by Janie Chadwick
by Janie Chadwick
June |
|
2008 |
Hi everyone,
A few days ago Spirit Airlines sent out an email to it’s
customers that was absolutely hilarious. Its focus was on how to save energy,
but it also reminds us that although the economy is poor and gas prices are in
the stratosphere, you can still have a good time. The concept is to save 30% of
your fuel consumption by walking, carpooling, getting your car serviced,
emptying the trunk, turning up your air conditioner, etc. It also mentions that
the average household throws out approximately 30% of the food it buys. So if
you save 30% per month on gas and groceries, figure out how much money you might
have to visit Vieques.
June. The month is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who, according to Roman
mythology is the protector of marriage and a married couple’s household. It is
believed to be extremely good luck to be married in the month of June. What
could be luckier than to be married in June in Vieques?
Over the past few years, destination weddings have become all the rage. While
generally smaller and more intimate than traditional weddings, destination
celebrations give everyone from family to invited guests, to most importantly
the bride and groom, a stress free (or at least stress reduced) couple of days.
Here in Vieques we have all the parts necessary, including a couple of wedding
planners, to make a fabulous destination wedding.
Just look at the positives and the possibilities. Whether your dream is to be
married on a cliff overlooking a crashing sea, or on a white sand beach with
palm trees in the background, it can be found here. Whether you want a pig roast
or dainty hors de oeuvres, it can be found here. Whether your taste runs to fine
champagne or cold beer, it can be found here. Whether your guests are athletic
maniacs or couch potatoes, activities for one and all can be found here. How
easy is this?
And another thing, Vieques weddings are relaxed. Shoes are usually optional.
Tuxedos and heavy bridal gowns need to be left at home. Makeup can stay in its
bag. Blue skies and blue green water is all the color you need for great wedding
photos (Vieques has several quality photographers).
But the best part? Because your celebration will last several days, you can
spend time with each person and family member, instead of rushing around trying
to see each one during a four hour reception. From welcome parties on arrival
day to departure day brunches and beach parties in between, each guest will feel
special. And that’s the point isn’t it?
So, if you are already married what can you do in Vieques in June? Visit the
beaches in the wildlife refuge. The refuge is open dawn to dusk and in June dawn
is earlier and dusk is later. Playa Caracas, Red Beach, is just beautiful around
4pm. The cliffs are the backdrop for the sun moving westward (OK, so we all know
the earth moves, not the sun, but it sounds more poetic the other way). The wind
and the seas tend to lay down in late afternoon making the last swim of the day
more like floating on a pond. Bahia De La Chiva, Blue Beach, has some fantastic
snorkeling on the east end. There is an area just chock full of conch shells.
Most are still home to the conch, so look but don’t touch.
You can also take a walk between Sun Bay and Media Luna. The hillside between
the two beaches is loaded with native orchids. Traverse Sun Bay until you come
to the road leading to the beaches Media Luna and Navio, at the sign that says
the beaches are to the left, walk right. The terrain is rugged, so you will want
proper footwear.
You can have a bite to eat on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Coqui Fire Café.
Hot Sauce Jimmy and his wife Patty expanded on the hot sauce business to include
a Mexican restaurant. Entrees range in price from $8-12. The food is great and
it is served quickly. For reservations call 787-435-1099. The café is small so
even in the off season reservations are a good idea.
From there, is it just a short drive to Mosquito Pier. The night skyline of
Puerto Rico is beautiful, with the lights shimmering along the coast and in
clear weather it appears that the mainland is just a short distance away. If you
have opted for an early dinner and reach the pier at late dusk, you might catch
a glimpse of the various shades of purple that appear in the sky. You can also
practice what you learned in astronomy 101 from there as well. With most of the
manmade lighting off in the distance, the stars look like cut crystal.
On Saturdays you might start off at the Island Steak House located at the
Crow’s Nest for dinner. They offer a date night special. It is a prix fixe menu
including a bottle of wine for $59. After dinner, Al’s Mar Azul features
karaoke beginning around 10pm. This gives you the opportunity to listen to some
horrifying music and try out the local Puerto Rican beer, Medalla, for $1.75
can. You will undoubtedly run into the people that served you dinner or rented
you your kayak. Belly Buttons, in Esperanza, home of great breakfasts and
the only place to get sausage gravy in Vieques, is opening at night on Sundays
and Wednesdays serving comfort food. You will find things like meatloaf,
lasagna, stews, all homemade. The menu is whatever Norma feels like making, so
call to find out what’s cooking, 787-741-3336, BYOB.
Another great spot is BBH, on the water in Bravos. Chef Chris has an
eclectic tapas style menu for dinner. Food is served either inside or out by the
pool. Lunch is open Wednesday thru Sunday, with Sunday Brunch as a highlight.
Chef Lauren is one of the hottest pastry chefs anywhere. Her desserts are to die
for. Call 787-741-0490 for reservations. Also at BBH is “The Palms”.
It is a poolside cocktail lounge, intimate and fun, and on Friday and Saturday
night is staffed by the island’s best bartender, Reenie.
Since last month, sadly, a few of our restaurants have closed for one reason or
another. Jason and Jonathan from La Campesina have moved on to
Washington, D.C. Café Media Luna’s lease expired. The Blue Macaw
is taking a breather to work on new permanent digs. Duffy, at Chez Shack,
is closed for just the month of June, to reopen on July 2. Not to worry,
however, because at last count, you would have to stay on Vieques pretty close
to a month before having to repeat a restaurant.
One quick word about storm season. Technically, hurricane season begins on June
1; however, we do not see much inclement weather this time of year. Remember, in
Vieques, it only rains at night and never on the beach, and if it does, it only
lasts a few minutes.
Start today saving your 30% so you can come visit.
Thanks for reading!
Janie
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