The Perfect Puerto Rico Itinerary for Solo Travelers

 If you're looking for a taste of the tropics without leaving the United States, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an absolute must. There is no preparation required for this trip, making it ideal for a solitary adventurer. Americans visiting from the United States need not bother about bringing a passport, learning a new language, or converting currency. I've been to San Juan several times with groups, but I finally had the opportunity to go there on my own and can attest that it's both easy to get around and full of fascinating history. Planning a trip to San Juan by yourself? Here's the perfect Puerto Rico itinerary for solo travelers.

Old San Juan

One of the best ways to start a perfect Puerto Rico itinerary is on a walking tour of Old San Juan, the city's historic center. This once-chaotic town is now calm and quiet, but the crumbling ruins of Castillo San Felipe del Morro show what it was like in the past.

Visiting this breathtaking seaside castle is a popular pastime for many visitors to San Juan. Its history is rife with intrigue, smuggling, and even a brief but bloody insurrection. Aside from that, it's a fantastic spot to sample genuine Puerto Rican cuisine. The sights, sounds, and smells of Old San Juan alone make it worth the trip to Puerto Rico.

Icacos Island

Cayo Icacos is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that is perfect for a day trip. This uninhabited island is right off the coast of Fajardo. It has some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico because the water is clear blue, and there are many reefs. You should know how to experience nature when on an island, as seeing Icacos Island is a highlight of any trip to Puerto Rico.

You can't pitch a tent here, and getting about requires you to make your own boating arrangements, which is no easy feat. This tour is a convenient way to reach the island because it uses a sleek catamaran to transport its passengers. One of the best ways to get a feel for the Caribbean, a trip to Cayon Icacos is a must for a perfect Puerto Rico itinerary.

Arecibo, Isabela, and Aguadilla

According to experts from fairfaxtransfer.com, one of the most common reasons people move to Puerto Rico is the beautiful beaches and sea life. From the beach at La Poza del Obispo, where you can see Arecibo's Lighthouse, you can end your morning before heading west to Arecibo, where you can see Cueva del Indio. Drive on to Quebradillas, and have lunch at Carbon y Lea on the way. After lunch, you'll see the famous rock sculpture La Cara del Indio, located just outside Isabela, and the old Guajataca Tunnel, an important railway link.

Keep going westward to investigate what attractions Aguadilla may provide for you. One of the nicest beaches in Puerto Rico is Crash Boat Beach, where you may relax at the end of the day. Visit Survival Beach for a breathtaking sunset if you enjoy surfing, hiking, and sightseeing. The scenery is so beautiful; it will make you want to live there. Dinner can be had at the Food Truck Park in Aguadilla. 

Rincon and Cabo Rojo

Knowing how to pack clothes for travel is important as you will save a lot of time. Packing clothes in this way will avoid wrinkling easily and also save you some time. In the morning, travel to the central center of Rincon, where Café 413 is located, for breakfast. Explore the local shops and Rincon Plaza after breakfast. When you go to the Punta Higueras Lighthouse, you can get a great view of Domes Beach, and, depending on the time of year, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale.

There are several gorgeous beaches along the west coast, but some of them, like Domes Beach, may be too dangerous for swimming. You should instead take a trip to Steps Beach, where stunning scenery and several relaxing natural pools await you. It would help if you tried to get a picture of yourself on the beach's stairway while you're there.

After refueling at The Beach House, keep heading south to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, where the Pink Salt Lakes and Los Morillos Lighthouse can be found. Once inside the refuge, you're free to explore the entirety of Playuela Beach. Lechonera El Combate serves up a delicious roasted pig as a nightcap. The Boqueron neighborhood is perfect for nighttime exploration.

El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque is a popular tourist site in Puerto Rico since it is the only tropical rainforest that is under the care of the US National Forest Service. A stunning 120 inches of rain falls annually on this beautiful forest, which spans 28,000 acres at the island's northwest tip. The coqu frog, an important symbol of Puerto Rican culture and identity, is just one of many animals, insects, and birds that thrive in tropical vegetation.

The natural pools in El Yunque are perfect for a refreshing swim after a day at the beach. The best way to see everything El Yunque has to offer is on tour, so why not book a waterslide and rainforest excursion today? Your vacation wouldn't be complete without doing some of these amazing outdoor activities, however, there are some things that you should avoid doing in Puerto Rico.

Ponce

Ponce, the island's second-largest city, sits on the southwestern shore, opposite San Juan. With its Museo de Arte showcasing works by Puerto Rican and European artists, it is one of the best cities in Puerto Rico for art lovers and museum-goers alike.

Beautiful buildings can also be found in the Centro Cultural de Ponce Sola de Pereira and the Museum of Puerto Rican Music, a repurposed neoclassical home that now exhibits historical instruments. Similarly, housed in a stunning home is the Museo Castillo Serralles. From Ponce, you can go to different coffee plantations, some of which are now museums. Puerto Rico used to be in one of the top 50 coffee exporting nations, so find out what makes the coffee so special in Puerto Rico.

A perfect Puerto Rico itinerary consists of visiting Colonial San German, which may be reached from Ponce in about an hour. San German was Puerto Rico's second city, and it was founded by the Spanish. Historic buildings in this Puerto Rican community include styles as varied as Art Deco, Spanish Baroque, and Edwardian. Visit the red and black cobblestone square of Calle Ruiz Belvis, the town's most impressive cathedral, San Germán de Auxerre, and the Puerto Rican Victorian mansion, Casa Juán Perichi.

Gun Control Under Debate

 

Another Gun Massacre

After the massacre at Virginia Tech, once again the mammoth issue of gun control has been brought up at full force.  Many are highly upset that even after gun control laws have been enacted that the killer in the massacre was approved for a gun and purchased it in less than 30 minutes.  Many have speculated that had there been much harsher guidelines in place, that the sale would not have been completed, and it could have potentially saved all of the lives that were tragically lost in the disaster.

