Got back a couple weeks ago from a fantastic trip to Puerto Rico..Spent 2 nites in Old San Juan and then 5 nites on Vieques Island... Vieques Island has been on my bucket list for awhile-and wanted to take my mom to a tropical island (shes never been) for her B-day-shes 80yo and in great health but walks with a cane-
I picked PR-cuz for us Amercians there is NO immigration issue-dont even need a passport-and they only use US currency-English and Spanish our the official languages and they have some excellent hospitals there..
I myself have only been to old san juan on a cruise stopover-and since it was when i was in High school- i enjoyed the rum too much and didn't really get to appreciate all the awesome history and esp. architecture this little gem had to offer. We only ventured outside old san juan once -and that was to go to the beautiful rain forest "El Yunque" out in the countryside/hills..So i really didnt get to exp all of the island for sure-but i would definitely go back, rent-a-car and go exploring. Being my moms b-day I splurged in old san juan and stayed at the hotel El Convento-not a penny wasted..excellent location-in old san juan(can walk everywhere) across the street from one of the oldest churches in the new Americas (400 yo)with Ponce De Leons remains there-and still a functioning church-was great to sit on the park bench across street and hear the service , smell the incense wafting and see all the people.. I have lots of pics so may will break it up..and Vieques Island such a magical-special place that I will have to do it separately-
Cant say enough positive things about PR amd esp Vieques ....
The gate into the old city
Entrance to the governors mansions
The governors mansion
The Wall surrounding the city
The beautiful streets and homes
The cathedral of San Juan Bautista-founded in 1521
Hotel El Convento-origi
View from my room to the square and San Juan Church
view of the hotel lobby
Courtyard where meals and drinks were served...BTW-Did you know that
Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the Pina Colada ??? and yes, they were excellent!!
Rooftop view of Old San Juan looking to the mainland of PR ..
More to follow...