Back Home

Boy. I really didn’t realize how much I’d missed my honey. The flight yesterday was non-eventful (I heard Ron’s flight was delayed 4 hours today L ). Laurie was there to pick me up. The Orlando airport is near Cocoa Beach so we headed straight there (she had a rough week). We spent a few hours there then came home. I hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before, worrying about missing my flight, so I was shot. We came home and both crashed. Recovering today…

The trip to PR was close to perfect. The only thing missing was the rest of the group. If you guys would’ve been there it would have been perfect. It was however a perfect balance of family time in San Sebastian and touristy stuff sprinkled throughout the rest of the island. I returned with a deep appreciation for the island and all its beauty and an even deeper appreciation for the sacrifice Papa Gume made in purchasing that piece of land. I know some of you will differ with me on this but I returned wanting to build something there. None of us will probably ever live there but there are other options. More thoughts on that at a later time.

Ron was the perfect travel companion. His knowledge of the island and his easy going style made it a real pleasure. Besides our initial meeting, we were amazed at how much we had in common. We have the same taste in clothes, music, movies, jokes (I’m still laughing at the 3 mice in a bar), share the same world view and we both ride Kawasaki Vulcan 500s (that one was really weird. We didn’t even know each other rode a cycle). I guess it should come as no surprise. We have the same blood. For those outside the family, Ron’s mom is my dad’s sister and my mom is his dad’s brother.

I was so happy to see Tony and his family. It had been way to long. I got to know Jessica, Manny, Lisette and Cristina a little better. The horseback riding excursion was a blast.
Tony: you’ve got a great family. Hope to hear your thoughts on the trip. I also enjoyed seeing Jinnie’s family again. We had visited them a few times over the years in Atlanta. It’s amazing how much they had grown. Geeeez. Now I sound like an old fart. We had a great time running into town and visiting Pop’s favorite ice cream shop. I really enjoyed talking with 9 year old Emaly. It was like I was talking to an adult. Very sharp girl. By the way, Irving and Jinnie have purchased and are running an Italian restaurant near Atlanta. You can check it out here. As always, Paul, Titi Ema and Tio Manual were the perfect hosts. I look forward to coming back.

Before I forget, belated birthday wishes (July 14) go out to Annette, Tom's wife.

I leave you with more pictures from the trip. Tony took these. Don't forget to click the pictures for a bigger image.

Desparados

Ron with Cristina

Quick!
Can you spot the horses' ass in this picture?
That's right! It's the guy checking email from his phone.

Missing WOW Factor

It's Friday morning and I'm waiting at the airport. I wanted to expand
on the previous post below. Yesterday we drove out to El Yunque, PR's
famed rain forrest. We parked at the bottom and started on a self tour
of the "jungle". Well, we walked and walked and walked some more. The
sites were ok. Nothing spectacular. After about 2 hours of walking
through what seemed like the Amazon jungle we reached the top. Again, it
was ok. The peak was so high we couldn't see a thing. We were in the
clouds. A litle disappointed we proceeded to work our way back down. Two
hours later we finally reached the bottom. Needless to say, we were a
little disappointed. We asked a ranger about the water falls we saw
pictures of and he said that was another trail. Great.

Before we tackled that trail, we had to eat something so we found this
great burger stand that claimed to have the best burgers. They did.
After that we hiked the other trail. A little more exciting but still
not worthy of a wow. Here are a few phone picts. The better quality ones
are below in the previous link. Plane's boarding. Gotta go. More later
Ulyses

Long Day

I am so tired I think my legs are going to fall off. We spent over five hours hiking through El Junque, PR’s tropical rain forrest. It’s late so I’ll have to wait till I get home to give you the details. I go home Friday morning. In the meantime I’ve posted pictures on my site. Blogspot‘s been giving me a hard times with pictures lately. Go here:

http://www.ulysescardona.com/pr/

and click on each one. Sorry. It’s the best I can do now. The pictures are fairly large so please be patient. Post more tomorrow.

U

Day off

Ron traveled to Aibonito today to visit family. I decided to stay behind
and enjoy the sites half a block from the hotel. Check it out. Just
chillin like a villan (sorry.... Best I can do)
Ulyses

The House Gume Built

The one that started it all
Ulyses

Look What the Sea Threw Up

Refugee trying to get in...

More picts

Cousins Reunion I

The ones who made it ... yes, this will happen again.

A chick is born

Horseback Riding on the beach

Remember. You can view a larger version of the picture by clicking on it.

