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Bouncing the halls of Valhalla...in Puerto Rico: Viking Arena Review

Excitement comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms; one place that can encompass it all is the Viking Arena. The metro area in Puerto Rico, composed of San Juan, Bayamón, Trujillo Alto, Cataño and Guaynabo, is usually known as the center of striking innovation and the peak of tourist attention. This includes an abundance of diverse options of cuisine and liquor, as well as an emphasis on showcasing Puerto Rican culture as much as possible. An important yet underestimated aspect of the country’s economy that has been given a bigger spotlight is entertainment. Concepts like “Choliseo” where concerts from the likes of Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny have swept fans by their feet and managed to subside Puerto Rico’s staggering economy. However, places like these do not always target a larger audience because of the decrease in the youth demographic on the Island. Viking Arena was inaugurated in October, an investment of about 3 million dollars. Located in Calle Matadero, San Juan, the arena is an amusement exercise park looking to appeal to everyone. The Nordic aesthetic at first seems absurd yet achingly intriguing that it reels people to visit such a park. Anyone driving the highway on the way to Bayamón can catch the very captivating yellow and orange logo of Viking Arena that entices the public to explore the experience. The entrance offers a sneak peek of the offers, ranging from regular to premium deals and prices from $16-$26. Some of the attractions include the inflatables (ramps, warrior course), soft play (indoor playground), slides (donuts, spiral, waves), rope course in the Premium deal (spider-webs, zip lines, air skateboard) and the Ox Range for one or more people for an additional cost that varies. Each attraction and offer can be found here: Viking Arena PR. The adrenaline rush can be felt within the very first steps into the building. The Viking theme's essence represents the intensity that awaits the public within the walls of excitement. The vivid colors help encapsulate the ambiance of exhilaration that amusement parks wish to achieve. Despite its childish appearance, the inflatables are the first of the attractions no one should underestimate. Audiences ranging from toddlers to middle-aged adults can bask in the joy of bouncing in the many obstacle courses. Sporting attire is not required but recommended to fully appreciate the quality of every attraction, such as the slides and the soft play. Just when one attraction ends, another appears to stretch the fun under reasonable conditions, prices and time frames. Of course, a heap of exercise cannot be disregarded without the boost of energy that food may provide. Located on the second floor of the building that overlooks a dazzling view of the park, the Viking Lounge & Restaurant bestows the public with many culinary options such as affordable appetizers, classic dishes like pizza, luxuries such as salmon and, without a doubt, beer. Food prices start at $8. Any space within the seats of Viking Arena or the Lounge can be reserved for many activities such as birthday parties, family reunions, club meetings, etc. For information about specials and more, check out their Facebook page: Facebook Viking Arena

Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots in Puerto Rico

Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots in Puerto Rico The beauty of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is that almost anyone can do it. From newbie to advanced, it is fun for all. The bigger and wider the board, the more stable it is. If standing up is too challenging, you can start by paddling while sitting on your butt or knees. The easiest places to paddle are where the water is calm and flat, with little to no swell. Several spots offer paddleboard and/or kayak rentals if you don’t have your own. El Escambrón Beach, San Juan Balneario del Escambrón This spot is close to the old town and is the most popular beach in the city. It is $5 for parking at the nearby parking lot. The lot is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day. There’s a ramp to launch your board but no paddle board vendors nearby. The surf calms more often during the summer months. It can get very rough during winter, making it unsuitable to paddle. Showers, lifeguards, food, and dive/snorkel gear vendors are nearby. This is a designated blue flag beach for cleanliness. Condado Lagoon, San Juan Laguna del Condado This protected lagoon in San Juan is often calm even when rough waters are elsewhere. It’s an excellent spot for beginners and those learning to stand-up paddle. There are board rentals nearby and a public boat launch. You can also find space between the mangroves to put your board in the water. Parking is available along the street or in the nearby parking lot. This is a popular spot to see manatees; please respect wildlife by giving them space and not disturbing or feeding them. Lika’s Paddle does private lagoon tours where they often see the manatees, and she provides a paddleboard for you. It’s a fun small group tour, usually done during sunset hours. Seven Seas Beach, Fajardo Seven Seas Beach The bay is well protected by the offshore reef making it a good year-round place to paddle. Often when the water is rough elsewhere, it is still calm at this location. There are rentals available nearby if you don’t have a board. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is on the beach and rents kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear. They also offer tours of the bay. If you get there early in the morning or during the off-season, there is street parking, and you can carry your board across the street to put it in the water. If it is busy, it is best to go with a friend so one can take the board to the beach while the other parks. There is a small public launch to the left of the trailer homes. If you are willing to carry your board there, it is a good spot for launching. There are several paid parking lots nearby. Do not park on the sidewalk, even if other cars are there - it is a $200 ticket! Roosevelt Roads, Ceiba Roosevelt Roads Marina The large bay in Roosevelt Roads gives you miles of shoreline to explore. This weather-dependent paddling spot is recommended only for intermediate or advanced paddlers. The current can move swiftly, pushing you into the mangroves, so be sure to paddle against the current so that you can drift back when you get tired. If it’s rough, there can be a lot of chop and swell. The ferry terminal nearby also provides swell when the boats depart or arrive. You may see sea stars, tarpon, and even manatees. There are no rentals nearby, so bring your board if you have one! The boat ramp and parking area nearby are easy to access for putting your board in the water and parking your vehicle for free. La Parguera Parguera Rampa Las Crayolas(Parguera Boat Ramp) There are no SUP rentals in the area; however, there are several kayak rental operators. If you have your own board, you can put it in the water at the boat launch. It is usually a trek to find parking, so it is recommended that you go with a friend who can stay with the boards while the other parks the vehicle. Parking along the road is free, but be aware of parking in front of someone’s dock access or driveway. The many mangroves nearby offer crystal clear waters, and if you are a strong paddler, you can paddle out to one of the nearby keys. There is a lot to explore in the area! For beginning paddlers, stay close to the shore and mangroves. Paddle upwind first in case you get tired and need to float back with minimal effort. Playa Doña Lala Beach, Rincón Playa Doña Lala Beach This beach has a great free parking lot where you can unload your board and walk it to the water, with restrooms and showers to rinse off afterward. This beach is surf dependent. While often there’s not a lot of chop, being on the west coast, it can get some good swell and rollers. Nearby Rincón Paddle Boards rents boards out, and they will bring them to you if necessary. During the summer, the water will be better suited to beginner and intermediate paddlers. The rest of the year, intermediate or advanced paddlers will enjoy the area if the weather permits. Balneario de Boquerón, Cabo Rojo Parque Nacional Balneario Boquerón This expansive beach has plenty of parking nearby which is $4 per car. There’s a boat launch and wheelchair access. Bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, playgrounds for kids, and expansive grassy areas are also available. It is a fun beach for shell-seeking as well. Lined with palm trees, it is also a great place to hang a hammock to take a break from paddling. Lifeguards are available during peak season. Puerto Rico Adventure Water Sports has SUPs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and jet skis for rent in the vicinity. Summers tend to be more calm and more suitable for paddlers of all levels. It’s a designated blue flag beach for cleanliness. Crashboat Beach, Aguadilla Crash Boat Beach This is a bustling and popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The turquoise water and many amenities make it a place where people love to spend the day. You’ll see kids and adults fishing and/or jumping off the pier. To paddle, you’ll need to rent from one of the nearby vendors. If you bring your board, you’ll want to come with a friend so one person can stay with the boards while the other parks. There is access to a boat ramp, showers, shade trees, various vendors, and lifeguards during the high season. The beach is free, but parking costs $5-$10, especially on a busy weekend.

