A Trump supporting comedian called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” last year, riling up an applauding crowd of the MAGA cult living in an alternate universe. I doubt whether those who cheered and agreed with this clown had ever set foot on this pristine, breathtaking archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Rico’s history, beauty, art, culture, people and cuisines are unparalleled, incredible. And so are it’s impeccable, clean-colorful streets and beaches. I was actually astounded by the absence of litters ––empty plastic coffee cups, water bottles, used paper-napkins, papers, etc., on its soil unlike the US mainland (sorry!) . . . our parks and streets are constantly strewn with pieces of free-floating trash, almost. I also remember the alleys in Manhattan, NY subways . . . dirty as hell . . .
Sassy San Juan welcomed me with the warmth of waves, salty-saucy aroma of fun and food bouncing with the breeze . . . bienvenida!
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A clean-cobbled street in old San Juan city
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My childhood-longest lasting best-friend-forever (BFF) Ava and I landed in Puerto Rico for a week to celebrate our almost 60th BFF-anniversary. We became friends in our pony-tail-pink-frock-days and have remained best friends . . . her husband joined us as a bonus.
Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on November 19, 1493. In honor of John, the Baptist, he named the island as San Juan Bautista. It’s said that Saint John baptized Jesus and proclaimed him as the Messiah. He was killed by a local king before Jesus was crucified.
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| Statue of Columbus in old San Juan |
We visited the two major forts, Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, and Castillo San Cristobal––the largest Spanish fort in the Americas. These forts defended the island from the attacks of enemies for almost 500 years. El Morro, with its 40 feet tall and more than 20 feet wide walls stand majestic against the Ocean and the sky of San Juan.
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Del Morro Fort
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San Cristobal Fort
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Historical San Cristobal against the ocean
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| Ancient Church in old San Juan |
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| Governor’s House in the far end |
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| A cafe ravishingly painted |
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| 80 feet tall wall painting/mural |
This was a fascinating sight––exotic, mind blowing!! The sun was hitting the building from every side making it impossible to shoot a good photo––frustrating. I did the best I could as an amateur . . .
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Woman in pink and blue
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| Entire building painted in pink and green designs |
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| Street art-side walk |
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A nice first report, Nuzhat. A week is too short for "La isla del Encanto" (the island of enchantment). Your photos give an inviting glimpse into an island full of wonderful landscapes and amazing, fun loving people. So, maybe you can plan another trip and also visit baches, El Yunque forest and other towns. It's worth it.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Horst. Yes, I intend to go back again. I loved everything about San Juan. I did two tenures in two island countries––Sri Lanka, Kiribati (Fiji). San Juan felt like home-coming.
DeleteYou did an amazing job with the pictures. I try going every year with my grandson since he was born in 2013 and he loves it. I was born her in Puerto Rico and no matter what those fools say about the island they do not know what beauty is. I know there are other countries that are beautiful but the USA has become a nasty country and I live here all my life. It is not what it was when I was growing up in the 60. Praying that I can go back to my island.
ReplyDeleteI loved your island. No matter who says what, it's absolutely stunning! I felt a soul-connection with San Juan.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you––some people in the US are becoming intolerant but there are also amazingly kind people here belonging to all races and genders. Let's hope the current political nastiness ends soon and decency, compassion return.
Although I was critical about Manhattan and the NY sub way, when I was young I used to love NY, especially Manhattan . . . times square, Broadway shows . . . there is also beauty in NY . . . in our parks and trails . . . though a bit litter strewn sometimes . . . we are the forgiving kind.
In 1996 we spent 10 days in Puerto Rico visiting San Juan and driving to other locations around the island. We stayed at a great resort ,the Horned Dorset in Rincon, which was a Relais &Chateau hotel with five star amenities. We were impressed with all the places we stayed at and talked about returning. A truly enchanting island to visit and you have shown it through your photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fouad. I understand your reactions as I have experienced Puerto Rico first hand––up close and personal.. It's indeed an enchanting island country!!
DeleteI’m so glad to have read another article about Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. So, thanks much Nuzhat, for the narrative and the photos! As a Puertorrican in the diaspora, am always grateful to hear people’s feedback after vacationing there. The most significant piece of information I usually receive when visitors return from a stay in the Island has a great deal to do about the warmth and generous character of the people.
ReplyDeleteWhile I live in NJ, I am always encouraging friends and acquaintances to visit the Island. Most of my friends and my children’s friends have gone more than once, always wishing to tag along when whenever we go.
Unlike may other places that separate visitors from the people and culture into resorts, the best part of visiting PR is that you are smacked into the swing of our local living, doing, going, eating, swimming at and within the local culture. I’m glad that you visited the island with a friend and experienced feeling at home as well a local.
As for that so called comedian, he showed what an ignoramus and an uncultured a person can be. On another hand, what we have not appreciate are individuals from mainland USA, weather in power or on power trip, who have gone and behaved unkindly. Perhaps, UNICEFX should plan an annual reunion there.
Dear Ivette, time and again the MAGA idiots have been proven grossly incorrect. I loved my time in San Juan and planning to go back again in the future. I lived in two islands countries and supported many others during my tenure with UNICEF.
ReplyDeleteThe salty-sea island-air feels like home coming . . . Puerto Rico is a beautiful, magical country.