La isla del encanto esta esperando! Puerto Rico is now! Leave the mainland behind you to experience a hearty serving of Puerto Rican culture? Step back in time, choose Old San Juan for a relaxing break to embrace the breathtaking colonial Spanish architecture, now that wasn't a question! I chose the cobbled streets of Old San Juan to relax and to see the castle forts that were fortified by the Spanish. Hostel like a true backpacker just like I did, it won't cost you the earth either! Both Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal stand strong meaning business, protecting the rich port from invaders these fortification's are part of the U.S National Park Service. Learn your history? Why Puerto Rico? It's a part of the U.S.A so if you only hold an ESTA its no problem to entry any one of Puerto Rico's ports of entry from the U.S mainland. You know that Puerto Rico does it better! Dios Mio!Trade the fast food for a meal at Cafe Puerto Rico! It's a must do, would I tell a lie? Choose a Mofongo with chicken that's served with a rich garlic sauce, a Mofongo is made from plantain so its filling and packed with flavour! Boricua's are proud of their heritage and love to express their allegiance to their island of Puerto Rico! I couldn't drive when I visited PR but I went on a day trip from Old San Juan to the El Yunque National Rainforest and Luquillo Beach. The rainforest transported me to a tropical oasis, reinforcing the hidden beauty of Puerto Rico! To conclude the trip a rest stop at Luquillo Beach where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, it was a magical time relaxing on the golden sands in the sun with a ice cold Daiquiri in hand, I loved it! You can be in a state of pure bliss to?! Puerto Rico has attitude, brush up on your Spanish because English isn't the first language so some things can get lost in translation. Be enchanted by the beautiful island of PR! Viva Puerto Rico!
New York City boy! The city streets might be tough but feel the deal because its so real! From Downtown to Central Park I beg you to look closer, between the lines to capture the true essence of NYC! Chinatown NYC doesn't throw shade, she just knows that she is fierce. I'm down for a Broadway show like the West End but I suggest you take the 4,5 or 6 train to the Bronx. The New York Yankees play their game with heart so I would rather applaud that show than a 47th street musical. NYC could be the queen of your dreams?! Taking solace from the struggle immigrants went through at Ellis Island meets the perfect opportunity to meet the Lady of Liberty. During my time in New York City I left my worries in Jersey because NYC was my playground. New York City serves Royal Highness! It's crazy to think that NYC is only a six hour flight from England, so breaking away for a long weekend has never been so easy. Do you want that Empire State of Mind? On a clear day its best to appreciate the view from the top of New York's Empire State Building, its a long way up but the view is immense! Being a foodie in NYC can be cheap, shun McDonald's for a curry in Jackson Heights, Queens or lunch at one of Bayard streets Vietnamese cafe's? I would recommend walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, back over the Manhattan Bridge towards the city to find yourself in the heart of NYC's Chinatown. Bubble Tea is done better along the side streets, I favoured the Oolong Bubble Tea for it reminded me of my favorite Chinese brew. Serving Hot Couture can be done anywhere in New York City but to be your own Fashionista, just grab an Iced Mocha Frappicino from Starbucks and sissy that walk down Fashion Ave to let the streets be your runway! That wasn't a question! Battery Park holds fond memories for me, are you Desperately Seeking Susan? I didn't find Susan but I served realness in that legendary setting. Just bring it NYC!
Head down to the Deep South, home of New Orleans and the rolling Mississippi River. Don't get the Delta blues because the French Quarter brings Disney's Princess and The Frog to life with the original builds and Voodoo business. I wanted to take a boat trip through the world famous Bayou but Mother Nature threw serious shade on me and my sister that January afternoon. So dig a little deeper if the rain pours, head over to the Garden District to be transported back to true Louisiana realness with the regal houses that line the streets. Enjoy a triple chocolate brownie from The Grocery on Charles & 6th Street? Leave the crowded city streets behind you to experience an infusion of old Spanish and French America for that's where New Orleans began before the stars and stripes! Fairytales really happen, no suggestion is strong enough that New Orleans has to be on your bucket list. C'est vraiment incroyable!St. Louis Cathedral gives Jackson Square life, the French influence is unstoppable within that part of town. Look out for the Fleur de Lis, instilling the French history. Cajun cuisine breaks all boundaries, Cafe Du Monde coffeehouse serves up some seriously delicious Beignets with coffee! Cajun cuisine impressed me much, I made sure that I tried Gumbo and Catfish at least once to ensure my whistlestop experience of New Orleans would be complete. Breakfast has to be enjoyed at Stanley's, me and my sister discovered that French Boudin completes the perfect 'Orleans cooked breakfast! I would advise against planning your Louisiana trip during the winter months because the weather was fierce with rain and wind during the trip. OK, Princess Tiana didn't make an appearance but there's so much Voodoo hoodoo within New Orleans French Quarter you will be spoiled for choice! New Orleans knows its own, surviving Hurricane Katrina it's a true fighter! You know that I'll be back to see the Bayou!
Everybody comes to Hollywood, USA! We're all superstars in our own way so that's enough of that baloney! Who am I kidding? Life has never been more celebrity orientated, do you want to make it in the neighbourhood? Hollywood Boulevard puts the cat amongst the pigeons, home of movie premieres and the walk of fame its a whole other story! Take what you want from the hyped up energy that is bottled and fed to us about that supposed superstar because that Dolby Theatre promotes a crazy image. It takes a bunch of patience to grab a photo, I learnt the hard way! Do you have a favorite star on the Walk of Fame? There's just too many to choose from! Universal Studios Hollywood makes fun of the bizarre energy that's found down on the boulevard, take the L.A Metro to the alternative American theme park to mix things up?! Thankfully Las Vegas is only a four hour drive from Hollywood, it was a day to remember! Beverly Hills who?! Turn the world on its head, take a Hollywood star trip around the promised streets of Beverly Hills to then witness the power shopping along Rodeo Drive. I have been a lucky soul to visit Hollywood twice in my short life, I loved the tour around the stars houses, the hype is unreal! Quote me wrong, I saw the high security gates of Brad and Angelia's fortress like L.A home and one of Lauren Bacall's former homes. Money is one thing, excess and gluttony borders to the other extreme for the designer stores that give life Rodeo Drive are just insane! Staying faithful to the mouse, back in the early 00's I had the chance to see Orange County allowing me to spend a day at Disneyland, California. Mickey's original Magic Kingdom exuded a more personal feeling than its Floridian counterpart but we're all different. In the future I want to go West to have a party in West Hollywood and roller-blade along the promenade at Venice Beach but I better make that paper first. L.A. is calling you!
Do You Feel The Love?!
Joseph Harrison
