by Nicole Tufts

Created on: June 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

A SWEET VACATION

I will never forget the time I went to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.
As soon as our plane landed, my father and I went straight to the hotel and check-in. We dropped off our things and went to a restaurant called La Bombonera. It is small restaurant and bakery in the heart of Old San Juan. Then we went off exploring.
The sun was shining as my feet traveled over the cobblestones, it was a special kind of experience for me, walking through the streets of Old San Juan. First we visited El Castillo San Felipe Morro. This is a fort that lies on the northwestern-most point of the island of San Juan, and it was named in honor of St. Phillip. It was situated on a "morro" meaning headland or promonotory, and over time the fort simply became known as "El Morro". It was designed to stop seaborne enemies from entering San Juan Bay and taking control of the city. It was a good educational experience for me.

The next day we got onto a small plane and traveled to St. Thomas, I've never seen a place that was so beautiful. The place we stayed at was like a palace, it took my breath away. The name of it was The Secret Garden. It was a two bedroom villa, bigger than the house we were living in. The Secret Garden is built on two levels within giant boulders and overlooks a breathtaking view of tranquil Magen's Bay. Inside had dramatic domed cypress ceilings, the main level had a Great Room finished with a floor to ceiling mural, a gourmet kitchen, an office equipped with a computer, a dining area, a powder room, a King master suite with a sleigh bed and a large Jacuzzi tub. It had a verandah looking out to the sea; a staircase led to the lower and to the second master suite that had a king sized bed, sitting area, his and her master baths, a kitchenette, and an office all opening out via French doors to that levels own large covered balcony and to a gas grill area. I feel in love with that place.
After we got settled in at the place we were staying, we went out to grab a bite to eat, at a place called Indigo. The next morning we went to Magen's Bay, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic for its heart shaped bay. We enjoyed a day of snorkeling at the beach. As we were snorkeling in the crystal clear water we would come across signs underwater directing us to certain coral reefs, or other areas good for snorkeling.
It was the most memorable vacation I've had.

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