Old Town Verandas

When I was in the old town section of San Juan Puerto Rico last fall I became enamored with the charm of the place. By charm I mean the sense of community and character. I think the verandas play an important role in all that. Folks like to hang out on their verandas or the streets below talking, playing cards or just watching other people walk by. I have a veranda out the back of my house were I like to go to relax sometimes, so I guess I relate to these older, more storied versions. I imagine these have been here for a hundred years, but I can’t imagine all the scenes that have transpired on or below them. Fun to think about nonetheless.

When I was in the old town section of San Juan Puerto Rico last fall I became enamored with the charm of the place. By charm I mean the sense of community and character. I think the verandas play an important role in all that. Folks like to hang out on their verandas or the streets below talking, playing cards or just watching other people walk by. I have a veranda out the back of my house were I like to go to relax sometimes, so I guess I relate to these older, more storied versions. I imagine these have been here for a hundred years, but I can't imagine all the scenes that have transpired on or below them. Fun to think about nonetheless.

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San Juan Street Party

One of many things that impressed me about the old town section of San Juan was how much the residents like to hang out and shoot the breeze. This was one of many such gatherings I noticed as I walked through the cobblestone streets on a Saturday afternoon. Old world charm and sense of community is tangible here. As I shot this an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens came barreling down the street towards me so I stepped out of the way. As it passed I realized it was a actually a van advertising a fruity rum drink. OMG, only in San Juan!

One of many things that impressed me about the old town section of San Juan was how much the residents like to hang out and shoot the breeze. This was one of many such gatherings I noticed as I walked through the cobblestone streets on a Saturday afternoon. Old world charm and sense of community is tangible here. As I shot this an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens came barreling down the street towards me so I stepped out of the way. As it passed I realized it was a actually a van advertising a fruity rum drink. Only in San Juan!

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San Juan Charm

This is the old town section of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Walking through here on a recent afternoon was like walking back in time to a different era. It seems time has slowed down here and a different pace of life is respected. People get together for conversation and gatherings in the streets or in verandas above. This colorful street was just one of many I passed and to me represents a feeling of community and charm rarely found today. I will return to Puerto Rico one day and when I do I’ll stay a little longer, and move a little slower.

This is the old town section of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Walking through here on a recent afternoon was like walking back in time to a different era. It seems time has slowed down here and a different pace of life is respected. People get together for conversation and gatherings in the streets or in verandas above. This colorful street was just one of many I passed and to me represents a feeling of community and charm rarely found today. I will return to Puerto Rico one day and when I do I'll stay a little longer, and move a little slower.

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.

Guarding the Fort

A couple of weeks ago I was walking around the old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You couldn’t go inside because the park service was closed due to the federal government shutdown. Since the fort was shut down there were police at all the gates, guarding the fort. It was a little ironic and a little bit of a flashback to a few hundred years ago when there would be guards at the gates also, probably on the inside and dressed somewhat differently. Despite the guarded fort, it’s a nice walk along the outside. This is one of the many iconic lookouts that line the walls. As far as I know, the fort wasn’t attacked this day.

A couple of weeks ago I was walking around the old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You couldn't go inside because the park service was closed due to the federal government shutdown. Since the fort was shut down there police at all the gates, guarding the fort. It was a little ironic and a little bit of a flashback to a few hundred years ago when there would be guards at the gate also, probably on the inside though dressed somewhat differently. Despite the guarded fort, it's a nice walk along the outside. This is one of the many iconic lookouts that line the walls. As far as I know, the fort wasn't attacked this day.

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Old Town

This is the old town section of San Juan Puerto Rico where I recently found myself on a Friday night. After an authentic meal at El Jibarito we spotted a coconut vendor who provided fresh coconut water, something I could get used to. By the time we left this section of town it was filling up with Friday night party goers and it took our cab about a half hour to navigate the narrow oneway cobblestone streets. Not that I minded that slow ride one bit.

This is the old town section of San Juan Puerto Rico where I recently found myself on a Friday night. After an authentic meal at El Jibarito we spotted a coconut vendor who provided fresh coconut water, something I could get used to. By the time we left this section of town it was filling up with Friday night party goers and it took our cab about a half hour to navigate the narrow oneway cobblestone streets. Not that I minded that slow ride one bit.

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.