Sometimes we plan trips well in advance, dreaming of excursions, drooling over menus, and plotting exactly what we’d like to see and do during a vacation. Other times, we don’t plan so far out. For her recent trip to Puerto Rico, Beth booked flights just about a week out from the start of the journey, with hotels and excursions following suit.
All the notice in the world probably wouldn’t have made a difference anyway. 50% of her flights were canceled within 24 hours of flying and the remaining flights were delayed. What should have been a 30-minute hopper flight to Vieques, a small island east of the main island, turned into a 1-hour cab, quick negotiation of a ferry ticket, and a fairly pleasant 45-minute cruise to port. Finally arriving at the airbnb about 10 hours after leaving home before sunrise, a strong strawberry daiquiri was much-welcomed.
When arriving at your first or final destination, a delicious beverage can help ease your mind from stressed-by-travel to no-stress-vacation. Might we recommend Theopolis Symphony ($25), a gorgeous and aromatic white with notes of lilac and pear on the nose and a smooth, slightly spicy finish on the palate. The Symphony grape is a California crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris developed in 1948 – something unique and divine to commemorate the start or end of your trip!
You may remember from our February feature, Theodora Lee (aka Theo-patra, queen of the vineyards) was a San Francisco trial lawyer whose love of wine inspired her to enroll in viticulture classes at UC Davis. She founded her Mendocino County winery in 2003, and her Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, and Symphony wines have been winning accolades ever since.
Overall, this trip had its ups and downs, but definitely more ups than downs. Beth enjoyed snorkeling and kayaking excursions, explored beautiful beaches and a secluded watering hole with crystal clear water, and ate her fill of traditional Puerto Rico cuisine.
Planning a trip? We’ll be happy to share recommendations – drop us a note below.
Witty Pairs 