San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city on US territory.

Isla de Cabras - a former leper colony.

My arrival coincided with a weekend and a chance to explore this region of the Caribbean.  San Juan old town looks quaint from the sea, but I was reliably informed to take care after dark, with 50 + slayings already so far this year!

The obligatory sampling of the local brew (Bacardi) helps make the short stay more enjoyable.  Plenty of walks to keep me busy, with visits to the Fort guarding the entrance to the harbour – very impressive and full of interesting history.  Sunday seems to be kite flying day for all the kids on the hill near the Fort. 

The history of San Juan began a long time before its official foundation in 1493.  During his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico, he named the island "San Juan Bautista", in honour of John the Baptist.   But it was not until 1508, that the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León as the first Governor of the island.  He founded the original settlement in Caparra, now known as Pueblo Viejo, and the city quickly became Spain's most important military outpost in the Caribbean.

Today, San Juan is known as "La Ciudad Amurallada" (the walled city) and is one of the biggest and best natural harbours in the Caribbean.  The port is one of the busiest in the World and a major Caribbean cruise ship destination.  It obviously does well from the passing cruise liners I counted fifteen in and out of port during my brief visit.  San Juan is the largest processing centre of the island, the metropolitan area has facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling and produces cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products clothing, and tobacco.   San Juan is the country's financial capital, with many U.S. banks and corporations maintain offices or distributing centres based here.  



Old San Juan is a 465-year-old neighbourhood originally conceived as a military stronghold.   Its 7-square-block area has evolved into a charming residential and commercial district.   The streets here are paved with cobbles of adoquine, a blue stone cast from furnace slag; this was brought over as ballast in Spanish ships and time and moisture have lent them their characteristic colour.  The city includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings.  The Old San Juan attracts many tourists, who also enjoy the gambling casinos, fine beaches, and tropical climate.  More tourists visit San Juan each year than any other spot in the Caribbean.   A leisurely foot tour is advisable for those who really want to experience this bit of the Old World, especially given the narrow, steep streets and frequently heavy traffic.  

El Morro Fort is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, outposts and ramps.  The fort is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called "garitas" that have become a national symbol.  The views of San Juan Bay from El Morro are spectacular.

San Juan Cemetery is located between El Morro and the rocky cliffs above the Atlantic, it is considered one of the most picturesque of burial grounds anywhere.  The cemetery is particularly noteworthy for its elaborate tombstones and the circular neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene.  The most notable piece is a circular, red-domed chapel, which dates back to the late 19th century.

San Juan enjoys year round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 79.9°F (26.6°C) on average.  The warmest month is June and the coolest month is February.  San Juan averages 50.75 inches (1,289 mm) of rain per year.  November is generally the wettest month.

Curacao Flag Day

Plaza Brion - Willemstad.

Every year the island of Curacao celebrates a variety of festivals.  One of those is Flag Day, which this year was held on 2 July.

The island comes alive with an extensive programme of official ceremonies and cultural events, held in and around Willemstad's Plaza Brion.

Festivites include dance parties, softball tournaments and familiy friendly gatherings where you'll find traditional food and drink, plus fun and games.

Choir practice before the big day.

You can sample keshi yena "stuffed cheese", made with chicken, a variety of veggies and spices plus raisins.  This is stuffed inside the shell of an Edam or Gouda cheese round, topped with grated cheese and baked.

Cozumel, Mexico



Cozumel, the island of swallows, lies only 11 miles from mainland Mexico, yet it stands apart, with its unique small town feeling, surrounded by turquoise crystal clear water. 

There are no direct flights from Europe to Cozumel; very few visitors from the UK and Europe make the crossing from Cancun by ferry or island hoping plane and miss this great vacation destination.  Direct flights however, can be obtained via various US and Canadian departure points – if you have the patience to undergo the chaotic and anal transit regulations these so called civilised countries impose on international transit passengers.  You should allow at least 3 hours extra for these immigration and customs formalities!

Ferry and flights from the mainland.

Mayair island hopper.

Approaching Cozumel by island hopper.

There is no lack of creature comforts, the lifestyle may be island paced, but hotels are of international standard.  And more importantly at a fraction of the cost of other Caribbean islands.

Everyday activities center around the water ferries, cruise ships and diving.  The tiny town of San Miguel bustles all day long, with its market stalls, bars and restaurants.  San Miguel however, becomes a bit of a ghost town after dark, most tourists returning to their all-inclusive hotels for the evening, cruise ship passengers are also back on board, for early evening sailings to their next port of call.

Cozumel is one of Mexico’s largest islands, though it is only 29 miles long and 8 miles wide.  The island has been inhabited by Mayans since 300 ac, and much of their history and culture is on display.  Because the Yucatan Peninsula remained isolated until relatively recently, some of the ancient Mayan language and customs are still used.

The clear waters around Cozumel shield part of the second largest reef barrier in the world.  The Cozumel Reef National Park has been a protected area since 1996; its colourful marine life attracts divers from far and wide.  You don’t need to venture far to witness this, most hotels have access from their beach for snorkelers.

 

Fishing harbour.