The Unofficial Bacardi Girl (Puerto Rico)

Piña Colada? Cuba Libre? Mojito? 

Si, señorrr, I'll take all of the above.

I am the unofficial Bacardi girl. Earlier this year, my dance partner and I won the 10th Annual Bacardi Summer Salsa Competition in Chicago. The grand prize: round trip tickets to Puerrrrrrto Ricoooo! My bags were literally packed the next day.

While visiting the tropical island, I went to the Bacardi Rum Factory. I had my heart set on meeting Mr. President and thanking him personally for sponsoring my trip. Although I adamantly requested to see Mr. Bacardi to several tour guides, I had no luck. They all probably thought I was crazy and gave me polite vague answers telling me that the President was "not able to see me at the moment." Ha!

Hey, it was worth a shot...

Not to despair, I spent my time with my partner in crime, Chiarra, at the bar "sampling" all the Bacardi products. Although technically you are only given two sample tickets, we had no problem sweet-talking all the bartenders in letting us taste the entire variety of the Bacardi products (for research purposes, of course). I know, I know, it's a rough job but somebody has gotta do it.

Hanging out with Chiarra at the bar.

Drinking a Cuba Libre on a boat in the Caribbean. 

TRAVEL TIPS

• The Casa Bacardi tour is free, plus you get two free drink tickets. Score!
• The Gift Shop supposedly offers the lowest priced Bacardi products on the island and lots of colorful Bacardi gear and souvenirs.
• You can take the ferry from Pier 2 to Catano (costs 50 cents and lasts about 10 minutes). Bonus: You get a beautiful view of the city, especially over a gorgeous sunset.
• When you arrive in Catano, go to the right for a taxi to the factory for about $3.00 each way.
• Note: bartenders like smiles and tips.



Bacardi Girl

• Website: www.casabacardi.org