great workout knowing that with winter, ushers in a seasonal sedentary lifestyle. During winter, I try to go out on hikes or long walks as long as the weather permits. This is one good way to stay fit and to keep the winter blues away. At the park, we managed to have a healthy picnic style lunch with fruits, salads, a couple of sandwiches and water on the side. During our walks, we would rest and snack on protein bars we brought for the hike. What amazes me is that the park, which I have visited during spring and summer, has a cold and calming beauty in winter. A beauty I have hoped to capture in the photos below.

For a history buff like me, these are the type of trips that excite me. My dad, who was a history teacher in the Philippines, instilled the importance of learning and understanding the past in me. I still remember when we'd both sit by the TV and watch World War II documentaries. We used to have this old wooden chest filled with history books. For us, that chest was a gold mine. People always ask me why I studied history and the follow up question would be, "What would you do with a history degree?" I'd respond, "I love history and that without history, we wouldn't know where we are and where we are going. Learning from our past gives us the chance not to repeat our mistakes but instead if given the possibility and opportunity to maybe even rectify our former wrongdoings. As far as being a history major, I could do so many things with it. It's such a flexible degree that it has endless job possibilities that can involve research, analytical jobs, journalism, teaching, government work and more." So whoever said that studying history won't get you anywhere, is seriously dim-witted.

Enjoy the photos below while I'll go shovel more snow.

A cannon sits quietly

 

A soldier statue stands watch over a former battleground

  

A watch tower which gives a 360 view of the Gettysburg Park

  

A view from the tower - the red barn

  

A monument for the soldiers from Pennsylvania

Wide open spaces and fences

 

A solemn resting place

Blizzard Is Here

The blizzard is still ongoing. The wind is blowing the snow all over and sometimes you can only see white powder swirling everywhere. I am so thankful my neighbor shoveled my walkway; this kindness made my day. I have actually thought of naming this and my former blog entries, written during snow days, as the cabin fever series. I know I have been blogging more than usual, but since I am stuck at home for the past few days, blogging has proven to be a wonderful outlet.

Also, I have accomplished things that I thought I would never ever get to. Yesterday, I managed to gather all documents I need to prepare and file my tax returns. Yup, it's that time of year again. The ever stressful, early aging, wrinkle causing yearly process of dealing with the IRS. I am hopeful that I will get my money back, as I intend to use this money for a couple of house projects this year. Also, this money would be really helpful in paying off some of my incurred debt throughout 2009 (yikes). I've been reading topics on debt management plans, debt consolidation and using an i.v.a. or individual voluntary agreement. It is my foremost goal to become credit card debt free this year. I hope I can make it a reality.

For now, it's the waiting game - waiting for the storm to go through because it too shall pass.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Bracing For Round Two

Round two of this February snow storm has begun. I just got back from shoveling about four inches of snow again. I am also becoming a pro in throwing my winter gear on a pile of North Face jackets in the closet without even looking. This back aching and shoulder straining chore is starting to feel old. It is my second snow day of the week, and I have just received an e-mail from my boss that the office will be closed tomorrow as well. This is becoming a vacation in my own home except that I have to shovel snow every after two to three hours to keep the snow from accumulating. I am not complaining and I am trying real hard to make the most of this free time. My accomplishments for the day is far from great but I managed to watch a couple of DVDs, chat online, read blogs, wrote a few letters, and paid some bills. What is really keeping me motivated right now is my planned tropical getaway next week. I have packed most of the stuff I need, and it felt weird because I am packing mostly summer and beach outfits. I find it funny because after experiencing winter for a few weeks, I have sort of forgotten how to dress up for summer. As I drink my tea and eat my toast smothered with peanut butter and jam, all I can think of are beaches and sand.

Blame Old Man Winter

Being indoors for the past three days is giving me cabin fever. Usually when cabin fever hits, I try to keep myself busy inside the house. For me, feeling trapped inside my home isn't the best feeling in the world, so it's important that I keep my body and mind busy. First thing I do is create a list of chores and projects I could accomplish at home. Since Friday evening, I have done quite a bit of cooking, finished all my loads of laundry, cleaned the bathrooms, swept the floor, took down the Christmas tree (I know), composed a couple of blog entries, wrote a few letters, and surfed online for topics such as home maintenance, backyard gardening or other educational sites like information about different red imported fire ants.

I've also been able to make a to do list for spring. Goodness knows I am itching for some sun and warmth. I can't wait to start my spring garden at the backyard and tend to some vegetables and flowers. Apart from all my indoor projects, I force myself to go for a brisk walk even if it's frigid outside. Sometimes, the icy winter air helps clear the mind and also eases cabin fever.

I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to go back to work.

A Winter Album: Feb 2010

It's another snow day meaning I get a paid leave. Today, my office is closed, which gives me time to recuperate from all that shoveling I did yesterday. My body is so sore and I could barely get up this morning. I'm just worried about this Tuesday as we are expecting another snow storm. I took more photos yesterday, and I've compiled a few more photos just to show what it's like out here.

 

Icicles

  

My car

  

Light or Icicles?

  

Snow covered rooftops and buried cars

  

Who would have thought there's a car in there?

  

Not going anywhere

  

There goes the neighborhood

  

The red house stands out 

February White Out

It's official. It's a white out! This morning, I went out for an early walk to pick up some food supply at the nearby grocery store, and I was amazed at how much snow was on the ground. The white powder is everywhere - on cars, trees, fences, and rooftops. This weekend, we received a ridiculous amount of snow. According to the news, we received around 32 inches of the white stuff and we are expecting another snow shower this Tuesday. Right now, I don't even want to think of what Tuesday will bring, as I'm still icing my aching back and my shoulders. In my quest to dig out my buried unrecognizable car, I might have strain my back and shoulders from shoveling snow for straight two hours today. I would have preferred to have spent my time keeping warm indoors while surfing for the best web dedicated hosting providers. Majority of the neighborhood was out in full force this morning digging out cars, salting sidewalks, and clearing out driveways, while the kids busied themselves sledding and sliding.

Seriously, I don't even know if the roads will be cleared out for my commute to work tomorrow. It will be a dangerously interesting drive. I just hope I won't be too sore to get up tomorrow, or it will be another sick day for me at work.

Snowed In

I think that these photos will speak for themselves. We've gotten so much snow for the past two days that I've just spent the last two hours shoveling. While I warm up and rest my back a little, enjoy the photos.

 

Outlined

  

It was just starting

  

More is coming

  

Humility

  

Backyard flooded

Awaiting relief

Thank You

To family and friends, my sincerest thanks to all your well wishes and birthday greetings. You all made my birthday special.

My mailbox was flooded with greeting cards, lovely letters, packages, and several gift cards which I intend to use at SimplyBe Women’s Clothing to update my wardrobe. My birthday crept quietly as planned; No big party, no piled up dirty dishes on the sink, and no drunk guests to get rid of. On my birthday night, it was just me and the flickering candles on my cake. I made a wish and blew the candles off. I was neither lonely nor sad, but filled with calm, hope and thoughts of what is to come. For the past couple of years, I have spent my birthdays pouring my thoughts into my journal and just trying to make sense of who I am and where I am heading. It's a day of meditation or contemplation, and I like it that way.

 My birthday cake.

Still, my colleagues took me out to a nice lunch earlier that day and I was invited out to two nice dinners by friends later on that weekend. It's a wonderful feeling to be remembered, but most of all, it's a greater feeling to be with people who truly love you and genuinely take the time to get to know you.

A favorite among presents.