San Juan, Puerto Rico
Back in December 1996, Marc and I embarked on our very first cruise to the Caribbean. We traveled on Carnival's MV Tropicale and although this ship is Liliputian compared to the megaships of today, we always look back to that trip with much delight and fondness. Since it was a cruise with destinations mainly around the southern part of the Caribbean, we had to board the ship in San Juan. Inasmuch as we had to go there anyway to join the cruise, we decided to arrive a few days earlier to get to know the beautiful sunny island we had heard so much about. We took a red eye flight out of SFO to Chicago and then from Chicago we proceeded to San Juan the following day.
Given that we traveled to this part of the world way before the digital age of cameras, all the pictures that appear in this entry as well as the succeeding ones from our Caribbean trip were taken with the old style film cameras. We scanned the pictures and then uploaded them to this blog.
This picture was taken ou our very first full day in the capital city of San Juan. Here I am on Calle del Cristo with the Capilla del Santo Cristo in the background
On the street leading to La Fortaleza
In front of La Fortaleza
Standing next to the Fort Tower at Paseo de la Princesa
Within the walls of Fort San Felipe del Morro
At Fort San Felipe del Morro
In front of El Morro Lighthouse located within Fort San Felipe del Morro
Another shot at Fort San Felipe del Morro
The Fort Tower at Paseo de la Princesa at dusk
Standing in front of the Statue of Christopher Columbus at Plaza de Colon in Old San Juan
At the Pablo Casal Musuem
On our second full day in the city, Marc and I went back to Old San Juan to explore the historic old town once more. I particularly liked shopping here since there were high end outlets of American brand names like Ralph Lauren, Coach, London Fog and the like. I actually purchased a huge umbrella for a mere $5 here.
In front of the Old San Juan Cathedral
I remember seeing a convent across the cathedral which turned out to be a hotel. Should we return to Puerto Rico sometime in the future, this is where we most likely will stay due to its absolutely central location.
In front of the San Juan Gate along Paseo de la Princesa
A grand fountain along Paseo de la Princesa which used to be a prison. It has long been turned into gorgeous walkway with fountains, statues, and sitting areas.
By the statue of La Rogativa in Old San Juan