OK, I'm back and I apologize for leaving everyone hanging for so long. It's taken longer than I thought to get concrete information, but that's the Puerto Rican way.
So, here's the plan at this stage:
The travel package is for 7 days, 6 nights. I will give the itenerary and you may choose to:
1. go a la carte and meet up as you please--everyone is welcome!
2. pick parts of the package for me to arrange
3. do no thinking (maybe a little bit) and I take care of the rest.
If #2 or #3 are chosen, I will be requesting a "good faith" deposit, because prices may change depending on the size of the group. There is no-profit policy and this is simply to cover any costs for reservations that I may have to pay for in advance. Hope ya'll understand.
Package will include:
1. Air Travel
2. Car Rental
3. Hotel
All, part, or none
Itenerary:
Friday, August 25, Travel, arrive in Ponce, PR
Saturday, August 26, Day of rest and fun!, Ponce, PR--there is LOTS to do in Ponce. This was the capital for Spain until the USA took over. There are museums, historic sites, and the town festivities for the show also. Remember this was part of the plantation culture and many great horses were bred by plantation owners--Dulce Sueno for one.
Sunday, August 27, Horse Show of Champions. Only horses that have placed first or second in their respective classes will be shown. Competition will be tough! It's not like our PFHA shows where one horse blows in and wins all the time. Indoors, AC, and I am working to get VIP reception for the group.
Monday, August 28, Hatillo (Parador El Buen Cafe) or Isabela (Parador Villas del Mar Hau). A day of rest for everyone. I think it polite not to expect our hosts to show on Sunday and then entertain us on Monday. Let's give everyone a break. Hatillo is the dairy capital of Puerto Rico and Isabela is known for their horses. Both are on the Northern coast. Either place offers a chance to relax or explore. Arecibo Radio Telescope, Camuy Caverns, many beaches, and yes, there is horse back riding in Isabela.
Tuesday, August 29, Isabela Farm Visits. There will be two farms scheduled. One is Vivian Feliciano, owner of Poema de Altura, an upcoming force in the breeding shed and David Ramos, owner and rider of many great horses. We will visit on farm in the morning, relax at the La Llave del Mar for lunch (overlooking the ocean), and then visit the other farm after lunch. I am trying to get a pinto breeder to bring his horses as well to one of the farms.
Wednesday, August 30, Farm Visits. We will leave Isabela and travel towards San Juan to Luquillo and Juncos. The El Yunque Rainforest is also in this area. Some folks may want to break off and visit the rainforest in the morning or afternoon and perhaps see only one farm. This is your trip so, let me know. We may stay in San Juan or in Luquillo depending on what accomondations I can find in Luquillo. Moises Avreu is in Luquillo and Reuben Reyes, owner of Salamero is in Juncos.
Thursday, August 31, Travel. If we are in San Juan there may be time to do a little sightseeing before boarding the plane. If we are in Luquillo, I wouldn't push it.
Air Travel:
The package will include air travel from Atlanta/Orlando to Ponce, Puerto Rico leaving Puerto Rico from San Juan to Atlanta/Orlando. Arrangements to Atlanta/Orlando must be made separately by each individual participating. Cost range: $335 to $375 round trip. Prices vary on destination and on airline used.
Island Travel:
Not yet arranged until I get a head count about who wants to rent their own car and who wants to go as a group. A waiver will be signed to hold no liability against the driver(s).
Hotels:
Expect to pay about $100/room/night. If single travelers are willing to share a room, let me know. Rates may be lower depending on the number of people traveling. I'll be talking to a travel agent this week to get rate estimates.
Food:
Some hotels will have kitchens, some may not. Let me know if you really need/don't need this PLEASE! Expect to pay for your own meals. Puerto Rico is very civilized and shopping for typical food items will not be a problem.
What to wear:
It's summer down there, sun protection will be a must. Travel casually and travel light. I packed a backpack for my last week in PR and did a little laundry as I went. It was easy and I was ready to go in minutes. Culturally, stay well groomed out of respect; you can look like a beach bum if you want but I advise against it. When in Rome....
Other stuff:
Insurance--there will be no insurance coverage except what is typical for this type of travel. Waivers will be signed alleviating any participant of liability if an accident occurs. Ride at your own risk at these farms.
Weather--yes, it's hurricane season, as my part of Florida has already had a close call. Travel at your own risk. I never really thought about hurricanes while I lived in PR and went through a few, but each has their own risk factor. We will not be staying in any mountainous regions that will afford some cooler weather. Prepare accordingly. It is usually warm when it rains, so a light jacket should be enough.
Phones--if you must have 24/7/365, then bring a cell phone with you. Check your coverage carefully!!!! Not all networks cover PR and you may wish you had a prepaid phone card instead because lost calls or roaming charges. I carried both on my last trip to PR and used both. Pay-as-you go cell phones are great too.
Edit
Money—Cash, Credit Cards, and Traveler’s Checks work well. There are plenty of banks to cash Traveler’s Checks and that is where I usually exchange them. Puerto Rican currency is the US Dollar.
Grooming items—I have it on my list to ask about irons, blow dryers, etc., but don’t count on the hotels supplying them. If you are into looking glamorous 24/7, just don’t stand to close to me! I’ll be the one with my hair combed back in a pony tail, boots, cowboy hat, and no make-up.
Language—any attempt to speak Spanish is appreciated, but not necessary. I rarely try because I hate my southern Spanglish accent. Really gnaws on my ears, but even that is welcomed. Don’t be shy to reply in English only and don’t be shy to ask for interpretation. I hope to have several bilingual folks to help us disabled linguists.
Car rental—if you want your independence, reserve a car BEFORE arriving in Puerto Rico. I made the mistake thinking that I could just amble up to a car rental desk at the airport and get one. I ended up bumming a ride from some new-found friends for a day before getting a car.
Other incidentals--maps are nonexistant, but Amazon.com has some decent maps of PR or you may wish to get one while in PR. Either way, they will not help much. Locals get lost, so I don't expect any of us to do better. However, I advise a map, compass, matches, flashlight, magnifying glass, and flagging tape for those who dare to rent their own car. Experience speaking here. And don't worry, we'll find ya.
Last, bring a good sense of humor. Be flexible and enjoy the experience!
I will provide possible one or two more info posts, but I am begging everyone who is interested to email me at this address for formal arrangements. I cannot maintain multiple sites for information.
[email protected]
P.S. For those who sign-up and haven't received a complimentary magazine about the PPR, please let me know and you will get one--Paso Fino, A Puerto Rican Breed. It has information about some of the people, farms and horses you will see.