September 29th, 2010
In Ocean Park, Puerto Rico, The Piraguero!!, Snow Cones, Piragua
Of course I have tons of pictures; my computer is saturated with them. She is running a bit slow; must be overloaded.
But, I do have a few posts from my recent trip to the Island of Enchantment.
I had not flown on American Airlines in some time and I have to tell you how surprised I was to hear that there will be a lot of flights cancelled in the next months. This particular plane left from Baltimore, Maryland and it was crowded. The service was excellent and cordial.
The moment I saw the Island I was full of expectations. Lots of things to accomplish in a few days; mostly getting together with family and friends.
The island did look pretty from the airplane and the first thing I saw at the airport was a replica of a street in Old San Juan. It look beautiful; always those colors say you are definitely on the island.
I found my Piraguero in Ocean Park. Ocean Park is between Isla Verde and Condado, both areas popular with tourists. It is a tranquil, tree lined neighborhood with lots of Bed and Breakfast Inns. The beach in this area is ideal for swimming because of the wide ocean front and offshore reefs.
What I did not know was that just as I was a frustrated “piraguera”, he was a frustrated photographer.
There was his cart and the block of ice and bla bla bla I went; how I loved the piraguas and how I gave the Puertorican ones the highest rating.
You have to remember that just the sight of a “piragua” cart makes me smile. The piraguas used to be served on a paper cone. Times have changed and they are now served on a plastic cup. The “piraguero” was very liberal with the pouring of the syrups. A dribble here or there on your fingers evoked memories and were a childhood rite of passage. Sticky fingers is what I got.
The dilema was that I could only have one but I love 3 flavors. The tropical flavors were tamarind, coconut, pineapple, guanabana and melao. My combination was going to be cream, tamarind and frambuesa.
Suddenly, he is going to take my picture. Yikes!! In front of the cart, holding my hand guiding me to the perfect spot; even taking the one in the car as Margie and I were getting ready to go.
Well, by the time I got to eat my “piragua” the flavors were completely blended. Hot it was and therefore it was melting quickly. More than sticky fingers is what I definitely had.
What a mess!! But, I loved every minute of it.
Talk to you later…..back in the Delmarva Peninsula…
Tags: Ocean Park, Piraguas, Puerto Rico, Snow Cones, The Piraguero