Puerto Rican Cocktails: A Taste of the Island

Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise, and one of the many things that make it unique is its vast array of delicious cocktails! The Island has something for everyone, from the classic piña colada to the lesser-known coquito. In this post, we'll explore Puerto Rico's most famous cocktails, their history, and how to make them at home. Piña Colada No discussion of Puerto Rican cocktails would be complete without mentioning the piña colada. This classic drink has rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The piña colada was invented in San Juan in the 1950s, and it quickly became a favorite of locals and tourists alike. In 1978, it became the official drink of Puerto Rico. Today, you can find piña coladas at nearly every bar on the Island. History There are many origin stories for this famous cocktail. The first claim came from the Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí in the 19th century when he created the drink from the few ingredients on his ship to boost morale among his men. The piña colada as we know it was created in 1954 by bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero Perez while working at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan. The hotel management had requested that Marrero make a new signature drink representing the hotel and Puerto Rico. After three months of experimentation, he finally settled on the piña colada. Where to try it One of the best places to try a piña colada is the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, where the drink was first invented. You can also find it at Barrachina, another San Juan institution claiming to have invented the drink. How to make it at home To make a piña colada at home, blend 2 oz of white rum, 2 oz of coconut cream, and 2 oz of pineapple juice with ice. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Coquito Another famous Puerto Rican cocktail is the coquito. This creamy drink is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and rum, and it's often garnished with cinnamon. The coquito is typically served during the holiday season, but you can find it year-round at many bars and restaurants. History The coquito is believed to have originated in Puerto Rico in the 19th century. It was traditionally made by mixing coconut milk, spices, and rum and was often served as a festive holiday drink. Today, there are many variations of the coquito recipe, but all of them feature the essential ingredients of coconut milk, condensed milk, and rum. How to make it at home To make a coquito at home, combine one can of coconut milk; one can of condensed milk, one can of evaporated milk, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of white rum in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve chilled in a small glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Pitorro Pitorro is a robust and homemade rum that's well-known among locals. History Pitorro dates back to the early days of Puerto Rico when it was used as a form of currency and was also known as "moonshine." Pirro is still made in small batches by families throughout the Island. It's often flavored with fruit or spices, and its alcohol content can range from 40% to 90%. Where to try it You can find pitorro at local shops and markets throughout the Island. Many people make their pitorro at home, using family recipes passed down for generations. How to make it at home To make pitorro at home, you'll need a large jug or container with a lid, a bottle of white rum, and your choice of flavorings, such as cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans. Combine the rum and flavorings in the jug or container and let it sit for several weeks or months, shaking it occasionally. The longer it sits, the stronger it will become. Amaretto Colada The amaretto colada is a twist on the classic piña colada, made with amaretto liqueur instead of coconut cream. How to make it at home To make an amaretto colada at home, blend 2 oz of white rum, 1 oz of amaretto liqueur, and 2 oz of pineapple juice with ice. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Bilí Bilí is a sweet, fruity drink with rum, enjoyed around the Island but mostly in Vieques. Bilí's main ingredient is the quenepa, which is plentiful during the summer in Vieques. How to make it at home To make bilí at home: Combine 2 oz of white rum, 2 oz of passion fruit juice (or quenepa juice if you can find some!), and 1 oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of fresh passion fruit. Chichaíto Chichaíto is a shot of anise-flavored liquor often served after a meal. How to make it at home To make chichaíto at home, combine 1 oz of anise-flavored liquor, such as Pernod or Sambuca, with 1 oz of rum in a shot glass. Serve at room temperature. If you want a taste of Puerto Rico, try some of the Island's famous cocktails. From the classic piña colada to lesser-known drinks like the coquito, there's something for everyone. Whether you're visiting Puerto Rico or want to try making these drinks at home, enjoy them responsibly and savor the flavors of the Island.

