May 28-29, 2011... Old San Juan

We rented a car for 3 days and took off on a Friday for Old San Juan. The trip from Salinas is under an hour and we found a parking spot on the street. Dropped our stuff at Da House Hotel on San Francisco street and started walking. What a gorgeous city! Most of the old buildings have been restored; facades maintained, colors magnificent. The Spanish influence apparent as the buildings have airy courtyards and iron balconies; the Moorish influence seen in the tiles and columns. A photographer's paradise (John took over 500 pictures...no, we won't post them all here...)

Of course it was hot, why shouldn't it be as we trudged up to El Morro, the fort, and inspected every nook and cranny, and enjoyed the views in every direction. Guard duty in one of these sentry boxes wouldn't be so bad as long as the sea breeze was blowing. We saved the Fort San Cristobal for the second day -- this one even bigger than El Morro -- and walked and walked and walked.

Dinners out were special -- after eating on the boat for several weeks it was nice to splurge on ceviches at Auerola and fantastic Italian food at Il Bacaro. We'd go back to both of those places. We only wish we had more time to explore more restaurants in town. Next time!