Caves of Camuy

Papi: para ti

Helado de maiz. Sufre...
Ulyses

Snorkling was cancelled

Water's too rough so we decided to walk the beach. Tony, Ron and Manny
are doing a little shallow water snorkling. Beautiful view.
Ulyses

Ron's Lunch

La envidia de todos los hombres ... (Sorry. Can't translate this one
;-)
Ulyses

Lunch time

More rice and beans... Snorkling in the Carribean after lunch
Ulyses

Day 2

We just finished our horseback riding outing. Amazing! Unbelievable!
Riding on the beach, through the mountains.. Check out the phone
pictures. I'll post video and good pictures later
Ulyses

Day one

The hotel is a bit skanky. We awoke yesterday to the sound of bullhorns
and protest. A group of disgruntled employees were protesting working
conditions at the hotel. Great. We were tempted to join in. A few
minutes later the whole block losted power. We left for the country
(san sebastian) shorty thereafter. On the way (over 2 hours) we caught
up on family happenings. I haven't talked this much in years. I might
take a vow of silence when I get back.

Right before we arrived we stopped and toured the caves of Camuy. I'll
post pictuers later. An amazing experience.

We arrived at the farm about 3:00. Tony and his family were already
there. Everyone looks good and is doing well. Later on that night we
drove to La Plaza for that great ice cream they serve then spent the
night at Uncle Paul's. More later...
Ulyses

Queer Eye for the straight guy

Ok, so I'm waiting for Ron to arrive and he walks out of the terminal
wearing jeans, untucked white shirt, wife beater undershirt and black
shoes. Well I usually don't notice what another man is wearing except
that I'm wearing exactly the same thing. Great! Two guys meeting at the
airport, renting a car together to drive to a hotel room sharing a room.
Jeesh... If I get propositioned from a guy I'm out of here. For my
friends who read this blog Ron is my cousin. No, he really is.....
Honest....
Ulyses

Touch down in the motherland

Arrived safe. Great flight. Plane was half empty. Spent my time watching
my favorite show (The Office) on DVD. I love technology.

PR weather is great. Soft tropical breeze and sunshine. Living in FL
doesn't make it quite as exciting as when I use to come down from
Philly. Waiting for Ron.

One more thing

A dirty diaper has just been changed smelling up the whole cabin. Oh
shit (no pun intended)
Ulyses

Things to expect on a flight 2 PR

1. Crying babies... Lots of them
2. Tacky dress. Especially women.
3. Thunderous clapping on hands upon arrival
Ulyses

The PR trip will be blogged

There's a reason I love Orlando, Florida so much. I arrived at the
airport at 6 am and was at my gate by 6:20!! I know it's not always the
case but it was sweet none the less. I hope Ron has a similar experience
in Philly. Thanks to my honey for getting up early to drive me in.
Puerto Rico here I come.
Ulyses

Happy 4th on the Fourth

We had a picnic at Dave's house.


Adam and Eric - Bopsie Twins

U and Laurie

By the pool

Eric, Brandon, Adam and Ryan










James and Adam - In charge of fireworks (uh-oh)

Happy 4th on the 3rd

Ulyses

Valley Forge National Park

I made a wrong turn the other day while driving and ended up in Valley Forge Park. It was a beautiful summer day and I was instantly rushed with some memories long forgotten and a great sense of nostalgia. Most of us who have lived here all our lives forget the meaning behind this historic landmark. (It was the site of the headquarters of the Continental Army (under George Washington) during the American Revolution.) We all just remember childhood recreational activities including family picnics, sledding, kite flying and biking.
It’s probably been twenty years since I’ve been to Valley Forge Park, but I’m planning to take my family there three times this year. Summer, Fall and Winter. The memories that I had are about to be shared my kids and then we’ll make new ones. Would anyone care to share your favorite memory?

Kristina is in Orlando

My dear sister in Christ, Leslie Landrum, and her family have taken in an orphan from the Ukraine for the summer. You can read about it here.

Uncanny Resemblance

Am I the only one who saw the picture below and was reminded of these three guys?
No? I didn’t think so.

Happy Father's Day

Hope you guys enjoyed yours. We all went over to Mom and Pop's house.

Chick's new toy

Ulyses

Proud Fathers & Proud Uncles

On Thursday June 15th 2006, Jacob Gilberto Rolon & Marie Noelle Rolon (along with 1,054 other students) graduated from North Penn High School. The two teary-eyed guys with them are Tom & Jim. Proud fathers and proud uncles. Also in the stands were Patti, Mom, Annette, Tommy, Tina, Iris, Jordan, Roxane and Ron (another proud father/uncle).
Jacob has been awarded a Full Merit Scholarship to West Chester University (45 minutes away) in the Pre-Med Studies Program.
Marie will be attending Valley Forge Christian College (35 minutes away) studying Business and Children’s Ministry.

New Hybrid Motorcycle

In an effort to cut down on our fuel consumption, I propose this vehicle.
It runs on it's own..err.. gas.
Warning: Not work safe or family friendly.

Happy Birthday Sammy