How to Eco-Travel Like A Pro!!

Some tips from personal experience.. Following these simple steps can shrink your wandering footprint! Enjoy!

Sailing cruises versus oil guzzlers on water.

I’ve gotta admit, I am the type of girl who would rather float than fly. Especially going from island to island, I feel very disconnected hopping to and from a plane, and I can’t STAND airports. Plus, what better way to pretend you’re a pirate on the open seas? And now I am hearing this is a much better and more environmentally kosher way to travel. Who knew playing Anne Bonney could be helping the earth? Right on!

But my experience, and my advice, is to take a sailboat & skip the big old motorboats. These make the imaginary parrot fly right off my shoulder. Not only does the oily rainbow that trails us bring a tear to my eye, but I am always obsessing that we will hit an animal or wondering how many fish we are burning or grinding up in that propeller thing.

Here in Puerto Rico we have first-hand proof of what motorboats can do. After a desperate drop in algae, now two of our three of our bioluminescent bays are endangered or closed due to pollution.

Maps & Guidebooks

I have the same feeling about both of these, and I have two words.. internet & GPS. Now, I am not a particular fan of either of these… or anything with a tracking device for that matter. Freaks me out, always has. But guidebooks are outdated by the time they go to press, and maps are no better.

There are many websites dedicated to helping you travel. I would suggest blogs, since these are usually not bombarded with commercials. These are often run by dedicated people who want to share information, not to direct you to who they are paid by.

I would also suggest contacting your hotel/hostel/campground. Yes, they are probably getting paid a commission for their efforts, but they will only do business with tour groups and private they trust will show up, and who will not put you in harm’s way. Also, if it is a hotel you are going through, they might offer responsibility or insurance, should you fall and break something. Worth considering.

If a guidebook is something you think you need to find fun things to do, there are many different choices (fun for teens, kids, young adults, art fans, cultural facts, etc.). Before running out and buying every one you see hot off the press, consider borrowing one from a friend or a local library. I think websites like www.paperbackswap.com is perfect for books like this.

Eco-Tours

While I am on the note of what to do on vacation, see if the place you are going has eco-tours available. These are activities that are eco-friendly and a lot of fun! Ranging from hiking, walking tours, kayaking and horseback riding, these are good ways to boost local economy while not leaving a big fat footprint in someone else’s back yard. Please remember, you are not visiting there to pollute the local land or to endanger their animals or environment. Sometime tourists get a bit carried away with motorboats, gas guzzling bus tours, and jet skis.

Wherever the travel bug takes you, be respectful to the local land. If you are going somewhere tropical or nautical, have respect for the local oceans, wildlife, beach conditions, and coral reefs. It is never a good idea to wear chemicals into a live ocean (with lots of fish and live creatures and plants) like sunscreen and insect repellant. Care2.com has alerted that there is an ingredient in sunscreen that is killing our coral reefs at an alarming rate. Try healthier non-chemical options instead, or wear a long sleeve shirt in the ocean. And please, DO NOT LITTER.

Being A Good Tourist

I promise, the phrase “Ugly American” is real. I see it daily and am pretty ashamed. I live on a beautiful island with ancient surroundings and a very strong culture. The Puerto Rican people are a wonderful, open, and very friendly group, and I know it breaks peoples’ hearts when they see the line out the door at the local Burger King, or the woman from Manhattan trying to barter the price of her latte at one of our many Starbucks. I seem to duck my head and walk faster when I see a group of girls screaming on their cell phones and stopping traffic running into the street to get into the Payless shoe store. This could very well be how people act in the States, and I just never noticed it, but I don’t think so.

Lodging

Before you travel, know your options. Would you like to rough it on your own, or is your family too used to inside living to appreciate it? There are many campgrounds and hostels that are cheap and safe, letting you spend your money on better things… like seeing more places!

If it is a hotel you are interested in, check out www.greenlodging.com to find a good environmentally responsible establishment that will let you sleep well about where you sleep!

HELPFUL HINTS TO VIEJO SAN JUAN, PR

There is much to say about one of the most beautiful and historical cities in this hemisphere. Many countries have come and gone trying to claim this island as their own. There are statues and plaques dedicated to the triumphs over the British and the Dutch around the famous Fort El Morro, and many rumors and legends about the other countries bound for the glory of Christopher Columbus’ own paradise.