The death toll from the massacre has risen to over 30 killed and more than 20 wounded.  This is aside from the emotional damage that has been caused to the hundreds who are left grieving in the wake, and those who experienced first hand the trauma of the event.  How can such events really be avoided?  Is it possible to avoid such tragedy with firmer gun laws?

Cash for Guns

What about the programs that offer rewards in the form of video game systems, computers and even cash in exchange for turning guns into the police?  Are these programs effective?  In order to truly control guns, there has to be consensus around the country where everyone agrees that it is time for a change and the change occurs quickly, and without opposition.  Gun laws are clearly too lax, and our country needs to take action to avoid scenes like those in Virginia from reoccurring.

The chances of something such as this happening are almost impossible.  Neither side of the political arena can agree with the other side about what appropriate gun control is, and with many residents of the United States being avid hunters whom use riffles and shotguns on an almost daily basis, it makes it very difficult to control all of the actions and movements that occur.

Consider that many weapons used in crimes are illegally obtained; it makes it very difficult to determine how effective the stiffer gun laws would really be.  With a new Presidential Primary due to start in the near future, it will seem as if there will be much heavy debate over how to control the flow of guns into the hands of those who are dangerous, or potentially dangerous.

Right to Bear Arms

Facts remain, that while the election is likely to focus on this issue, there is still the issue of preserving the Constitutional right to “bear arms” as long as it is done legally, and those who already have the weapons currently can potentially be just as dangerous as those looking to purchase the guns in the future.  We are left with the task of trying to avoid the tragedy as much as possible.

Colorado stepped up to the plate with a swift action enacting much stiffer gun laws after the Columbine school massacre in which two teenage boys entered their school donning trench coats and heavy weapons leaving a wake of blood and fallen students in the path.  Colorado decided to avoid future incidents and enact the tougher laws.  It is suspected that Virginia will follow in this path.  The fate of the country rests in the hands of those elected to the public offices to help determine exactly how far gun control should go, and how the changes should occur.

Top 3 Active Pound for Pound Boxers from Puerto Rico

 

Despite the relatively small territorial size of the Caribbean island, along with being a sovereign state of the United States, the proud sporting traditions of Puerto Rico are very much our own. When it comes to boxing, this couldn’t be any clearer, having produced numerous pugilistic icons and world champions over the years.

Boxing is an intrinsic part of Puerto Rican sporting culture, which also makes it popular when it comes to backing our favorite fighters, whenever they step into the ring. This also makes it worthwhile seeking out the best betting options available, which SBO aims to provide in great detail, cutting through all the noise to recommend top sites and great value promotions. But as they seek fame and glory, who are the next Puerto Rican boxers we might be backing next?

While there have been many boxing talents born in Puerto Rico, whether for professional or personal reasons, some of them choose to represent the United States. However, our focus here is to highlight those who currently fight under the flag of Puerto Rico, proud to represent the ‘Island of Enchantment’ at the very highest level in the sport, as we look at those currently rated as the top pound-for-pound talents.

Jose Pedraza Gonzales

According to the latest calculations and rankings via BoxRec, 33-year-old José Pedraza is the highest ranked Puerto Rican boxer in the world right now at any weight, based upon their pound-for-pound standings list where he features at #79. He also ranks at #9 in the super lightweight division category, making him one of the leading boxers in the world at his weight.

Pedraza won various medals for Puerto Rico as an amateur, such as the lightweight gold at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, before turning professional in 2011. From then onwards his rise was meteoric, winning the IBO super featherweight title in 2012, followed by the IBF title 2015, before losing it against Gervonta Davis in 2017.

Known as “Sniper” on the professional circuit, Pedraza bounced back and won the WBO lightweight crown in August 2018 against Raymundo Beltrán, but his attempt at unification for the WBA (Super) and The Ring titles failed in December 2018, beaten by Vasiliy Lomachenko. The most recent Pedraza bout was a split decision tie against Richard Commey in August this year, taking his overall fight record to 34 fights, 29 wins, 4 losses, and that one draw.

Subriel Ahmed Matías Matthew

Known as “El Orgullo de Maternillo” and proud of his Puerto Rican roots, Subriel Matías is a super lightweight hungry for title success, which must surely come his way before too long. Regarded by PBC as “one of the most exciting fighters” in his weight division, everyone knows that his ambition is to be the next world champion from Puerto Rico.

Since winning his January 2022 rematch against Petros Ananyan of Russia, who retired early under the insistent pressure from the Puerto Rican boxer, Matías has yet to schedule his next fight. However, everything points towards him finally getting a shot at the currently vacant IBF World Championship title. Ranked as the #2 contender on the IBF list, he would come up against #1 ranked Jeremieas Ponce of Argentina for the belt.

While other options are possible, Matías is further down the pecking order for the other title belts, including #8 with the WBC and #5 with The Ring, while not even in the top ten for the WBA and the WBO. Nevertheless, his fight record is really impressive, having taken 18 wins and just the 1 loss from 19 professional bouts.

Danielito Zorrilla

Although much further down the BoxRec pound-for-pound listings, Danielito Zorrilla is a boxer with plenty of potential to achieve greatness. Born in Toa Baja where he still resides and trains, the 28-year-old recently suffered an unexpected setback, losing the first fight of his previously stellar professional career.

“El Zorro” Zorrilla was up against Arnold Barboza Jr. of the United States, held at the Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, California, fighting for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Lightweight title. However, despite taking his opponent the full distance of 10 rounds, the American was handed victory via the unanimous decision of the judges.

