And by Amsterdam, I meant Puerto Rico.

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As if it weren't enough to be able to bounce around Europe in my free time, I felt it necessary to leave the continent to get a taste of the Caribbean this past week. My boyfriend, Matt, has signed with a professional volleyball team in the Liga de Voleibol Superior in Puerto Rico. He's played 6 games for Los Changos de Naranjito thus far. As a talented setter with advanced leadership skills he has recently played a huge part in positively influencing the attitudes of his teammates and outcomes of their matches.

Being it a Catholic university, KUL takes the first two days of November off for All Saints and All Souls days. Matt and I had discussed me going to PR to watch his games and be a small part of his experience there, but we decided that it wouldn't be rational to make a short trip like that. Who does that? Not adults. Adults make the decision to save their money and play it safe. We're adults. Yeah...adults. My friends and I found ourselves with a 6 day break and our dreamers got to dreamin' about where we could explore next. We settled on Amsterdam and made arrangements for a 3 day 2 night trip. As my school week drew to a close, the ants in my pants went wild and my dreamer got the best of me. With the flip of a Puerto Rican quarter on Skype, Matt and I decided to put the kibosh on my trip to the Netherlands and book a roundtrip Brussels>San Juan. Ooooh young love.

A whole 6 days in PR! We had a chance to lay on the beach, drive down the coast hunting for iguanas to capture on film, visit Old San Juan and Saint Christopher's Castle, tour the Bacardi Distillery, and drink the world's largest margaritas in Condado. With the help of the incessant heckling of their coach's mom, Los Changos won both of the matches that I was in attendance for! The owner, manager, and player's families were so kind and welcoming of Mateo's gringa in the stands. What a wonderful week.

Time to get serious and put my nose back in the books from now until Christmas. After a week in the humid, warm climate of the tropics, I'm ready to return to endure the rain and cold of Belgium!

Besos,
Whitney

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Photos

#1 Fan!
After Matt's second match against Patriotas de Lares.

The Matts.
Matt and his teammate and roommate, Matt Proper!

'GUANAS GALORE!
So many iguanas running wild! Loved it!

Castillo de San Cristobal
Beautiful seascapes and historical excitement here. Really enjoyable adventure!

Tijuana in Puerto Rico.
Margaritas after touring the Castle.

Bacardi Distillery.
Free drinks and tour?! Sign us up! Both Matts and I enjoyed a warm afternoon here.

Gasolinaaa.
Disgusting vodka cocktails that intrigued us gringos. NEVER AGAIN!

Comments

[Mama Mac]

Best blog title ever...
Always full of surprises! Love your adventure photos and blurry game shots--felt like I was there! HAHA. Thanks for sharing this entertaining escape--love it!