A New Swell is in

This morning we heard the sound of the waves louder and knew that the expected swell was in. A swell is different from regular waves in that swell waves have traveled vast areas of the ocean, fanning out from their storm system. As the swell approaches shore, it forms long rolling surf. The swells will be in "sets" or groups and you can count them as they hit shore. Usually a larger one followed by somewhat smaller ones; and then the process repeats. In this image, you can see the swells lined up with the one in the foreground breaking up as it hits along shore. Swell waves are just "swell" for surfing in Rincon!

Feeling romantic in Rincon...

If you are feeling romantic in Rincon, grab your "other half," "significant other," "best friend," and head to Steps Beach. You will be treated to an incredible sunset. We arrived at sunset to find this couple already there...no worries,..the beach is big enough for many couples to feel wonderfully alone! Oblivious to us, these two were happy with each other as they watched the settting sun. As usual, the Puerto Rican sunset brought joy to us all. The rays of the sun make the waves glisten with reds and oranges. The sound of the waves lapping up on shore combined with the hues from the sun is an incredible way to end a day at the beach with someone you love.

Recital in Old San Juan

Yesterday saw the recital in the Tiple class that Bella has been taking this Fall with the Fundacion de Francisco Lopez Cruz. Above she is pictured with other members of her class, backed by guitars and percussion in the form of Bongos and Conga Drums. This was the first time the group played with this level of support and the sound was terrific. Well over 500 people were in the audience. Children were running around. Other musicians were warming up. Vendors were moving through the crowd selling tasty items. The program ran for three hours although Bella's group was on stage for a much shorter period. It was late in the afternoon when Bella's group moved on stage. The stage was under a large tent. She tells me that next semester she will be in the Tiple taller or workshopand she will also be starting a new class in the cuatro.

Plants grow quickly here in the Tropics

The tropics do amazing things to plants...they grow so rapidly and fully! Here in the Puerto Rico, we have two seasons, "wet" and "dry." Late spring/early summer marks the beginning of the wet season and the dry season begins sometime in late fall/early winter. We usually cut back our plants early in the wet season, as this is the growing season, and the new growth will be nurtured by our gentle summer rains.


I was reminded this afternoon as I passed by the Mandevilla plants here at the Lemontree of how much they had grown! On the top left is the photo taken in July of the plants after I had cut them back and to the lower right is a photograph I took today. The plants have been trimmed a couple of times since July as well, to keep their long reaching tendrils out of the pathway.You can also see the little ficus tree, the foreground of the photos, was cut back to just its limbs and today it is has new branches and shiny green leaves too. Its amazing what a little water and fertilizer can do for plants in the tropics.

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Fresh Tropical Fruit and Vegetables

When thinking of foods in "the tropics" one almost assuredly conjures up images of ripe lusty fruits, brimming with flavor and bright colors. Here in Rincon we have a fruit stand that never fails to satisfy that image! Antonio and Juan have their fruit stand on Carr 115 as one heads off of Calle 2 into Rincon. They are dedicated and congenial men, always willing to share their knowledge of the fruits, their ripeness and help clients select just the right fruit or vegetable.

Today I was passing by the stand and decided to stop and get some avocados. Avocados have a very long growing season here in Puerto Rico as there are so many different kinds. We have been eating fresh local avocados since August! These are the two that Antonio selected for me today, fresh and ready to eat. They are going to taste delicious in a fresh salad with a little fresh lime, from the tree next to the Lemontree's parking! Avocado is also delicious smeared, just like butter, on fresh panaderia bread or crackers.

Curving water's edge

Rincon is a town of beaches. On our north side during the winter swells, the surfers ride the waves to glory. On the south facing beaches or Caribbean side of town, the waters are much calmer. We frequently see children on our beach doing what children do, enjoying losing themselves in the delight of the water and the gentle waves. I took this photograph a couple of days ago about 50 yard down the beach from the Lemontree. Our hope is that our guests be they eight or eighty, come to enjoy their time by the sea. Young at heart they may delight in the sensation of the water's movement and the sun on their skin. When I took this picture, I was reminded of the freedom to revel in the pleasure of sandy wet toes as I walked along the beachside and didn't care when the waters splashed up around the hem of my shorts.

Ocho Puertas

This past weekend we were in Viejo San Juan and happened to enter the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. The Center has memorabilia from musicians and composers of Puerto Rico as well as a small shop selling Puerto Rican music.

One of their prize exhibits is an impressive grand piano. This is the piano that was in the famous 1960's nightclub, Ocho Puertas. It was called Ocho Puertas because the club was located on a corner of the block and had four doors on each side, hence eight doors or ocho puertas. This Youtube video, while contemporary, gives you a flavor of the place. Many aspiring and well-known musicians played at this famous club. Ocho Puertas had international recognition and was a hang out place for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach, Chita Rivera, and Liz Minelli. The piano was also used by the most famous female composer of Puerto Rico, Sylvia Rexach, for her composing. You can purchase her music CD's in the store and they are romantic and beautiful.

We were honored when the staff suggested Bella Jane sit down at the piano and play a little bit. Captain Ted captured the moment on film. The piano has the feel of an instrument that has felt many hands. The keys were worn and some of the ivory was missing but she's
a grand lady nonetheless. Closing your eyes you could imagine yourself back in Ocho Puertas with the ivories tinkling and the fans gazing on. If you are ever in Old San Juan, stop by and make a donation to the maintenance of this grand instrument that has many songs left in her.