We first came upon a small rock where there were three different types of birds just there; one had a blue neck and was doing an erotic dance for a very indifferent mate. “Before anything else, I’d like to go around so you can see the island…while we choose the perfect spot to swim,” Oscar […]

We first came upon a small rock where there were three different types of birds just there; one had a blue neck and was doing an erotic dance for a very indifferent mate. “Before anything else, I’d like to go around so you can see the island…while we choose the perfect spot to swim,” Oscar explained. Suddenly an entire orchestra of barks and calls rang out, welcoming the boat. There were sea lions of all sizes; from babies that barely made their way to the shore, to enormous machos with their respective forehead bump, each protecting their harem. The tour began. What is the difference between seals and sea lions? That’s easy (well, once you know of course), sea lions have ears (like ear flaps) and seals don’t (they are “sealed” to their heads, hence “seals”). In addition, sea lions have stronger haunches and walk, or take small jumps, as opposed to seals who just have their two front flippers and they scoot on

land. Can you fish here? No, because (Bird Island) is a protected spot. Can we get on the island?  Preferably no – as it is a protected area – it is not recommended as, in addition to there being the risk of an accident with a sea lion thinking you are invading its territory and getting protective (as that's where the little ones are), we also have bacteria on our hands or feet we’re not even aware of. On a certain rock, or due to humidity or just the right heat, this can lead to an outbreak, or break the equilibrium and harm both the bird and sea lion populations. Have the sea lions bit anyone?  No, and we don’t want that to happen, which is why respect is important – respecting their time, and above all their space. If you get too close, they’ll bark at you. The good thing is they know we’ve come…

From the moment we picked up speed, the dress began to blow in every which direction, uncovering what it should have covered and covering up where it shouldn’t (my face, for example). Luckily, I was wearing a bathing suit under it all. Still, the whole thing was an odyssey…trying to accommodate it, flatten it, and […]

From the moment we picked up speed, the dress began to blow in every which direction, uncovering what it should have covered and covering up where it shouldn’t (my face, for example). Luckily, I was wearing a bathing suit under it all. Still, the whole thing was an odyssey…trying to accommodate it, flatten it, and tuck it under my legs. It flew about as if I wanted to emulate Marilyn Monroe (yet without a flirty gesture). I can say that is just about the only gripe I had about our trip with Del Mar Charters…that, and trying to sip a drink as we sped along…but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It was a Thursday when Sami ran by for me a little before 8 a.m.  By the time we had stopped to get coffee, register, and meet up with her friends who were visiting, we were ready for departure around 8:30 a.m. After a little paperwork at the Del Mar Charters office, Oscar, the captain, was

already waiting for us and invited us to stop into the FONATUR offices (across from the docks) for a bathroom check. “There’s no bathroom on board?”, I asked, alarmed.  I was used to making the trip at a cruising speed, replete with constant drinks, a journey that could take three or four hours before getting to Isla San Jorge (Bird Island). “Of course there’s a bathroom! It’s just a little small, so we make a stop here first. We’ve got time,” beamed Oscar. With the reassurance, I continued to sip my coffee. … I didn’t know we were going out on a speed boat. Honestly, I had imagined myself on the catamaran with the net…at a peaceful speed. I was going to toss on a t-shirt and bounce along on the net, taking in the landscape and/or gazing off at the horizon romantically. However, as I made my way down, the captain cut…

By MoKa Hammeken I remember some time ago a doctor recommended I do yoga, or pilates. In the absence of both, I would go walk on the beach, which is good exercise and relaxing. Nevertheless, It was not completely what the doctor ordered, and I still had the urge to try the other. Fads are […]

On Monday, August 27th, Dr. Luis R. Vásquez inaugurated his South of the Border Museum in the Old Port, which will be opening its doors to the public as of today, Aug. 31 and be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The unconventional museum/art gallery exhibits works of art, along with historical […]