RINCON, PUERTO RICO!

ahh.. my kingdom for a little shack on the beach in beautiful Rincon, Puerto Rico. This little town is actually a world-famous surfing spot! I know it as the best place to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales when they blow their way through town on their way down south, but the locals know there is much more to this lovely part of the island than that! For lots of excitement, whether it be hitting the waves, bars, or just snorkeling around, Rincon has it.

As per usual we headed straight to my favorite little veggie joint, Natural High, on rt. 115. This cute little cafe has some of the most amazing vegetarian dishes in Puerto Rico, and has even won an award from Lonely Planet to prove it! After ordering my very favorite cold sesame noodles and japanese salad, I decided I wasn't going to just hit the breathtaking beach as usual. I mean, I couldn't RESIST sticking my foot in for a while, but I figured there must be more than fun in the sun that makes up Rincon. So, after munching down the most satisfying of meals, we were off to find adventure. or at least more organic food. Whichever.

http://www.naturalhighcafe.com
http://www.naturalhighcafe.com/menu.pdf

This time around, although we did enjoy the beach sports and beautiful scenery, we stopped on the way at the DR. ANN WIGMORE INSTITUTE!! For those who have never heard, this amazing Dra. was known for her methods of using wheatgrass and living foods to detoxify the human body. Being the author of many books, she started an institute in PR that involves a very strict diet of raw foods, and her famous "energy soup". The institute also offers classes on yoga, skin care and self-esteem.

This was a whole lot of fun for me because I was given a tour of their organic vegetable gardens and spoke for a long time with the woman who oversees their on-site gardens. Almost all of the veggies and fruits used for the programs are produced in their on or off site gardens.

Yhere are just some veggies you don't see in island life, and they grow 'em all! From kale to swiss chard, their green leafies are amazing. Also their roots, fruits, herbs and sprouts blew my mind! It was wonderful to talk to their staff and compare notes. Not only is this an amazing detox center, but if you have any questions on organic or hydroponic gardening, pesticide control, or composting in the Caribbean, these are the experts!

For more information on the ann wigmore institute, please go to http://www.annwigmore.org



After that exciting adventure (it is always great to meet another organic gardener), we hit the beach! Our friends at Tiano Divers rented us some snorkels, and we headed to Steps Beach (Playa Escalaras). This is where Ed had seen a baby Barracuda, and I was on a warpath to see one myself! Well, it was a bit windy, so we didn't get to see everything we wanted to, but it was a great time at a beautiful beach, nonetheless!