httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-g0OYi2iXE
Last week I took an amazing journey down to El Yunque National Park in Eastern Puerto Rico, which is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Park System. I was down there editing and writing. It was just breathtaking. I had to share it with you! Please take a little journey with me now to experience it for yourself.
What can compare with the fresh, lush air of a rainforest? Looking up into the thick growth, it almost made me cry with joy looking at all the beautiful plants and exotic fruits. Maybe all the oxygen was going to my head. Tropical environments are my favorite type of topography, especially like this rainforest, where the plants and nature rule supreme.
Waterfalls: the symbol of abundance. That’s what the rain forest is all about! In the beginning of our journey (which included a 4-hour hike), it was raining and sunny alternatively- which is how a rainforest will naturally behave, I suppose. I like this picture because my poncho sort of blends into the waterfall. The closer we align to nature and the natural power of the universe, the more powerful we become.
Look at these gorgeous berries and shapes! As you look at these pictures, you’ll have to imagine the freshest forest air you can possibly inhale, the songs of many different birds chirping away, along with the Coqui and other froggies singing too, and interesting creatures running around. One was this little brown guy I saw that looked like a cross between a hedgehog and a squirrel, but with a triangle-shaped tail. Wierdly wonderful!
Prop roots of the Sierra Palm Tree. When you find red occurring naturally in nature, it is just majestic!
Doesn’t this forest just look so peaceful and joyful? It’s simply magical.
They say at El Yunque not to veer off the paths at all- the jungle is so thick it might very well swallow you up, and you won’t be able to navigate straight lines or find your way back to the trails. I respect the power of the rainforest- as I do the ocean, the mountains, and all forces of nature- and stuck to the trails! Plus, I wouldn’t want to trample or hurt the precious environment in any way.
Beautiful Bromeliads, which are members of a plant family known as Bromeliaceae.
Snails growing naturally on some trees along the path. I love their spiralized shape! Some cultures believe there is infinite power in the spiral shape.
Here’s the view from a high spot along our hike. As you can see, El Yunque is expansive! I hope you enjoyed our little tour of this magical, beautiful place, and it inspires your respect and awe of nature even more. Photos taken by Marty Stano, a new friend I met in Puerto Rico.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of what we all don’t get and would love
You’re welcome Julie! I hope you could get a sense of being in it from the images.
Hi Kimberly -thanks for the rainforest but watch out for the snakes :)
bought your book and tried the recipe on page 218 Veggie Turmeric Quinoa – awesome and amazing but unfortunately I overcooked it a bit and added too much salt which is not really necessary with curry and turmeric – still, it was a good meal – I guess my two (large) glasses of French red wine( Chateau de Chamirey ) probably would have no place in your diet – but it was so good – thanks and best regards – Hans Richard (in Montreal Canada)
Kimberly – have you ever heard of “oil pulling ” ? i.e. to you swish coconut or sesame or sunflower oil in your mouth for about 15 minutes and then spit it out, it is supposed to clean your teeth , restore your gums and believe it or not detox your body – fact or fiction ?
would be grateful for your comment
kindest regareds
Hans
que brutal esta eso wow yo quisiera estar ayi!!!
These are so beautiful (and so are you!) :)
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Emilia!
Hi…thanks for the video tour and pictures. I live in Puerto Rico and felt soooooo happy watching them. Although I have only been to el Yunque two times it is truly magical. I guess you went to the waterfall La Mina (I think that’s what its called)…the water is cold…but it is so deliciously cold!!! Thanks for loving this little Island…and inspiring people to enjoy the simple and amazings things nature has to offer.
Looks like a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing. I saw a video of you editing a yoga video and wondered if that project was still happening. I would definitely buy it if you put it out.
Hey Franklin, yes it’s still happening, slowly but surely! I have to get back to LA to finish cutting the music in and overseeing the whole thing, but the last few times I’ve gone to LA I’ve been swamped! My goal is to finish it this year though. :)
Hi Kim!
Your Puerto Rican adventure looks amazing and wonderfully energizing!
Speaking of which, my boyfriend is a professional cyclist who often races for 4 hours plus and I am struggling to come up with easy to eat, transport and digest, energy-boosting and filling foods for him to eat during his rides and particularly big races.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts/recipe ideas so I can try formulate some goodies!
Thank you for your time and for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Monika
HI Monika, check out my blogs on chia seeds. xx
Hi Kim —
Thank you so much for this inspiring ad gorgeous video and pictures!
I was wondering of this is near Ann wigmore and if you were there on this trip? I am thinking of doing the two week program there to learn more about greens, sprouting, afford prep and also to relax and get back in touch with myself. It would be great if my boyfriend could meet me down there after the program for a vacation and see the rainforest so I was just wondering. :)
Any tips on all things Ann wigmore institute also appreciated.
I’ve been 100% raw after months of doing energy soup for a full week now and I am feeling amazing!
Xo Rachel
Thank you Kim for sharing this journey! :)
Great! I want to see and buy the yoga dvd as well! I love when you do blogs like this! So gorgeous! So inspiring!
Breathtaking! I’m taking a trip there this May and had to book a tour! These photos make it even more exciting that I am going to experience this.
Any other must see places in San Juan PR?
So happy you shared this Kim! :)
Hello Kimberley,
Really enjoyed your rainforest visit photos did you notice any orchids plants? – please if you should come to Australia – allow me to show you our Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation – it too is really magnificent! Best wishes, Mary.