Trust Your Gut: My San Juan Survival Story.

Picture this: It’s San Juan, Puerto Rico, 13 years ago, family trip, 3 yungins in tow.  We’re staying at a gorgeous beachfront resort- safe pools, private beach, great food. But I wasn’t content with "safe." I wanted adventure!

So, we ventured into Old San Juan. It was reminiscent of my favorite Southern cities - a mix of Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans, complete with legendary forts, historic churches, and locals hustling tourists (we umm… paid a guy to let my kids pet a lizard in a sweater).

Then came the mistake. Wanting "authentic local eats," we found a cute little courtyard restaurant off the beaten path (Red Flag #1). It was prime lunch time, yet we were the only customers (Red Flag #2).

Fast forward two hours: catastrophic food poisoning.

Everyone was down for the count, oh except my hyperactive four-year-old, who somehow had more energy. If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you know the agony. But the universe wasn't done with me. The next morning, fueled by 5 AM peacock screams and minimial sleep, the kids miraculously bounced back. My husband? Still down. Me? Queasy, dehydrated, and struggling to stand. 

But, we had non-refundable tickets to hike El Yunque Rainforest.

Y’all. I got on a winding bus with a churning stomach and three kids under seven. I hiked a humid rainforest while trying not to pass out. Rare birds? Maybe. Didn't see 'em. Majestic waterfalls? I barely remember 'em. I was just trying to survive.

I felt like Mom of the Year and the World’s Biggest Idiot simultaneously. Should I have stayed at the resort? No. That’s not who I am. But I should have listened to that little voice whispering, "Maybe an empty restaurant isn't a hidden gem, maybe it's just empty."

And to think I’m now a travel advisor. Huh. I lived and learned (and still continue to). And the important lesson I learned was to always listen to your gut.

(Yes, pun intended).