Top Things to Know Before Moving to PR

Are you planning to move to Puerto Rico? This tropical paradise has a lot to offer to new residents, but there are also some important things you should know before making the move. Here are some top things to keep in mind as you prepare. Understand the Cost of Living Puerto Rico is a relatively affordable place to live compared to other parts of the United States. However, the cost of living can vary widely depending on where you choose to live and your lifestyle choices. The cost of housing, utilities, and transportation can be high in areas along the coast and more popular with tourists and expats, so be sure to do your research before making any major decisions. Learn Spanish While English is somewhat widely spoken in Puerto Rico, Spanish is the primary language. If you don't already speak Spanish, it's a good idea to start learning before you move. This will help you to communicate more effectively with locals and will make it easier to navigate everyday life. Get Familiar with the Culture Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. From art to food to music, there's a lot to discover in this vibrant country. Take the time to learn about the customs and traditions of Puerto Rico, and be prepared to embrace them as part of your new life. Know the Visa Requirements If you're moving to Puerto Rico from the United States, you won't need a visa. However, if you're coming from another country, you may need to obtain a visa before you can move. Be sure to check the visa requirements for your home country before making any plans. Prepare for the Climate Puerto Rico has a warm and humid tropical climate. This can be a welcome change for those who are used to colder weather, but it can also take some getting used to. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate, and take steps to stay hydrated and cool during the hot summer months. Connect with the Expat Community Puerto Rico has a large expat community, and connecting with other expats can be a great way to ease the transition to your new home. Joining local expat groups, attending events, and volunteering can all be great ways to meet new people and build a support network. Consider Healthcare Options Puerto Rico has a public healthcare system, but many residents also choose to purchase private health insurance. Before you move, it's a good idea to research your healthcare options and determine what type of coverage you will need. Plan for Transportation Puerto Rico has a public transportation system, but it is very limited in most areas. Many residents choose to own a car to get around more easily. If you plan to purchase a car, be prepared for higher vehicle and gas prices and insurance rates. Research Job Opportunities Puerto Rico has a diverse economy and a number of industries including tourism, manufacturing and finance. Before you move, research job opportunities in your field to make sure you will be able to find work. It's also important to note that wages in Puerto Rico are generally lower than in the United States. Moving to Puerto Rico can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for the challenges of relocating to a new country. By keeping these top things in mind, you can ensure a smoother transition and start enjoying all that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Atirantado Bar and Grill Review

In the eastern rural region of Puerto Rico is Atirantado Bar and Grill, an iconic dining experience situated on top of a mountain with spectacular views. Towards one side, you can see the famous Puente Atirantado, which finished construction in 2008. To another side, the view is more nature-oriented and consists of the Río la Plata (The Silver River). This river extends towards the bridge and passes under it. Some years ago, a drought had affected the river so much that the part under the bridge dried up completely. The recent storms and hurricanes helped the water levels rise back to a normal level so it’s a great place to take photographs. Another unique part of this place is that the parking lot is at the bottom of a hill and a golf cart will take customers up toward the restaurant. The Bar and Grill started as four small gazebos but the owner, Chef Carlos Sierra, slowly invested more into the property to expand it, transforming the place into a fine dining restaurant with high quality local products. The menu has a wide selection of delicacies. There are many options of Puerto Rican themed foods like “Nido del Chango”, a mofongo (fried and mashed plantain mix) with cheese and meats, “Puente Atirantado”, bbq and sweet guava sauce ribs with fries. These are part of a special menu that brings a large amount of food that is intended to share between two people. Appetizers include fried cheese, soups, spicy crab, other seafood and more. For groups of people, there are two large samplers to choose from. “Atirantado para compartir” has crispy treats such as chicken cracklings, fried meat, tostones (plantain wheels) and mofongo (fried and mashed plantain) balls. The other sampler is called “El Chango que Pica” and it features breaded shrimp, chicken cracklings, fried meat, tostones, mofongo balls, corn fritters and fried codfish. For the main course, there are sections of different types of chicken, red meat, fish, shrimp and lobsters dishes, but that’s not all; they even offer penne pasta and burgers. For those that are looking for vegan options, there is a veggie burger on the menu. To end the meal with some sweets, the dessert menu consists of cakes and flans, plus unique options such as crème brûlée and baklava. Every Friday the restaurant has a "Jazz Night" event with live performers and a Happy Hour Heineken special. There’s also a Wine and Cocktail menu with Classic, Creative and Tiki sub-sections. They list upcoming performers on their Facebook and Instagram pages. The artists are usually local musicians and it’s not limited to Jazz; they have hosted Rock bands like Vivanativa and others. Their Hours of Operation are: Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 11pm. They are pet friendly so feel free to bring your fur friend! It must be highlighted that although the bridge will close in the future for repairs, the restaurant will continue to open as usual. It’s near the bridge but people can drive there through other routes and explore Naranjito’s scenic views.