It was another day that kids didn't want to leave the hotel, so I went on an adventure by myself again... to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_San_Felipe_del_Morro
San Felipe del Morro Castle , known simply as El Morro , is a Spanish citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries at the northern tip of San Juan, Puerto Rico . For many years, it guarded the entrance to San Juan Bay and protected the city from maritime attacks. The "morro" is a term used to refer to a portion of land or rock that serves as an observation point. This castle is part of the San Juan National Historic Site and was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983.
Today, El Morro is one of Puerto Rico's main tourist attractions, with displays of Conquest-era items used by Spaniards, indigenous people, and Africans. Other exhibits feature ship models, as well as historical facts from the period. Tourists and visitors enjoy flying chiringas (kites) around the castle. Nearly two million visitors explore this fortress each year.
I have visited many Spanish or Portuguese forts just like that, but I still find fascinating how the tell the stories of centuries ago discoveries and conquests.
La turista! :) It was soooo hot!
On the way out a nice surprise: try to zoom in on the top of the roof triangle...
... here it is! This iguana found a nice spot to show off!
A not bad place to spend eternity!
Intensity.
From there I just wandered around the narrow and charming streets of Viejo San Juan, or Old San Juan.
Each building has its charm, even the abandoned ones.
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Francis_of_Assisi,_San_Juan
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi (Spanish: Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís) is a historic Catholic parish church located in the San Francisco sub-barrio of Old San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The church has gone numerous transformations throughout its history and its original brick and masonry structure can still be admired. The church is also renowned for its crypt which is opened to visitors and at some point it contained the remains of Puerto Rican Impressionist painter Francisco Oller.
Colonizing! :)
What an incredible power and perseverance!
So sweet!
This bar was happening at 11am!
Just love the nice touch.
There are so many cute details everywhere.
A good time to seat down in the shade, eat an empanada and make new friends.
Everything here has so much character, even the ground.
Today was a busy and important day for Puerto Ricans. Their new (female) president was inaugurated here as I was walking by their capitol. They were a ridiculous amount of police forces for a couple of curious tourists like me walking around.
Capitolino.
Cool buildings.
This is Escabron Beach, where we did some snorkeling in the afternoon, when the kids decided to leave the hotel pool.
FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escambr%C3%B3n_Beach
El Escambrón Beach (Spanish: Balneario del Escambrón) is a public-access beach located in the San Juan Antiguo sub-district (subbarrio) of Puerta de Tierra, next to the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The beach and recreational complex are located on the grounds of the former Escambrón Beach Club and Hotel which featured a large swimming pool enclosed by breakwaters. Although the pool no longer exists, the beach is still enclosed by a series of coral reefs and other natural breakwaters, such as the Peñón de San Jorge reef, making it popular for swimmers and families.
The three little heads there are the girls and I enjoying the water.
I recommend coming here for a calm swim with turtles.
Don't forget your googles, or snorkeling equipment, if you have it.
Family ready for some snorkeling.
Local companies offer short tours and take videos and photos underwater for you.
People who really know me knows my lifetime passion for turtles.
Although I grew up in the ocean and I was born on International Sea Turtle Day, I had never seen a sea turtle on it's natural habitat... till today!
That's me with my thumbs up, trying to keep up with these amazing creatures and enjoying every second of it!
For the record: beside various sizes of turtles, we also say an octopus (!), many different types of fish and sea urchins. We heard that some other groups encountered a manatee, which is rare here.
That's me with my thumbs up, trying to keep up with these amazing creatures and enjoying every second of it!
For the record: beside various sizes of turtles, we also say an octopus (!), many different types of fish and sea urchins. We heard that some other groups encountered a manatee, which is rare here.
My island girl.
Dinner was back in Old san Juan at this amazing restaurant called Princesa Cocina Cultural.
The place is so special surrounded by trees and plants. It felt like I was in Macondo, at the Bundía family house - I just finished watching the Netflix Series One Hundred Years of Solitude, based on Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
FROM THEIR WEBSITE: https://www.princesapr.com/
"Taste our authentic 1800's century Gastronomy. We are the only restaurant that has integrated in the menu recipes of 6 different Puerto Rican cookbooks published between in 1859-1950. Our menu is fully inspired by our culture and history."
The food was delicious, the service fantastic and the atmosphere was great.
My favourite gastronomical experience in the island so far... by far!
Happy family in the end.
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