Nevertheless, there was plenty of experience to be gained even in defeat, while Zorrilla will certainly get many other opportunities to continue climbing the fight ladder. Regarded by BoxRec as being within the top 200 pound-for-pound boxers in the world right now, he is also ranks at #20 in his weight division. Despite the recent loss, his fight record remains impressive, with 16 wins and 12 knockouts from 17 bouts.

How to Make Your Retirement to Puerto Rico a Reality

 

It is a goal that can take a lifetime to achieve – but ultimately, you will be able to retire on the island where you’ve always belonged. It’s not going to be easy, but with the right decisions and preparation, it’s entirely possible. If you’re starting to consider retirement, here’s what you need to do.

Find a Place to Live

Finding a location to buy or rent in Puerto Rico can be tricky. It’s a very popular location because of its tropical location and the fortunate tax breaks that all residents can take advantage of since it’s still officially a U.S. territory, and not a state. The vast majority of the island’s population live in San Juan, which is a beautiful city with a whole lot to offer – but there are several other locations with decent housing markets you can look into as well. Unless you’re planning to purchase a property with cash, you’ll need to be pre-approved for a loan before shopping.

Sell Your Current Home

It will be a lot easier to demonstrate the buying power to an agent or a Puerto Rican real estate broker if you have the liquid assets from your home sale. Even if your sale isn’t finalized, it’s a good idea to already have the process in motion when deciding to place an offer on a property. Selling your current home is likely best done with the expertise of a hired agent. However, if you’re in a rush, selling to a cash buyer is a much faster process than using an agent. With that payout, you can then in turn be a tempting cash buyer to a Puerto Rican seller.

Do Your Research

Especially in a place with a high rate of retirees and other people looking to get away from the mainland, it’s not necessarily going to be an easy process. It will be even harder if you don’t have any family on the island who can help you out. You should research and prepare as well as you can long before making a decision. Talk to real estate agents on the island. Use the internet to read about other retirees’ or residents’ experiences with buying property. It never hurts to be too prepared.

Retiring on that beautiful island of Puerto Rico won’t exactly be easy. But with some persistence, hard work, research, and a little bit of luck, you’ll find the home you’ve always wanted. Start looking now for whatever opportunities might turn up!

Check out this article on how to make your humble abode feel like a vacation home!

How to Get the Full Puerto Rico Experience

 

The best way to fully experience Puerto Rico is through the senses—the colorful sights, vibrant sounds, and the spicy aromas of the island will fill your head and your heart. Whether you're visiting for a few days or a few weeks, you'll want to explore the areas beyond your hotel and dig deep into the rich culture of La Isla del Encanto.

Try the Local Food

Puerto Rican food combines the flavors of its history with influences of Spanish and African flavors, as well as the native Taino and Caribbean ingredients. Arroz con gandules, made with rice, pigeon pea, pork, and spices, is known as Puerto Rico's national dish. You must also try mofongo, a tasty mash of plantains, garlic, and crispy pork or bacon.

You'll find street food at markets, beaches, and carts in the city. Sample the alcapurrias, deep-fried fritters filled with beef and plantains. Another fried specialty is the bacalaitos, which are savory, crispy patties made of cod and vegetables.

Explore the Ocean

With 270 miles of coastline, you're never far from the beach in Puerto Rico. All beaches are open to the public. The El Escambrón public beach near San Juan is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can see all kinds of animals when snorkeling in the ocean.

Kayaking or canoeing in lagoons and shallow waters is also popular. At night, you can explore the bioluminescent bays, where microorganisms in the water glow in the dark. During the day, you may spot marine life, such as dolphins or manatees.

Feel the Music

You can find live music throughout the island on beaches, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Many styles of the Caribbean, Latin American, and American pop are popular, but for a true original Puerto Rican creation, you need to experience reggaetón. A fusion of rap, reggae, and other Latin sounds, reggaetón has a beat that makes you want to dance. Traditional folk music such as bomba and plena are still popular expressions of Puerto Rico's culture. You may hear them at festivals and parties, but their sounds are also being adapted by modern musicians.

The heritage and culture of Puerto Rico shine throughout the island, and with a good sense of adventure, you can easily experience much of it. The sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of Puerto Rico will stay with you long after you've left for home.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: Isabela Puerto Rico

Avoid Foreclosure: An Option That Many Do Not Know About

 

Looking down the barrel of a foreclosure, if you are among one of the over 1.4 million homeowners facing this same issue, there may be a creative technique to save your home. Save your home and salvage your equity so that you can fight again. The last thing that you want to do is give your home back to the lender.

If your financial hardship has left you in a position whereby you are not able to pay your mortgage payment, whatever the reason may be, then you cannot afford to live in your home. Foreclosures are growing dilemma for many homeowners in the Untied States today; foreclosures are at an all time high. Alan Greenspan has made comments that the US may be heading for a recession in 2008.

Some lenders out there have not been playing fair, and some even to the point of unethical practices. These unethical practices are a primary reason that foreclosures are at an all time high and not expected to slow down in 2008, from what most experts have said.
On the bright side of things, you may have an option that may allow you to keep your home, even if the foreclosure process is already under way. Something that has been around for many years, and you may possibly utilize to save your home and equity. You may need to wait a year or two in order to cash out the equity on the property, but it is better then the alternative.

This option is referred to as a Lease Purchase Agreement, find a tenant to lease your home from you, with an option to purchase the home at the end to the agreed period or time; usually 12 to 24 months. You set a price for them to buy the house when the agreement is signed; this will allow you to set the price so you can save the equity and by some time to recover. With a tenant that has the option to buy your home you may be able to:

1. First and foremost is the avoidance of a foreclosure
2. Since renters are paying less today due to the high foreclosure rates, this may be a way to increase the monthly rent, due in light of the purchase agreement
3. A one-time payment, up-front as a non-refundable deposit, this is usually 1% - 3% of the sales price. The best part of this is that even if they decide not to buy your home, you still keep the money
4. Quickly locate a buyer for your property, most times faster then trying to sell you home in the traditional manner
5. Someone else will be paying the mortgage payment, and potentially a few hundred dollars a month more

Lease Purchase Agreements usually work well in any real estate market; these agreements referred to as a "lease option" as well. This is a very valuable strategy to keep in mind, especially during market that in a distress.

