Yesterday morning we arrived into San Juan PR. Honestly, we had no idea what we wanted to do while there. In fact, while we were disembarking from the ship, we noticed a number of people coming back aboard after just a short time ashore. But us, we made a great story. After stopping for a Mojito (or two), we ventured out of the tourist trap area into the closest neighborhood. While walking by some home, one home had a open air entrance that was gated. After passing by it, i said, “check this out, you can see in”... Edie and our fellow traveler Slate stuck their head up to the grate to look in and an older gentleman approached. We engaged him , trying not to freak him out. We complimented him on his home and right he way he began to unlock the grate and invited us in. We must have spent 30 - 45 minutes chatting with him and his wife.... Meet Ross. Originally from Dallas and moved to PR in 1993. More to come about Ross and Mary in the next few posts.

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SQDf_hOIl/

Main ding.. Seems like nobody else will be joining us this evening! Seating for six set for two :-) . We must’ve scared our other company away. #harmonyofthesea

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QyFylh0lP/

Coming into port, Puerto Rico!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pwa3gB7xs/

The color of CoCo Cay! What a fun festive place. #cococay #royalcaribbean

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NtCIvh5HW/

Coco Cay

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KNeqzBB9a/

I met Tony during the Sail Away Party and chatted about things going on that evening. The topic of Karaoke came up. Tony mentioned he would be there and we should join them... “umm, sure , i guess so. sounds like fun”. ;-) #royalcaribeancruise #harmonyoftheseas

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KIQbWBXJt/

Very impressive performance by an international skating team aboard the cruise. Glad we did not miss this! #harmonyoftheseas #royalcaribbean

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KHpPWhSmJ/

Walking the decks to get a feel for where everything is, we found so many cool things. It will take the week to figure out the lay of “ship”..

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KHGpPh6Ez/

Dazzels..... One of the rooms onboard the ship.. Last night there was a pretty festive private party going on. Had only I been able to figure out how to crash that one. The music was great! #harmonyoftheseas #royalcaribbean

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KGg3mhMJT/

Cruise Ready..... This is both her and my first cruise. So far so good.. taken from our balcony on Harmony of the Seas! #harmonyoftheseas #royalcarribeancruise

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Ji1Y4BDjn/

We met this sweet women from Bar Harbor ME. During the pouring rain on the one of the top decks as we pulled away from port, we invited her to join our table with was covered. She shared her story of how she wanted to do a cruise but her husband was not physically up for it said to her “go, you need to do one”. Made me realize how fortunate some are to have good health to do things others can not. And how a loving mate can make all the difference. #royalcaribeancruise #harmonyoftheseas

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Jh6NehZyT/

The “Sail Away Party” to be held on deck 16 had to be moved to deck 5 due to rain. These folks were just not having it though. Not us... #royalcaribeancruise #harmonyoftheseas #sailawayparty

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JhIRjhaGs/

Last night before heading to the port, we found this fantastic place for dinner. This couple stopped to have a “chat” with the local cat that is clearly a frequent visitor as well. Rumor has it, the cat does not really care for shellfish. Straight up fish only please...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Jgpk6hTH6/

It’s really hard to get a shot of this ship up close. Next best thing was from the back just prior to boarding. At this point, I was really beginning to wonder what the experience would be like. More to come on that! #royalcarribeancruise #harmonyoftheseas #firstcruise #cruising

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4IyPj_h-dv/

Vacation starts with the first sip of this vitamin enriched, protein fortified margarita.. :). #royalcaribeancruise #vacation

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4FQ29uhL2t/

One of many that I like from today’s photoshoot. Sydney really is so great and natural in front of the camera. #canon5dmarkiv

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B33l1wuB1BE/

A quick shot of my “assistant”...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B33ObzSBBsv/

Had the opportunity to do a photo shoot today at what is apparently a very popular place for photographers. There were so many shoots going on, I nearly felt like there should be “take a number” dispensers .. :). #canon5dmarkiv

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B33MopChb4j/

Photo walk.. Naperville.

