El Yunque

 El Yunque is a rain forrest in Puerto Rico and when we visited recently,  that's where we went.

With our guide Nelson.

It's on 28,000 acres of land, the highest point being 1975 above sea level. It has over 200 species of trees, however less than 70 are indigineous.

To develop the Park to what it is today, the federal government bought up  land in the surrounding areas from residents, but three families refused to sell and they are the only people still living  there.

.

There is an observation tower from which you can see much of Puerto Rico, but we were there on an overcast day.

It's 91 steps to the top.

View from the top.

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. The memorable event to outsiders however is prehaps the picture of President Trump throwing paper towels to some devastated survivors😡.

However the damage on the ground was real as 2,975 people died, most roads in Yunque had to be reconstructed and even now, many hiking trails and picnic areas are still closed and many bamboo trees are just springing back.

The river below is named after the nearby town

During Maria, its waters rose almost to the height of the road!

After we finished exploring the forrest we headed back to San Juan.

The streets of Old San Juan are cobblestone and the architecture Spanish. 

Columbus fort

Columbus' statue

Dom Rep

 I have been to the Dominican Republic several times but usually end up in the environs of the capital, Santo Domingo.

So when our ship stopped in Amber Cove, it was a totally different experience.

This area is so named as it produces some of the clearest amber gems in the world. 

An amber and a larimar stone.

There are eight shades of amber here and the darker ones are the oldest. 

There is an interesting museum nearby which gives excellent information on both semi-precious stones.  

Entrance to amber museum

Map showing areas where amber and larimar are mined.

They filmed parts of Jurassic Park around the Amber Cove area.

This stone has a lizard inside.

We never bothered to book a shore excursion for the Dom Rep. The pier area has lots to see and of course numerous shops as its a popular tourist spot.

These steps take you to the bar, zip lining and lockout areas in the pic below.

View from the top.

You can rent these cottages just below the bar.

These small huts in the water are for rent too.

Another view of Amber Cove.

Traditional Dom Rep costumes.

After we finished with the pier, we chartered a taxi and toured the city of Puerto Plata which is only 12 km away. 

This section of the Dom Rep and Jamaica have many similarities in terms of the topograhy, lifestyles, animals, commercial activities etc. 

The big differences are of course that they drive on the right and motorcycles are everywhere, most operating as taxis even carrying up to 5 people!

Construction of San Felipe Apostol Cathedral (in the main square) started 1502 but wasnt completed for almost two centuries.

A section of the Umbrella street in Puerto Plato.

Fort Columbus

Section of Puerto Plata square

Pink Street 

Inside the Cathedral 

Umbrella Street has unique and interesting souvenir shops.

Using an old-time coin operated telephone.

We enjoyed touring Amber Cove and Puerto Plata without taking an organized tour, as it was less hectic, less costly but just as comprehensive.

We had an excellent tour guide in Alberto.👍.