While there may be many other reasons to take advantage of a lease option, they are defiantly an excellent way to avoid foreclosure, and salvage your home from the bank. In a foreclosure, your credit will be destroyed for years to come, and the additional financial repercussions can take a tool on your personal life.

Why should you buy a Toyota Land Cruiser?

 

Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV that was designed to provide great performance in extreme conditions such as snow, ice, and mud. The vehicle can be customized depending on your preferences and budget.

Interior

The interior is quite comfortable so you will have no problem spending long hours inside the vehicle especially if you need to go off-road where there may not be any other way out except by driving through rough roads while playing Real Money Slots Online USA. The interior comes with many safety features such as airbags, headrests, and seatbelts and all this gives assurance that you and your passengers are safe while inside.

Exterior

It has a very good design with some nice details. In addition, the vehicle can also be equipped with large tires giving it better traction capabilities. This makes it easier for you to drive over any type of terrain. There are different types of colors available to choose from including silver grey metallic, blue steel metallic, black, red, green, or white.

Performance

The engine of the vehicle produces an impressive power output of 151 BHP and a torque of 300 Nm. If we talk about fuel efficiency then the vehicle gets an average mileage of 12 kmpl which is quite good.

Safety Features

One of the best things about the vehicle is that it comes with all kinds of safety features like ABS brakes, EBD, Brake assist, etc. Which ensures a safe journey.

Space & Handling

The space provided in the vehicle is reasonable and ample enough for a family of 4 people. Its handling is also impressive due to its lightweight which makes it easy to maneuver.

Storage

It offers plenty of storage places inside the boot and trunk and there are cup holders in the front and rear seats making it convenient for everyone to use them at the same time and be able to play online casinos Australia games.

Conclusion

This SUV is a good choice for anyone who wants a car that offers excellent performance, decent fuel economy, and amazing style. Moreover, you can enjoy playing Play Dream Car SUV at Online Casino Games.

Traveling to the Caribbean? Here's What to Expect

 

There are always tons of questions regarding travel to the Caribbean region. The good thing about the question being asked is that there are lots of answers to choose from.

There are several types of islands in the Caribbean and they vary greatly in culture, climate, landscape, food, iPhone casino ,language, economy, etc. If you decide to visit them, take some time to plan your trip. You can read below for more information on where you can go and what to expect during your vacation.

What to Do in the Caribbean

1. Go snorkeling or scuba diving!

This will be a great way to see marine life up close! Snorkeling equipment is usually provided by resorts so you don't need any special skills or training to enjoy this experience. Scuba divers will have to obtain their license before going into the water but it only costs $50-100 depending on how long the course takes and if it includes lessons. It's best to check with your resort to make sure you're getting the right amount of instruction before jumping in the sea.

2. Visit an island beach bar!

The Caribbean has many beautiful beaches. Each one has its unique atmosphere, including the bars located at the shoreline. There are plenty of options for drinks, snacks, or meals. These restaurants offer live entertainment as well as dancing. Some people enjoy sitting outside while others prefer to stay inside.

3. Enjoy a round of golf!

Golf is a popular sport throughout the world. The Caribbean was once known as "the golf capital". Many famous courses exist in the area such as Royal Westmoreland, Trump International, Port Lucaya, Doral, Baha Mar Resort & Spa, australian online casino, Punta Cana, and many more. Even though you may not play golf, many hotels provide free transportation to the nearest course.

4. Make dinner reservations at a fine restaurant!

Caribbean cuisine offers many different flavors which is why it's become extremely popular these days. Whether you want Mexican, Italian, French, Thai, or Chinese, you'll find it all here. Most towns have restaurants that serve various dishes and offer everything from street vendors to fine dining. Look online for reviews of local restaurants. Take advantage of TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other websites to see what locals say about each place.

Credit Card Fraud: How It Happens and How to Protect Yourself

 

The pandemic has led to increased crime risk all around the world and 'credit card frauds' constitute one of the most prevalent methods for swindling money.

Common methods for credit card fraud:

• Lost or stolen cards: Often, fraudsters obtain credit cards by theft or by obtaining a lost card. In such instances, the fraudster tries to use such credit card information for online transaction or other purchases if they can get away without having to use a security PIN.
• Counterfeit, doctored or faked cards: Fraudsters use devices such a ‘skimmers’ to illegally obtain credit card information. These devices are able to capture the credit card information from the magnetic strip attached to the card when the cards are swiped unknowingly on such device. The fraudsters can then replicate such information to create fake cards and use the same.
• Phone scams: This type of credit card fraud is getting more and more common, wherein a fraudster contacts the card owner and obtains sensitive personal information such as their date of birth, passwords, card details. Often such calls are made posing as the technical team for the bank, and the caller puts up a convincing charade making the card owner divulge sensitive information.
• Phishing scam: Fraudsters sometimes try this route of email phishing, wherein they send spam emails to obtain personal details of other parties, such as their date of birth, full names, address details etc. Through this method, the fraudster tries to steal as much supporting data and documents as possible to execute their act.
• Application Details: In this method, the fraudster applies for a new credit card after obtaining all your personal information, including the details of your id documents and forges your signature to obtain a new card in your name.

What are the preventive measures that you can practice to protect yourself?

