February 9th, 2014
Puerto Rico is pretty popular this year. Many visitors looking for the swaying palm trees and warm weather. Too cold and snowy this winter.
Visiting the island of Puerto Rico is not just basking in the warm sun…the island is full of history.
When I saw the man selling the guiro I had to take his picture. I was never an expert playing this percussion instrument, but I don’t think you need to. Just play it.
The guiro is a traditional Puertorican music instrument believed to have originated from the Tainos. It is a notched hollowed-out instrument.
It is made by carving the shell of the gourd and carving parallel fluting on its surface.
To play it hold it on your left hand with the thumb inserted into the back hole to keep it in place. The right hand holds the scraper and plays the instrument. Check the photo above.
The scraper is also called a “pua”. Scrape up ad down. The guiro is usually played by a singer. It is more for folk music than for salsa.
See you!!
February 4th, 2014
For the past week, I have been visiting the island of Puerto Rico. I think I chose the right week….sorry, I know you are freezing up north.
My computer has been acting up, but don’t worry I have tons of photos to be posted when I get back home.
Traveling through the east side of Puerto Rico has taken me to Memory Lane. I grew up in Puerto Rico; in the town of Humacao.
North of Humacao is a town called Naguabo. It is also called The Sunrise City. They say that the first rays of the sun are received in this town as it rises in the east. Naguabo was founded in 1794.
I remember my grandfather getting up early on some Sundays and driving to Naguabo to get little whole fried fish. They were so delicious.
This town is also known for chapin which is a trunkfish. Best pastelillos de chapin or trunkfish fritters are found in Naguabo.
Just the other day at El Makito we had them. We also had mofongo stuffed with chapin, as well, shown on this photo in the background…on the right.
Coming up on February 14th through February 16th is the Chapin Festival. So, if you are driving around the island you might want to stop and sample this delicacy. Chapin can grow up to 12 inches and they feed on reefs.
I was taking in the views from the newly malecon or promenade. Could it be possible that at some time in the future Naguabo could be known as Puerto Rico’s own Portofino? It definitely has potential.
If you are spending time in Puerto Rico, please note that every second Friday of the month there is usually some sort of party going on the malecon.
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
February 1st, 2014
Morning at Hacienda Pellerano started with a little rain. That’s to be expected, you are in the islands.
But now the sun is coming out and we are getting ready to continue in La Ruta del Comelon, where today’s outs and abouts take us to La Ruta del Lechon, Guavate, in Cayey.
Breakfast at Hacienda Pellerano was light and delicious…..Crepes and Fruits!!
Stay tuned!! Buen Provecho.
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