In July 2017 we took a Caribbean cruise with Jeri’s family. During this trip we docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city. This was just two months before Hurricane Maria devastated the island on September 20, 2017.
Founded by Ponce de Leon in 1508, this colorful city still has some streets paved with the original blue cobblestones from the Spanish Colonial era.
Still prominent in San Juan are the old Spanish forts, Fort San Cristobal and Fort San Felipe de Morro, both part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Parts of the old city are still surrounded by massive walls and several defensive structures.
We were only docked for the day however, during our time in port we walked and toured both forts and much of the old city. Oh, and found time to eat some of the most amazing paella we’ve ever tasted.
Here are some more pictures from our day. We spent most of our time at the two forts since we were interested in all the history. And the views were pretty amazing too. Oh, and if you think we look somewhat tired and soggy it’s because it was about 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) with 100,000% humidity (ok, maybe not that much…but it was stupid hot out there that day).
In the early 1940s while still an active military base when the United States entered WWII, concrete pillboxes and an underground bunker control center were added to the ancient defenses of the Castillo San Cristóbal. Blends right in, doesn’t it?
Here are some more pictures of the colorful houses around the old city. Despite the hot, muggy and buggy weather, this town was so beautiful that is it still one of our favorites.
The pictures show the beauty of this city and thank you for sharing and taking us back in 1997 (some nostalgia)when we took the Caribbean cruise from San Juan and disembarking in Acapulco. Enjoy your stories!
Good morning JJ! Your photos of San Juan really show the beauty of this City and thank you for sharing and taking us back (some nostalgia) when we took a Caribbean cruise from San Juan and disembarking in Acapulco in 1997. In addition, enjoyed reading your anecdotes/stories. Have a great day!
Rod and Hans
So glad to take you back. Glad you are enjoying our posts.