I visited Puerto Rico for a business trip during August 2000. This was a short, one week trip, so I spent most my evenings, after work, walking around the Old San Juan, home to the San Juan National Historic Sites. Also, one evening I drove around the island. I would definitely like to go back and explore this wonderful tropical island.
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island, a self-governing commonwealth of the United States of America, with a landscape of mountains, waterfalls and the El Yunque tropical rainforest.
Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people, Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493, and remained under Spanish possession for over four centuries. Puerto Rico became United States territory after the Spanish-American War ended in 1898.
The culture of Puerto Rico is nearly independent from the 50 states. The culture is distinctly Caribbean, but closely related to the culture of Spain with a few African and native influences. When traveling to Puerto Rico, one will get the feeling that they are in another country.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro. The Spanish began construction of this citadel in 1539, and it took more than 200 years to complete. El Morro fell only once, when England’s Geroge Clifford, took the fortress by land in 1598. It was listed by UNESCO in 1983 as part of the World Heritage Site “San Juan National Historic Site”.Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, the most popular tourist place in San Juan.Castillo San Cristóbal, built in 1783, is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World, to protect against land-based attacks on the city of San Juan. It was listed by UNESCO in 1983 as part of the World Heritage Site “San Juan National Historic Site”. Old San Juan, a street towards La Fortaleza (The Fortress) is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. It was built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor of San Juan. It is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World. It was listed by UNESCO in 1983 as part of the World Heritage Site “San Juan National Historic Site”. Capilla del Cristo (Chapel of Christ), a small chapel located in the Old San Juan Historic District. Built in the 18th century, the structure has become a cultural icon of Puerto Rico and was saved from demolition in the 20th century. Most of the articles located at its altar are from 1753. Walking around the old San Juan, home to the San Juan National Historic Sites, with buildings dating from the 16th century. A tourist bus in the old San Juan, home to the San Juan National Historic Sites.
Visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico was a business trip so didn’t have much time to explore out side the Old San Juan, other than one afternoon we drove around the island to check out its beautiful beaches.
Balneario El Escambron, a little beach, just to the east of Old San Juan.Beautiful Beach of Puerto Rico.Beautiful Beach of Puerto Rico. An Ice Cream vendor on a Beautiful Beach of Puerto Rico. Enjoying Medalla Light, the most popular Beer in Puerto Rico, on the beach. Bacardi Rum, with its home in Puerto Rico, is one of the most popular Rum in the world.
After a week on the island, I few back to Dallas, my home at that time. Puerto Rico has lot to offer than just the capital city, though because of limited time, I couldn’t explore more. I would definitely like to come back and explore more.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 