• If you happen to be a victim of credit card fraud, it is important that you notify your bank immediately! The same step is to be initiated if you have lost your credit card. Once the bank is notified, they would be able to immediately block the card thus, preventing any further transactions on the same. This step is also very crucial from a legal standpoint, as it allows you to claim legal protection from additional responsibilities on the charges on the card, which were not made by you once you have reported the loss or theft.
• Store your PIN, online transactions passwords securely and follow the digital security protocol of not repeating the same password for different platforms. Regularly changing your security passwords and adding additional security features such as a ‘security question’ should be considered.
• Set up a transaction alert on your phone so that you are immediately notified of every transaction allowing you to continually monitor and track the payment transactions.
• Cultivate the habit of checking your monthly bank statement on a regular basis, so that it is possible for you to notify the bank if you see any unfamiliar transactions. Banks usually allow a dispute to be registered within a specific time frame, and therefore, it is crucial to report any discrepancies in the monthly statements as per the terms and conditions of your bank.

The Best Products to Buy to Help Puerto Rican Small Businesses

 

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in September 2017, many people have reached out to help. In turn, Puerto Rican businesses have also begun trying to help one another. As a result, we've seen increased products made or branded as "Puerto Rican" or "for Puerto Ricans." These products include t-shirts, mugs, other merchandise, and food items like hot sauces or packaged snacks. If you're looking to support Puerto Rican small business owners following this natural disaster, here is a list of the products to buy to help Puerto Rican small businesses. Each of these options is manufactured by a small business owned by someone who lives in Puerto Rico. 

Why Should You Buy From Puerto Rican Small Businesses?

So, you're probably wondering why you should buy from Puerto Rican small businesses. Well, here are just a few reasons:

• You're supporting your local community. When you buy from a small business, you're helping to keep your community strong.
• You're helping to create jobs. Most jobs are created by small enterprises, which are the backbone of the economy.
• You're getting high-quality products. Small businesses often have a personal connection to their products and take pride in their work.
• You're preserving Puerto Rican culture. By buying from Puerto Rican small businesses, you're keeping traditional crafts and recipes alive.

So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping! 

Artisanal Products

Artisanal products are generally made by hand and with locally sourced ingredients. The term "artisanal" is not legally regulated, so it's essential to look for additional details about how something was made. 

What's in it? Various plant-based ingredients.

How does it help Puerto Rican small business owners? By purchasing these products, you support the work of artisans who work with locally sourced ingredients. Many of the products in this section are made from ingredients from Puerto Rico, such as coffee beans. Some of the products below are also made by hand. By purchasing these items, you're supporting a business putting more money into the local economy, and creating more jobs. 

Natural Soaps and Body Care Products

Most soaps are made with chemicals and artificial ingredients, harming the environment and your health. On the other hand, natural soaps and body care products are made with healthy ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, or avocado oil.

[ Products to buy to help Puerto Rican small businesses: soap and body care products.

What's in it: Coconut oil, essential oils, and other locally sourced ingredients.

How does it help Puerto Rican small business owners? You're supporting small business owners in Puerto Rico when you purchase these products. Some of these products, like the leather wash below, are also made by hand. 

Shrimp-Based Food Items

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is a major global supplier of shrimp. To help the country's shrimp farmers get back on their feet, a company called Lucero Seafood sells shrimp-based products.

What's in it: 100% shrimp.
How does it help Puerto Rican small business owners? 100% of the profits from Lucero Seafood's shrimp products will be given to Puerto Rican shrimp farmers, according to our consultants from ksemoving.com. By purchasing these shrimp-based products, you're directly supporting Puerto Rican farmers. What's more, Lucero Seafood's products are certified sustainable. You are assisting a green and sustainable industry by buying these products. 

Handmade Furniture and Accessories

Many companies are making handmade furniture and other accessories. These products tend to be made with high-quality materials and custom designs and are often one-of-a-kind pieces.

These products tend to be made with high-quality materials and custom designs and are often one-of-a-kind pieces.

What's in it? Locally sourced wood, fabrics, and other materials.

How does it help Puerto Rican small business owners? When you purchase handmade furniture or accessories, you're supporting the work of local craftspeople. What's more, these products are made with high-quality materials. They may last longer than mass-produced furniture and accessories, creating less waste. With fragile things, you must take more care. Glassware and antiques are examples of these fragile artifacts, which can be manufactured of any material, so you must keep the souvenirs safe when packing and shipping fragile items. They require special care when being sent and packaged. So be sure to check the packaging procedure before ordering.

Commemorative T-Shirts and Mugs

You can find t-shirts and mugs with phrases that commemorate the hurricane, like "Puerto Rico Strong" or "Puerto Rico Se Levanta" (Puerto Rico Rising).

When you wear or display these t-shirts and mugs, you show your support for Puerto Rico.

What's in it? Cotton and screen printing.

How does it help Puerto Rican small business owners? When you wear or display these t-shirts and mugs, you're showing your support for Puerto Rico. What's more, by purchasing these items, you're directly helping Puerto Rican small business owners. Some of these t-shirts and mugs are made with ethically sourced and recycled materials. You're keeping fabrics and other materials out of landfills when you purchase products like these. 

Dulces Típicos (Traditional Candy)

Puerto Rican artisan candy manufacturers use all the tropical fruits on the island. Fresh indigenous fruits, including coconut, pineapple, guava, papaya, and many others, are used to make traditional candies. Fruit pastes, also known as Pastas de Frutas (Fruit Paste), are created by combining sugar and fruit pulp in small, individually wrapped packages. Orange, pineapple, coconut, guava, papaya, and even sweet potato are the tastes you can sample (Batata). Toasted sesame seeds and sugar are combined to make ajonjoli candy, sliced into little squares. This candy is highly addictive due to the toasted ajonjoli flavor and the sugar's sweetness. Any artisan fair will have dulces típicos on hand. At Herencia Borincana, Edgardo Rivera is a well-known craftsman. However, a little more commercial, supermarkets all around the island carry goods like Dulzura Borincana. 

