200 Pictures of Old San Juan - Beautiful place.

http://adrianpoe.smugmug.com Then click on the San Juan box. Enjoy the pics!

If you've never been I highly suggest going! I was able to get the cheap fare tickets last minute actually for $138 rt. My BF had to go to PR for work so we already had a room and since I've only been in the airport in PR lol so I decided to go too. We got there early at 6:30 so not much was open but we checked in at Howard Johnson (decent, despite reviews) in Isla Verde and then headed to Old San Juan. We had a delicious egg, spinach and goat cheese breakfast at Caficultura, an adorable little bistro. I felt like I was in a whole other country, Ive not been to Europe yet but I imagine thats what it feels like. Cobble stone streets, stores opening, ornate and vibrate colored buildings, pigeons begging for food, weather was perfect and we ate our breakfast outside and watch the sun come up.

We then headed to the forts and those were really cool. San Cristobal was my favorite but the cemetery next to San Felipe (sp?) was REALLY amazing!!!! Ive never seen so much white marble carved with such detail. The cloth that draped the angels carved so well it literally looked like it was pillowy soft, not hard stone. As an artists I can only image how difficult and time consuming this would be. Stunning. It was also cool that we were there so early before the cruise ships as we got to explore down into the dungeons and tunnels of the forts all alone. Erie and so cool.

I spent 7 hours walking around and poking my head into shops, having lunch at Cafe Don Ruiz, a small tucked away coffee shop. It was awesome and really a beautiful place. I was surprised by the police presence. There were cops standing on every street. Good I guess?? lol. I felt safe thats for sure and the people were all super friendly. It feels 100% COMPLETELY different in PR vs here vs STJ vs STX. Isn't that so odd? Were all so close but each island seems completely different.

At our hotel was a restaurant called "Salt" we looked it up on TA and it had decent reviews. Perhaps one of the best meals I've ever had. We ordered a Filet, scallops and Shrimp that came on a Himalayan salt block!?!? Ive never seen this before and after searching google I see its pretty popular. There was no seasoning on the food, the chef came out and explained how the salt "makes love" with the food and it seasons its self. It was DELICIOUS!!!! I think Thirteen here in STT should offer this. Its cool and the flavor is so smooth and perfectly salty. Amazing. I should also mention that my server overheard that I was a bit chilly and ended up bringing me a shawl. Wow. Fantastic service and I ended up ordering myself a Himalayan salt black from amazon for $30, can't wait to use it!! ;~) Ugh I am such a foodie lol.