Eva and I visited Rincon from 12/6/2020-1/9/2021. I always wanted to do New Years on a beach. Mission accomplished. Here are our observations about our stay.
What was the most surprising thing about Rincon?
Eva: Getting back to US territories and having US grocery stores and amenities.
Ehren: There’s not reliable public transportation anywhere on Puerto Rico outside of San Juan, so it’s best to rent a car.
What would you change about this trip?
Eva: Review lodgings for glass windows, simply because I like privacy and sound and A/C.
Ehren: Not leaving the Krispy Kremes on the kitchen table to be attacked in about 2 minutes by a colony of ants.
Scale of 1-10, how easy is it for a US Citizen visiting for the first time to communicate and find the things you need?
Eva: 8, non-issue. We got frustrated at the drive-thrus, just the language barrier when you couldn’t see each other.
Ehren: 8, I would say higher, but cell reception is spotty on some areas, and it’s difficult to get moving if you don’t know which way you’re going. Many people speak English and the grocery stores should be very familiar to US citizens.
How long would you optimally stay there (+/- how long we stayed)?
Eva: I like how long we stayed here (1 months). I wouldn’t change it. I might have chosen to stay closer to downtown though.
Ehren: It was very laid back – island time – but I think the month we stayed here was about perfect. There wasn’t a lot that we didn’t see in the area that we wanted to.
Could you move/live here?
Eva: No. I couldn’t. I hate the humidity and the heat. I love the people, but the climate isn’t right for me.
Ehren: Wouldn’t want to live here. Earthquakes & hurricanes & summer humidity & limited cuisine & poor infrastructure, was relaxing but low quality.
What did you learn about travel?
Eva: I was reminded about how dumb Americans could be when every tour guide educated us that they are a US Territory.
Ehren: We speak elementary Spanish. But every time we ordered in slow Spanish, the response was fast and unintelligible. Then we immediately resorted to English and they usually went to find somebody who could speak English. I think “speak more slowly like to a dummy” should be an essential Spanish phrase taught in school.
Anything else you want to add?
Eva: I would’ve enjoyed the beaches more if we had shade. Definitely need a car.
Ehren: Rincon was beautiful, and Island Time really suited us well. People were very cool and friendly. We were perfectly situated for sight-seeing on the east side of the island. Police lights and sound systems aren’t regulated like they are in US proper; Lotsa jeeps and trucks with gigantic speakers blaring on the roads and neighborhoods. We had fresh coconuts and bananas in our back yard which was awesome. Neither of the places we stayed in Puerto Rico had hot water, but instead had a shower head plugged directly into electricity in the wall to make luke-warm water. Neither place had glass in their windows, just a screen and metal slats which meant sounds and temperature creeping in from outside.
Quick Fire Favorites:
Restaurant:
Eva: Rincon Beer Company (most restaurants were closed except for Carry-Out)
Ehren: Rincon Beer Company
Hang out Joint:
Eva: Domes Beach
Ehren: Domes Beach
Best Shopping:
Eva: Downtown Rincon in general
Ehren: Econo groceries
Point of Interest:
Eva: Domes beach
Ehren: Cueva de Ventana