Textures+Place: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

It was a humid day, large, puffy white clouds dotted the sky signaling an impending rain shower at some point in our afternoon. We arrived in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with a bus load of tourists, but quickly disappeared into the cobblestone streets to discover this colonial Caribbean city on our own.

The streets seemed quite empty to our surprise (and delight) for our mid-morning visit. Except for a few shop keepers and locals, we had the sites almost to ourselves. Little did we know, that once the cruise ships arrived, this solitude would change drastically.

We dutifully wandered in and out of a few churches, but mainly stayed out on the streets. The blue cobblestone, the brightly colored peeling stucco, the crumbling brick, the rusty ironwork… San Juan is a gorgeous site of textures. A city rich with stories and tales, slowly decaying from time and the tropical air.

One might think this aging would give the town a decrepit, seedy feel. I think it gave it the exact opposite. If only these streets, buildings and walls could talk of what has gone on here for the last 500 years. From pirates, Spanish conquistadors, rum-runners, and opportunists to Spring break co-eds, cruise ship couples and vacationers, this weathered Caribbean port has most likely seen it all. So be sure to put San Juan to your list of destinations and add your own bit of history and texture to this town.

More Details

Short History of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morroe Castle), San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan Puerto Rico on Trip Advisors: 204 Things to Do in San Juan

Puerto Rico from a Local Perspective – on Y Travel Blog

Poster: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Photo Collage (based on some of the images in this post)

Postcard: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Photo Collage (based on some of the images in this post)

Travel Sketch: Strolling through Old San Juan Puerto Rico