Day 2 in Old San Juan

Soon after breakfast, we headed to Castillo San Cristobal.  Built in 1634 to protect San Juan from land attacks, it is the largest fortress built in the Americas, covering over 27 acres of land.  It was built over 150 years.  We learned about its 5 cisterns underneath the plaza that hold over 800,000 gallons of rain water and are in use today for the maintenance of the park, and its vast tunnel system.  It is an impressive fortress!  

We had lunch in at El Jibarito, a popular local restaurant.  Afterward we went to Casa Blanca, the home of Ponce de Leon’s family.  In 1521, the King of Spain gave land to Ponce de Leon in the new city of San Juan.  Ponce de Leon passed away that year, while on his mission to “discover” Florida.  After his demise, his titles and properties were inherited by his son, who was underage, so they were transferred to Ponce de Leon’s son in law, Garci Troche.  Troche began construction of Casa Blanche in 1521 and the house stayed in the family for over 250 years, before being used as a military installation for the Spanish Army (1773-1898), then a military installation for the US Army (1898-1967), and since then as property of the government of Puerto Rico.  

We enjoyed walking through the city, going to the Museum of San Juan, and this evening, walking through several plazas that were lit up for Christmas.

Old San Juan

We had a wonderful dinner and time with Claire’s family in Phoenix on Tuesday evening, 17 December.  We flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico yesterday, 18 December, arriving at 9 pm.  We walked down the block for ice cream and then called it a day!  We were up early this morning and walked over 6.5 miles around Old San Juan.  We particularly enjoyed exploring Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, a UNESCO site and a US National Park.  Del Morro is considered the most iconic fortification built by the Spanish in the Americas.  Construction of the fort began in 1539 and was completed in 1790, with reconstruction and additions made through WWII. 

We ate a typical Puerto Rican lunch in a restaurant full of locals.  After getting wet in a downpour, we came back to the hotel for a couple of hours, then went back out for another walk, and to get paletas.  It was a beautiful, warm day!  Old San Juan is colorful, surrounded by centuries old fortified walls.  It is busy, joyful, and loaded with good restaurants.