Güiro and Maracas

The Güiro is a crucial component of Puerto Rican folk music, a significant part of the island nation's culture. A cylindrical-shaped gourd is used to make a giro. After drying, it has parallel grooves etched into it. A puya, a set of wire tines in a wooden handle, is used to play it by rubbing it along the grooves to create a ratchet sound.

The maracas are a significant gourd-based instrument (rattles). It is a circular gourd with seeds placed inside for sound production, and the aperture has a wooden handle attached. It is typically played as a set and shaken by the handle. 

Conclusion

When you buy from these brands on the list of products to help Puerto Rican small businesses, you're supporting Puerto Rican small business owners trying to rebuild their lives. In turn, these business owners can reinvest their revenue into the economy, providing jobs and helping to rebuild Puerto Rico from the ground up.

Enhance Your Garden with Beautiful Edging

 

Garden Border Edging

Adding edging around your garden or landscape is as important as the garden itself. The edging frames your garden much like a picture frame. A picture can be interesting and beautiful but it needs a frame to enhance its appearance, so it is with your garden. There are various types of garden edgings. Many people prefer to use something heavy and permanent, like a low brick wall, or rocks set together with mortar. However, not everyone is physically capable of creating such a structure.

Bricks set freely can be just as effective. They can be placed in a simple line, end to end, or stacked in a double row, with gaps in between. They can also be set diagonally, leaning against each other for support. Another attractive alternative is to decorate short lengths of board with old tiles. Tiles can often be purchased very cheaply from re-recycling places. Glue your choice of tile along the board using outdoor glue. On each end of the board, tack a peg with one end pointed. This will be used to push into the soil to support your board and keep it off the ground.

Bush rocks can also be used to give your garden that finished look. They need not be too big, unless you have plenty of muscle or help. You may be able to gather rocks from a friend's farm, or from the bush if that is legal in your area. Otherwise, garden suppliers usually have plenty to choose from. How about flowering plants or shrubbery to create a living border. Choose a plant that will be suitable for your climate and conditions. The pretty pink of alpine phlox is an attractive border and the plants can be divided and planted again and again. Many other plants can be propagated in this way, thus reducing the initial costs. Of course, your border will take a little more time to get established than if you bought all the necessary plants at once.

Border Plants

Gazanias are another hardy border plant that can be divided many times. Bulbs might seem like a good choice too, but remember that they will die down and leave your borders looking messy for ages. In addition, they remain dormant for at least six months, so if you plant anything else there you risk damaging the bulbs. Of course, you can dig them up and replace them with something else, but you may prefer a more permanent border edge to save on the workload. If you have a larger garden, comfrey is a plant to consider using for an edging plant. Its thick growth habit will prevent any grasses intruding into the garden, and the leaves can be pulled for excellent mulch around roses or other plants. It has delightful, dainty flowers in season too. However, a small garden could be overwhelmed by more than one comfrey plant.

In a small garden attractive annuals like sweet alice, pansies, violas or petunias make great borders. For something a bit different, try an herb border. Then you can go out and pick your herbs any time you want. Chives have a crisp green color that would make your garden sparkle while strawberries will entice the kids out into the fresh air to have a healthy snack. Some people prefer to simply bevel an edge around their garden with the shovel. This is a good option if your lawn has the sort of grass with runners, like kikuyu. Those runners can be kept under control by chopping them off every so often with the edge of the shovel. Whatever option you choose, it will enhance your garden to have a beautiful edging. For more ideas on creating a border for your garden, visit the links at the bottom of the page.

Amazing Places to Dive in Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico boasts one of the richest and most beautiful marine environments on the planet. Diving beneath the waves to explore the mind-blowing underwater world just off the coast of this charming island is one of the best experiences you can have on a Puerto Rican vacation and will thrill veteran and newbie divers alike.

From amazing dive sites off the beaches of the main island to lesser known spots around smaller islets like Culebra and Vieques, not to mention gorgeous reefs and caves accessible by boat, Puerto Rico is a scuba diving paradise. So if you are on a Puerto Rico cruise and want to discover a different side of the island, strap on your mask, BCD, and fins and discover these amazing places to dive in Puerto Rico!

Humacao

Boasting over 20 dive sites, Humacao is one of the richest areas for underwater explorers in Puerto Rico. It offers remarkable visibility (up to 100 feet at times!), and a beautiful reef that welcomes schools of dolphins from March to May. More experienced, appropriately certified divers may want to take on the Red Hog, a site with a steep drop-off from around 70 feet to 1,000 feet, which is quite a thrilling experience!

Mona Island

Getting to Mona Island is a challenge - it’s around 50 miles from the main island by boat - but it is well worth the trip. Situated right on the dividing line between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this tiny speck of rock is remoteness personified and offers some unrivaled diving experiences. Thanks to its out-of-the-way location it is only rarely visited, which means the sea life is abundant, and it is particularly rich in mega-fauna like sharks and whales.

Culebra

The island of Culebra to the east of Puerto Rico is another excellent choice for divers looking for a bit of adventure. It offers an array of excellent dive sites like Cayo Lobo, Cayo Ballena, and Larga Beach. The semi-circular reef at Cayo Raton is one of the most beautiful, with a truly astonishing amount of marine life, from queen angelfish and butterflyfish to parrotfish and massive schools of jacks. This is another spot where the visibility can reach up to 100 feet, and is a delight for intermediate and advanced divers.

Vieques

Puerto Rico’s other main sister island, Vieques is equally blessed with excellent diving opportunities. It is a popular spot with honeymooners, thanks to its surprisingly excellent dining and cultural scene, and the underwater experience is quite something as well. Warm water, excellent visibility, and some beautiful, accessible reefs make it a favorite for less-experienced divers, who love the chance to explore spots such as Blue Tang Reef, Isla Chiva, and Lobster Reef.

