Puerto Rico, San Juan – The Old Town and Warm Hearts

We have stopped off in Puerto Rico on our way north to the Bahamas and East coast of America.  We read that the island is rich in agriculture so food would be cheap and unrefrigerated.

Many locally produced fruits and vegetables will keep for weeks without refrigeration.  This is important when space is limited in boat fridges.  We had heard fresh veg was limited in the Bahamas.

We also heard that the Old Town section of the capital San Juan had some great history and architecture.  Something we had found lacking in the Southern Caribbean.

So as soon as we were settled into the anchorage we were off to see the Old (Viejo) Town.

We decided to walk in and enjoy the streets, architecture and parks on the way.

There were lots of things to see along the way.

Across from the Capitol building was an interesting mix of memorials and statues.

They have bronzes of all the US presidents since the US occupation.

I suppose I should give you a little history of the place with the pictures.

The island was one of many islands occupied by the Spanish.

Although sugar and rum were produced and exported from the island not as many African slaves were brought over.  As a result the population remains around 80% Spanish based.

This is reflected in both the architecture and the culture here.

Religion plays an import role and the city is full of churches and iconic statues.

The city repelled many attacks by the both the Dutch and English.

The Old Town is completely enclosed in a fortified wall.

In this way the city prospered as an important Spanish.

Even the cobbled streets are covered in blue pottery baked bricks.

The Old Town is large with lots of nocks and crannies to explore.

There is just no way you can see it all in a day.  Especially if you want to stop at one of the multitude of cafes.

So after getting a ‘feel’ for the centre of the Old Town we came back on the number 7 bus (75 cents) to see some of the Town wall and forts.

You really need another day too, if you want to visit any of the multitude of museums and a night to enjoy the live music and flamenco dancing available in town.

We ran into old friends from Martinique and they joined us on our adventure.

It was a Sunday and all the families were out in the Parks with their kids.

Back into the city we went in search of some of Puerto Rico’s best kept secrets.

Puerto Rico produces exceptional fine coffee.

Puerto Rican coffee is not exported under its ‘own name’.  Puerto Rico was strategically taken over by the United States in 1898 and they control all exports by having them routed throw them first.

All the Puerto Rican coffee is bought up by major American labels (like Starbucks) and rebranded as their own ‘Artisan Blend’.

Although Puerto Rico is an American territory the culture remains distinctly Spanish.

They are so friendly and will do almost anything to help you out.  Everyone says Ola and good day.  Ask a question, and they do not know the answer, they will go out of their way to find someone who does know the answer.

They do not tell you where the bus stop is, they take you there.  If they have a car, they will even drive you there themselves.

They love their food, a fusion of Spanish artistry and Caribbean produce, but are very active and fit here.  People paddle board by the boat every day.

Although the anchorage in San Juan Bay is nothing special.

Just cross the road and a bridge and you have an inner city lagoon that opens out into the sea.

No motorised vessels are allowed here as it is a Manatee sanctuary.

Crossing over the bridges here gives you a real ‘birds eye’ view and we have been able to spot groups of Eagle rays, dolphins and Manatee using the passageways between the sea and the harbour.

We have decided we like this island and would like to rent a car and do a bit more exploring.