We checked out of our hotel and left San Juan which is on the east side of PR. We drove through the mountains (hour and a half) to Finca Don Manuel. We visited a 520 acre farm which is set up to produce a wide range of produce on very fertile soils. We were greeted with fresh pina coladas (non-alcoholic). The farm has 20 workers and has been established for 10 years. We took a ride around the fields, stopping to observe plantains close up. Also saw pineapples, bananas, avocados, cotton, and other crops. Lunch was served in an open-air gazebo: ribs or fried chicken, beef in banana leaf, casaba, salad, rice. A wonderful small banana and fresh pineapple topped off the meal. Back on the bus. Headed to Ponce which is located in the south and the second largest city. Our first stop was at an archeological study where the local guide described the finds in that area: pottery, bones, etc. Then we went downtown Ponce which is a very colorful city featuring architecture similar to New Orleans. After a walking tour, we had sorbet which the city is famous for. Checked into our new hotel which is a resort on the shore and has a casino (WooHoo).
Tonight we had dinner at a local restaurant where we were taught how to make Mofongo. First we, got ready: plastic apron, plastic gloves, paper hat (apparently plantains really stain). Then using our mortar and pestle we each smashed raw garlic, and salt. Then the chef had plantains which had been lightly fried along with pork ride and oil. We mushed and mushed it and formed a cup shape. The chef carefully removed the ‘cup’ and filled it with flank steak/shrimp. We also had rice,vegetables and salad. Finished the meal with a small slice chocolate dessert. It was a fun night with new friends in an open air restaurant with new food!
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