Fajardo

Fajardo is a massive snorkeling destination, and the diving options are just as good. Vibrant reefs, dark caverns, and several small coral walls (as well as the larger and more dramatic Palomino Wall) make Fajardo a dream diving spot, and the chance to swim with Hawksbill turtles and eagle rays adds the finishing touch to this great location.

Las Cuevas, Desecheo

If you love a swim-through, then Las Cuevas in Desecheo is the place for you! An astonishing underwater adventure playground of deep ravines, spectacular arches, and magnificent yet easily accessible caverns awaits just below the waves, and with a maximum depth of 100 feet, it's a great way for beginners to get their first taste of cavern diving. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique rock formation that looks just like Darth Vader, the Star Wars villain!

Docking into Puerto Rico with Milan Rabszski

 

Casinos come in all shapes and sizes. Since the first casinos opened their doors, the sector has developed to take advantage of every opportunity that has presented itself. Casinos have developed into a huge, multi-industry ecosystem since the first one was formed in Venice in 1638. It was formed as a means of controlling gambling, but since then, casinos have proliferated.

Casinos today have restaurants, hotel rooms, swimming pools, and on rare occasions, private beaches. Milan Rabszski has been around the globe to explore every kind of casino there is. After experiencing the views and wonders of them all, Milan has decided to classify them into themes. Let’s hear from the horse’s mouth what that means:

Casino Themes for the Picky

It’s possible that casino themes sound perplexing, so let’s set the record straight. Every single one of the casinos that I’ve been to has some sort of overarching concept. For example, if they are situated in the mountains, you will find mountains all around you, and the casino will have a mountain motif. In a similar vein, a city setting will provide a plethora of eateries serving a variety of cuisines but will always include elements of the local culture. This is why I’ve decided to classify them into themes. But why, you ask? Because my recent explorations have given me a favorite! 

• City casino

• Cruise casino

• Mountain casino

• Sky casino

• Basement casino

• Rive casino

• Jet lounge casino

• Cave casino

• Underground casino

• Train casino

And finally, on to my favorite…

Welcome to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, constant sunshine, and an abundance of casino resorts. Let me rephrase that, an abundance of physical casino resorts. This automatically indicates the legality of the industry. You may be wondering whether the gambling laws of the United States apply to the territory of Puerto Rico. To answer your question in a nutshell, the answer is yes; gambling establishments are permitted everywhere in Puerto Rico. 

However, there are certain rules that need to be followed to the T:

1. It is required that casinos be located within hotels or other types of resorts for them to be able to run their businesses legally.
2. In Puerto Rico, the legal gambling age is 18, so if you want to try your hand at slot machines http://topkasynoonline.com/automaty-do-gry/ or any of the other games, you will need to wait until you reach that age.
3. The use of tobacco is strictly prohibited at gaming enterprises.

The title of “casino gambling capital of the Caribbean” rightfully belongs to Puerto Rico due to the island’s extensive offerings. It is one of the best-known destinations in Latin America for land-based casino gaming since the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is home to a number of different casinos, hotels, and resorts spread out along its coastline. The gambling sector in Puerto Rico is massive, and it serves as a significant source of revenue for the US territory, particularly from gamblers who travel there from other locations.

Here Comes the Sun…Tudududu

Casino resorts in Puerto Rico exude an air of friendliness and hospitality as a matter of course. The resorts in this area provide something for everyone, thanks to their extensive selection of games, slot machines, and gambling tables. Now, this also includes guests who are here solely for the beach, the pool, or the delicious food offered at the several restaurants in the complex.

There is no language barrier for foreigners at this casino, which is a welcome change from Poland’s sole gambling establishment. The operators, managers, and dealers can all communicate well in English. One further appealing feature of these resorts is that they are available to guests at any hour of the day or night. It’s not too dissimilar to Totalizator Sportowy forget the warm weather, sandy beaches, and laid-back vibe of the Spanish Caribbean.

What Do the Poles Have to Say?

My team of expert gamblers and I have spent time exploring the vibrant resorts of Puerto Rico. Here is what my team thinks of this experience:

• Ella Kowalski feels that the casinos in the Caribbean are more generous with their rewards. Her time at the slot machines was nothing short of exhilarating. What stands out is the fact that you cannot smoke while gambling. “What good is a gamble if I’m also not gambling my health away?” laughs Ella. 
• Mikołaj Radoslaw wonders why the people are always chirpy. He says, “It is unusual to see people this happy all the time. On a more serious note, I’ve noticed the dealers call for complimentary beverages when you sit at their tables. That was new!”
• Jakub Nowak, on the other hand, has had a hard time focusing on the games because there’s a multi-cuisine restaurant that keeps calling him back. “I went in mentally prepared to deal with the amenities of a resort. I knew there would be a pool, and I dedicated time to it. The same goes for the beach and other attractions. But little did I expect the mouth-watering options at the lunch bar!” he chuckles. 

All in all, the gambling experience might have been the same for my teammates and me, but the atmosphere and the general vibe of the place have stolen our hearts. 

Wrapping Up

Milan Rabszski is dedicated to providing a great experience in the nowe polskie kasyna for the Poles. He cannot bring Puerto Rico to Europe, but he can bring a glimpse of the place where the sun never stops smiling to the Polish. For more on him and his passion project, TopKasynoOnline, where he is the editor-in-chief, visit their website. Their office is in Złota 59, 00-120 Warsaw, and it’s made for the Poles, by the Poles. You can also call him for advice at +48 22 595 14 00 or email topkasynoonline@gmail.com to ask him your queries. Listen to his voice, his concerns and suggestions on his podcast, where he talks about everything gambling-related, including the popular payment methods in Poland at the time of writing, in September 2022: Blik, Przelewy24, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, and Ecopayz. 

