PCS to Puerto Rico

That's what everyone is saying!! My report date is Dec 8th but I am trying to get it pushed out to after the 1st of the year. My main concern is if I will be able to keep two domiciles; I understand OHA works a little different than BAH.

You are entitled to both BAH and OHA so long as your orders say unaccompanied and you are authorized to live off post in PR. Your BAH will continue to be based of your last duty assignment unless you situation warrants special consideration.

Really?! I wasn't aware of that SFC Evelyn, I thought I would definitely have to downsize my home in the states but if I can get both, that is great.

SFC Mark Merino I had a blast for 31 years! It was a long blast...

If you like the ocean and beaches, you are in the right place. Any sport that involves ocean, we have it. From diving, snorkeling, water skiing, boat and jet ski rentals, fishing, kayaking, you name it. And you don't need a license to fish like in the states, just grab a fishing rod and go fishing. Deep sea fishing is also very popular but obviously you'll need a boat. I know there's places that will take you on a tour for deep sea fishing but I've never tried them, I had buddies with boats. There's ALLOT of places to dive, lots corals, fish, etc. I lived in PR all my life until I joined the Army, and in 25 years I've never seen a shark, although sometimes they show up but as far as I know they are baby sharks and is extremely uncommon to encounter one, so don't be afraid to go diving. I used to go to a small island right off the east coast called Culebra (snake) to go diving. Is part of Puerto Rico but separate from the main island, it has one of the highest ranked beaches in the world, it's called Flamenco beach and it's really good for diving too when you go far from the shore. There's a ferry that takes you there. My dad used to teach diving classes so I'll ask him if he's still doing it or if he can give me some places where you can go and get diving classes and get certified.

Regarding restaurants, if you like seafood, all restaurants around the shore have fresh seafood, usually is that mornings catch. My favorite place is in the west coast in the town of Cabo Rojo, it has an area called Joyuda (spelled "hojuda") there's nothing but restaurants, one next to the other, all with fresh seafood and steaks. Every local restaurant in PR sells "mofongo" which is smashed fried plantain but to me the best place is a restaurant on top of a hill called Platano Loco. It's in Aguada, also in the west coast. (It's my uncle's restaurant and I worked there for a few years, maybe that's why it's my favorite lol) The view from up there is amazing, you can see all the mountains all the way to the ocean. Another great place that's also on top of a hill (on this one you need a 4x4 to get up there or just park at the bottom of the hill, they have a 4x4 that goes and picks people up) is called El Cerro De Nandy, it's in the town of San Lorenzo. Great food, great people, lots of alcohol and mountainous breeze with an incredible view. Those places are mostly visited by locals, but you will see tourists everywhere. For the biggest tourist spot in PR, is El Viejo San Juan. Lots of great restaurants and our famous castle is there, El Morro. Do not go in the small neighborhood that's right next to El Morro. It's called La Perla, avoid that place, it's not safe.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/

This is a good site that has lots of info. It's aimed more for tourists though. Hope it helps.

SPC Aviles, the more you tell me, the more I'm looking forward to going! I especially like the idea about no license needed for fishing :) I absolutely love seafood too so I will be right at home!

Funny you should mention sharks; Shark week just wrapped up on the Discovery Channel about a week or so ago here in the states!

Thanks so much for all the info, I really appreciate it and I will definitely use it! :)

Glad I could help SSG Coats.

PFC Ortiz,

It is GREAT! The weather is awesome and not too hot yet so I am trying to get acclimated now. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive...I am trying to learn Spanish as much as possible and it's a lot of fun!

Driving is by far the biggest challenge! Dios mio, they drive crazy here! :) In some ways I fit in fine with that aspect of the culture though :) Beaches are gorgeous too...I had a retired Army guy that lives down here show me Salinas and the restaurants there by the marina.

I'm really glad you are enjoying my island! I really miss it, and here in Maryland there's not many Puerto Ricans as I would like to have. I miss the Medallas! The beaches and sometimes the traffic chaos where you see so different people reacting to the jam. Something unique about my little island is that you can go o the mountains, a river and a beach all in the same day! A nice route is the #10 at from Arecibo to Utuado, stop at the Cueva Ventana, have a heck of a view, then keep your way to Lago Dos Bocas and have an amazing lunch in any of the restaurants there where they'll get you in a little boat. It is a real nice day plan. First pic is the view at the cave and the second one is when you arrive to one of the restaurants at the lake. Quite an experience!