A bit ago, I took a wonderful trip sans baby nor hubby with some girl friends to Old San Juan! I actually hadn’t been to Old San Juan since our honeymoon trip over a decade ago, so it was about time! I have a tendency to avoid large cities and San Juan in general sort of freaks this country girl out with all the traffic, crowds, toll roads, parking fees, tall buildings and easy-to-miss exits. But thankfully my friend Missy took the lead and coordinated the whole thing! We got a nice Airbnb right in the heart of OSJ and drove together in her large comfy van. We only stayed one night but it was nice to get a feel for the place again.
Under the umbrellas in Old San Juan
Old San Juan has such a cool vibe to it, that it is hard to explain. Old and modern, hip and vintage at the same time. I was a little sad that our Airbnb had completely renovated and removed the classic black and white tile floors from the apartment because that and some of the hidden little courtyards make that area so famous. There were still some remnants of the political “Ricky Renuncia” campaign, but otherwise it was in beautiful shape. I finally saw the umbrella display at La Fortaleza and enjoyed walking the old blue cobblestone roads again. Here are some pictures of our time there. Thanks to friends Ricia and Paz also for some of these great shots!
Pigeon on a statue, broken shoe from so much walking, winky girls at Chocobar Cortes
Piraguas, cool arquitecture, and the house of the original Pina Colada
Columbus Oblisque, Catholic Church, Cat Chairs at the garitas
Fun with friends, cobblestones, cool scenes and full moon over el Morro!
Art display and out on the town with the ladies!
View from the Airbnb apt and coffee in the morning
Good food and friends at Chocobar Cortes (chocolate infused mofongo tacos!?)
Street scenes
More Viejo San Juan
La Fortaleza Umbrellas
The old and the new side by side. History is built in layers
It was a wonderful trip and we’re hoping to make it happen more regularly!