On the date of issue (September 2022), Note: Unfortunately, gambling is illegal in Poland, so the content in this article is intended only for informational purposes and is available to users outside of Poland.

5 Financing Options For Buying A House

 

Since, for most, the value of their home, is, one of, if not, their single - biggest financial/ economic asset, wouldn't it, make sense, for a potential homeowner, to know, and understand, as much as possible, before buying any house? After, over 15 years, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, I try to counsel my clients, and customers, to know and understanding their options, and possibilities, so they can proceed, wisely! Although, most consider, owning a home, of their own, is a major component, of the so - called, American Dream, to ensure, the best - possible results, it is important to proceed, in an informed manner! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 potential, financing options, which are often, available, for making this purchase, and some of the factors and relevant considerations.

1. Friends and family: Traditionally, for - many, first - time homeowners, find it, extremely challenging, to put together, the combination of the down - payment, and closing costs, involved, as well as qualifying for a mortgage with the most - favorable terms! Many of us, have been fortunate, enough, to have parents, who are able to, and willing, to help out, financially, etc! Some have influential, close friends! Before purchasing, it is wise, to realistically, fully consider, your personal circumstance, and your options, and opportunities!
2. Owner - financing: In, certain real estate markets, especially, when it is, a Buyers (rather than a Seller) Market, some homeowners, are willing to finance, some, and/ or, all of the buyer's financial needs, for financing. This may be, in addition to, more - conventional possibilities, or, the entire entity! Examine the terms, advantages, and disadvantages, before proceeding, and, realize, this option, is very rarely available, in times, like we are currently, experiencing, with record, activity, in the real estate/ housing markets!
3. Conventional mortgage: We normally, refer to something, as a Conventional Mortgage, when, it is the so - called, standard, for the industry. This has generally, meant, the buyer, puts - down, 20% down - payment, and finances, via a mortgage the balance, usually, for about 30 years (although the term may vary, either, up, or down). Lending institutions, normally, have specific standards, in terms of the borrowers, credit history/ rating, income - to - debt ratio, etc. One should know and understand these, from the start!
4. Other types of mortgages: Some choose, a different type of mortgage, for various reasons. These include: Variable mortgages; Balloon - type; shorter or longer - term ones, etc. It may, also, permit, a lower, or demand, a higher, down - payment, instead of the more - traditional, 20%!
5. Combinations: Some may, either, choose to, or need to, use some combination of methods. Often, for example, one uses, a combination of owner - financing, for - part, with a regular mortgage, for the rest. This, is, often, used, when one does not have the necessary down - payment, or other factors, etc!

If, you decide, to buy, a house, be prepared! Do your homework, and hire, the best real estate professional, to meet, and exceed your needs, and expectations!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades, and a RE Licensed Salesperson, for 15+ years. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10549326

 

Puerto Rico boasts one of the richest and most beautiful marine environments on the planet. Diving beneath the waves to explore the mind-blowing underwater world just off the coast of this charming island is one of the best experiences you can have on a Puerto Rican vacation and will thrill veteran and newbie divers alike.

From amazing dive sites off the beaches of the main island to lesser known spots around smaller islets like Culebra and Vieques, not to mention gorgeous reefs and caves accessible by boat, Puerto Rico is a scuba diving paradise. So if you are on a Puerto Rico cruise and want to discover a different side of the island, strap on your mask, BCD, and fins and discover these amazing places to dive in Puerto Rico!

Humacao

Boasting over 20 dive sites, Humacao is one of the richest areas for underwater explorers in Puerto Rico. It offers remarkable visibility (up to 100 feet at times!), and a beautiful reef that welcomes schools of dolphins from March to May. More experienced, appropriately certified divers may want to take on the Red Hog, a site with a steep drop-off from around 70 feet to 1,000 feet, which is quite a thrilling experience!

Mona Island

Getting to Mona Island is a challenge - it’s around 50 miles from the main island by boat - but it is well worth the trip. Situated right on the dividing line between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this tiny speck of rock is remoteness personified and offers some unrivaled diving experiences. Thanks to its out-of-the-way location it is only rarely visited, which means the sea life is abundant, and it is particularly rich in mega-fauna like sharks and whales.

Culebra

The island of Culebra to the east of Puerto Rico is another excellent choice for divers looking for a bit of adventure. It offers an array of excellent dive sites like Cayo Lobo, Cayo Ballena, and Larga Beach. The semi-circular reef at Cayo Raton is one of the most beautiful, with a truly astonishing amount of marine life, from queen angelfish and butterflyfish to parrotfish and massive schools of jacks. This is another spot where the visibility can reach up to 100 feet, and is a delight for intermediate and advanced divers.

Vieques

Puerto Rico’s other main sister island, Vieques is equally blessed with excellent diving opportunities. It is a popular spot with honeymooners, thanks to its surprisingly excellent dining and cultural scene, and the underwater experience is quite something as well. Warm water, excellent visibility, and some beautiful, accessible reefs make it a favorite for less-experienced divers, who love the chance to explore spots such as Blue Tang Reef, Isla Chiva, and Lobster Reef.

Fajardo

Fajardo is a massive snorkeling destination, and the diving options are just as good. Vibrant reefs, dark caverns, and several small coral walls (as well as the larger and more dramatic Palomino Wall) make Fajardo a dream diving spot, and the chance to swim with Hawksbill turtles and eagle rays adds the finishing touch to this great location.

Las Cuevas, Desecheo

If you love a swim-through, then Las Cuevas in Desecheo is the place for you! An astonishing underwater adventure playground of deep ravines, spectacular arches, and magnificent yet easily accessible caverns awaits just below the waves, and with a maximum depth of 100 feet, it's a great way for beginners to get their first taste of cavern diving. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique rock formation that looks just like Darth Vader, the Star Wars villain!