On our anniversary day we decided to do a private walk tour of Old San Juan. Old San Juan is simply stunning. Full of lush greens, colorful houses, cobbled streets and innate architecture dating back to the 16th century. At every turn I wanted to take a picture to freeze the moment in time so this post is going to be very, very picture heavy. We visited San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses. We learned a lot about Puerto Rico but I won’t inundate you with all the details since I'm already doing that with all the pictures. But I’ll share
We started the day at Puerto Rico Café Cola’o for coffee and a light breakfast.
Our coffee was strong and our food delicious.
We had some time to spare before meeting our tour guide so we explored a bit and marveled at how big the cruise ships are. We have not done a cruise but after this experience we are a little more keen on the idea.
Our coffee was strong and our food delicious.
We had some time to spare before meeting our tour guide so we explored a bit and marveled at how big the cruise ships are. We have not done a cruise but after this experience we are a little more keen on the idea.
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and easy-going. Our first stop was to the catacombs in Parroquia San Francisco de AsÃs which is currently a Catholic church, built in 1876. It is considered one of the most important religious structures in Old San Juan.
We went to Bastión de las Palmas de San José which is a historical landmark in Puerto Rico and Parque Las Palomas which is a small outdoor area that many pigeons hang out. It’s a great bird watching area but if you do not like birds (thinking of my mother in law) avoid this area. Sean had me send her one of the pictures with the birds and she freaked, haha.
We went to Spicy Caribbee which was great and picked up some sauces and seasonings to take home with us.
The owner informed us that they could ship items to us once we ran out.
We went to Felisa Rincón de Gautier’s home. She was the first woman to be elected as the Mayor in San Juan. She was very popular and well loved. She helped in the 1932 campaign in which women succeeded in gaining the right to vote. She is also the one who created the head start program which is very popular here in the states.
We went to Cathedral of San Juan Bautista where it is stated that Ponce de León is buried.
Some images taken during our walk tour.
La Bombonera, the third oldest restaurant in Puerto Rico, founded in 1902.
We of course visited the fortress (but didn't go inside because by this time we were hot, hungry and tired from all the walking) and it was great to see all the people flying kites on the green open space.
Ices were highly necessary considering all the walking we did and the heat that day.
When our tour was over our guide recommended that we walk over to La Verguenza Puertorican Chinchorro.
During our walk we had to stop several times. You'll see why below :).
Not gonna lie, I shrieked when I saw this door!
When we finally reached our destination (La Verguenza Puertorican Chinchorro) we were glad that our guide recommended it as our food was delicious, the drinks great and our service wonderful.
Whew, that was a lot of work!
Happy Thursday ♥
That was great. Puerto Rico is now on my list. I think its the food and the people. But mostly the food!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You'll love it! And yes, the food and people are incredible. The people were so approachable and kind and the food flavors so, so good!
DeleteOld San Juan looks gorgeoussss. I bet it cost a pretty penny to live in one of those colorful homes.
ReplyDeleteFresh flowers, coffee, bagels, outdoor seating! SIGN ME UP
I love the IDEA of a cruise, but I'm not sure how well I'd do on one .. I get really bad motion sickness..
I'm cool with birds as long as they don't touch me LOL! I always think of that scene in the old-school Mary Poppins movie where the bird lady had them all over her *shudders*
The cathedral is beautiful. Dominic's school is directly connected to a Cathedral it obviously looks VERY similar to this. (sneeze once during mass , and the ENTIRE congregation will hear you)
I didn't even know that people still flew kites! Anyway, beautiful photos Faith
It is so gorgeous. I wasn't expecting it to be so beautiful! Probably pretty in PR standards but not states standards.
DeleteWhy don't you live next door? I can just imagine all the flower, coffee, bagel runs and outdoor seating we would do.
I don't really love the idea of a cruise at all. That's all Sean. I'm willing to give it a shot but lately with all the quarantines on the cruises I think I'm good for now.
LOL! My mother in law freaks out if they are feet away from her. She can't stand to look at them, hahaha.
My parents have been to Puerto Rico more than anywhere else for vacation. They love it. Looks amazing. Definitely give that cruise a try. After our European cruise I needed a break, because the pace is a bit more compressed and inflexible having only a day in each spot, but if I had it to do over again, I would still have done the cruise. And after having not been on one for a while I'm open to doing another. It can be a really good economical choice for a vacation. I'd definitely recommend trying it at least once to see what it's like. They are fun.
ReplyDeleteThat's so neat. I can completely understand why they have been to PR more than anywhere else for vacation. It is so convenient. You get the advantage of visiting another country and don't have to exchange money and you get to shop at the duty free, haha. But besides that it is truly so beautiful. The food is amazing and the people are wonderful.
DeleteI've never really liked the idea of a cruise but I've become a bit more open to it. But now with the whole quarantines on the cruises ... I think I just might hold off just a little longer.