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B30zI4yhelz/

I remember meeting Jessica nearly 8 years ago. Our friendship with her and Joe was instantaneous. ..

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B30yI4SBn8z/

My daughter for a day...... and a bit of an over emphasized smile.... #daughterforaday #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yGK0vBJBZ/

Zoom. Bill works for them. Seems like a great company to work for based all the positive vibes...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yDfywhIJp/

Went out for a walk and lighting was just perfect... k. #neighborhoodwalk #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yC0rHB2FU/

Cultural places in Chicago are some of the best places along or near the lake to visit. The Museum, Aquarium, Planetarium and Art Museum all are so close and convenient. If you visit Chi-town, pay one or more a visit. You won’t be disappointed. We spent some time in the Planetarium this weekend and enjoyed the exhibits and lighting....

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3s0Hwoh1WR/

The edge of lake. Crazy how much it resembles a swimming pool.. #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14 #lakemichigan #chicago #adlerplanetarium

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qTMpABaf0/

Taking in the city skyline. #chicago #skyline #chicagoskyline

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qSALOBTfa/

...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qQluVBw4K/

A fantastic day at @adlerplanet ! Love to see the joy that learning brings to children! #adlerplanetarium #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qHJw1BVkF/

Victor!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qFEg8BqzN/

Our “daughter for a day” spent the day in the city with us. We asked her mom to get her all dressed up, something Dominica really is not particular interested in normally. She looked so cute, she said to me “i feel French”.. #daughterforaday #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14 #chicago

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qCx-QhQWt/

One of the more fascinating exhibits at the @adlerplanet Adler Planetarium.. Excitment on their faces was watching the demonstration of a crater being formed as a small stone is blasted from above into sand. Although just a small pebble, the blast created large crater and these smiles.. #crater #adlerplanetarium #meteor #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3p9IHYhzrc/

Having spent an hour at the planetarium, i was exhausted.. with children, it’s no wonder she dozed off. #adlerplanetarium #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3n33oTB_AI/

..

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3n03YxhFqK/

C.H.I.C.A.G.O. #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14 #navypierchicago #chicago #skyline #chicagoskyline

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3n0mz7B6pw/

We could not get the timing just right on the jump and it was getting late and cold.. but still this is so cute to me...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nzeieB2cd/

I think I have take this similar shot a few times since moving to IL. Even now, it’s still a impressive view. #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nyo5MBKDx/

He usually the one to completely avoid the camera. But after I took one, he cracked a bit of a smile. I think he was pleased... #canon5dmarkiv #canon35mm14

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nx8csBfDY/

Paul and Monika

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mlo4vB4oz/

Within what seems like hours, seasons change... #canon5dmarkiv #canon85mmf18

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mkqfSh0v0/

As we were leaving to head back to the burbs, I looked back and @camxcat was relaxing.. Seemed too funny to not grab a shot.. #canon5dmarkiv #canon85mmf18

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mUvPpBlYA/

@gina_jess listening intently to @jpsanzo.. great conversation with these two..

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mPgAZBhL9/

...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mK_IeBh11/

@sisonsison - too much time had passed since last seeing you.. let’s not have that happen again... #canon85mmf18 #canon5dmarkiv

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mKiJ3hkQR/

.Joe.

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3lN-NvB5LG/

We have known @camxcat since the beginning of her teen years... So nice to see her grow up to be a mature responsible young adult... Ya, I’m old! :)

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3lJV74hZs7/

I dont think i have a single shot of @iviv07 with her in full blown laughter...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kXjYnhL5e/

Getting advice from @iviv07 on hpw to pose. How ironic...

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kW752BoQk/

My fire skills paid off..

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kVm0sBK5I/

Polish Power Jump..... :-) #jumping #dmotherandson #mortonarboretum #canon5dmarkiv #canon8518

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3h01ZThW-p/

I think @victor_burza was trying some of practice moves he’s working on for his new skateboard..... #jump #mortonarboretum #blackandwhite

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3h0o44hX_R/