Flamenco Beach, Old San Juan, Weekly Wins & A Book That Just Had to Wait

I just got home last night from our getaway to the Caribbean. It was spectacular!

I’m not quite back to work yet, but I wanted to jump online and write this post before the glow of our trip wore off.

There’s something magical about getting away from the everyday routine, and our recent trip to Culebra and Old San Juan reminded me just how important it is to pause and reconnect.

Culebra felt like stepping into a postcard—crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and the kind of quiet that instantly makes you breathe deeper.

There was no rushing, no endless to-do lists—just us, soaking in the beauty of Flamenco Beach and watching the waves roll in.

The rusting tanks on Flamenco Beach are a striking reminder of Culebra’s past.

Originally left behind by the U.S. military after using the island for training exercises, these abandoned relics have since been reclaimed by nature and art, covered in vibrant graffiti.

Now, they stand as both historical landmarks and unique photo spots, blending history with the island’s stunning tropical beauty.

It was the perfect place to slow down, talk, and just be together.

Then, there was Old San Juan, with its colorful streets, rich history, and some of the best food we’ve ever had.

Walking through the cobblestone streets, stopping for coffee and taking in the views of El Morro, we felt like time had slowed down just for us.

This trip reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to really see each other.

But stepping away—even just for a few days—helped us reconnect in a way that everyday life doesn’t always allow.

Weekly Wins

Over the last week I realized the value of vacations—not just for relaxation, but for rekindling connection.

Whether it’s a tropical escape like Culebra or a quick weekend away, prioritizing time together is one of the best investments we can make in our marriage.

Favorite Find

After just one day of vacation, I knew I had to share this amazing find with you—my Tripped Travel Gear Bag!

This lightweight daypack is a total game-changer. It’s collapsible, foldable, and packable, making it perfect for travel.

I tossed it in my suitcase, barely taking up any space, and pulled it out whenever I needed a roomy, go-everywhere bag for the day.

It’s especially great as a beach bag—plenty of space for towels, sunscreen, snacks, and more! Plus, when you’re done, just fold it back up and tuck it away.

It packs up small but holds everything you need!

What I’m Watching/Reading/Listening to:

I also packed The Winter Garden with every intention of spending some quiet time at the beach, lost in its pages.

The idea of lounging in the sun, listening to the waves, and getting lost in a good story sounded perfect.

But as it turns out, we’re just not the “sit still” type. I barely made it a few pages in before the pull of adventure took over.

We heard about a secret beach—Playa Rosario—and suddenly, reading had to wait.

Instead of flipping pages, we spent the day hiking through lush trails, discovering stunning views, and soaking up the kind of beauty you just can’t find in a book.

Honestly? No regrets.

The Winter Garden will still be waiting for me, but moments like this—stumbling upon a hidden paradise and making spontaneous memories—are what make a trip unforgettable.