Although there are many cities of great historical value and beauty in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is ranked as one of the top. The antiqued cobblestone streets, the Spanish-style buildings, and the local flavor, make this a trip of a lifetime.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL

-Numero uno, and que importante – the cops of Puerto Rico (for the most part, definitely in the cities) DRIVE WITH THEIR LIGHTS FLASHING. If you see the blue cherries behind you, do not slam on the brakes, pull over to the side of the road, or stop walking to throw yourself down onto the sidewalk.
This is for YOUR BENEFIT. You know how the police in the states say they are there to “protect and serve”? here they actually MEAN THAT. The cherries are a-blazin’ purposely so you can immediately find a police officer if you feel danger. It is not meant to freak you out, it is to make you feel safer. And once you are used to it … it does.


-Puerto Ricans point using their lips. There are many stories of why this happens, but no matter. When a native is in a position where they want to help you and do not speak your language, they tend to use many different facial and bodily gestures to help bridge the communication gap. If someone is pursing their lips at you repeatedly, they are probably NOT TRYING TO SEND YOU KISSES OR PICK A FIGHT. They are probably trying to get you to look at something, or get your attention.

-I love this town, and have lived here for four years now, and I can tell you from experience, that people can get downright loud. No joke. You will hear people yell, kinda a LOT. But since I have been here, never have I seen loud yelling turn into a fight or an altercation. The Puerto Rican people are genuinely good-hearted, and do not pick fights out in the open very often. If you hear someone yelling, it is probably someone calling up to the second floor of their building, calling across the street to their friends, or two people having a passionate discussion.

- Local flavor. Yep, we got it- every city does. The homeless, the “crazies” in the streets or sleeping on benches. Not a lot, but a few. This is a very small town, and everyone knows each other, even the junkies. It is up to you if you want to give them money, but it is not OK to hurt these people, and I have never seen any one of them hurt anyone else.

-Fashing pictures. The locals are not really up to be photographed. Really. I know this from experience. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning, running outside to let the dog pee, or to put the clothes in the dryer next door, just to look up and see a stranger with a video camera in your face. Not cool. In fact, the only fight we ever did see here involved a man smashing a tourist’s camera, and then punching him in the face. Very extreme behavior, but… you get the drift.



HELPFUL INFO

- The area code for the metropolitan area of San Juan is 787. The more remote parts of Puerto Rico are 939, as well as some cell phones.

- During half the year, Puerto Rico is on Eastern Standard Time. What does this mean? It means that we don’t go for that time change stuff. When the East Coast “springs ahead” they join us on our time for 6 months. And when they “fall back”, they do just that (leaving us an hour ahead).

- The currency is the american dollar, and there is no exchange rate difference. The tip rate is 15%, and we do not barter as much as other islands. No, we do not expect bartering, or "like it". Especially at a Starbucks or a Burger King. It's downright embarrassing. You wouldn't haggle over the price of your latte at home, please do not do it here.

- Although it may not look like it sometimes, we DO drive on the same side of the road as in the States. All of our signs are in Spanish, but the format is the same (doesn't really matter what a huge red octagon on a pole SAYS, right?). Our gas is in litres, which is 1/4 a gallon. when it says gas is 50 cents, they do not mean per gallon. Maybe one day… we can all dream.

- Here in PR, the USPS is King. We have a post office located near the pool hall, and mailboxes scattered all over the city. We even had some of the R2D2 ones! There are Fed Ex and UPS stores here as well.

- For information dial 411, emergencies 911.


HELPFUL INFO FOR VEGANS

-Really, stay away from the beans here in PR. 98% of the time, the beans are cooked with pork or lard. There are many ways to make beans with squash, or other thickening agents, but it is not likely you will find a place who does. In the following posts, I will star (*) the places that i know have vegan options, or do not use any meat in their beans.

-Ask your restaurant for a vegetarian special, or what vegetarian dishes they have available. You would be surprised. We are finding more and more changes to the local menus, and are proud to say we are part of the cause. In most places they are starting to understand "vegetarian beans" does NOT mean "pick the pork out with your fingers before serving". We're learning. Slowly.

-Was this fried in vegetable oil? Why, yes! So was the fish, the chicken and the cheese sticks! Be warned.

- A few places have open-glass holding spaces for fresh fish and eel. It is not pretty.

-A lot of our local crafts are made with leather. Before purchasing, look over the product carefully.

-Yes, we have an alarmingly high street cat population. We are working on this. These cats, for the most part, are completely being taken care of. I have never seen one that is sick, other than old age, and they are given their shots, neutered, and fed regularly. For more info, go to SAVE A GATO

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!

WELCOME!!

this blog is to document the travels of the CARIVEGAN!! non-profit.. as well as our own! this will be a great place for local banter, recipes, photos and interviews from everywhere we go!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO!