San Juan, P.R.

The following day we got to see the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. It was founded by Spanish colonists and it is the second oldest European established capital in the Americas (thanks, Wikipedia). So walking around the city center, Viejo San Juan, felt weirdly familiar, it reminded me a lot of towns along La Costa Brava. The architecture was very similar, except for the colourful walls. The heat was almost unbearable but people seem to be used to dealing with sweaty bodies and just get along with it. 

I had a nice chat with this man. He knew a lot about the Catalan independent movement and said it was an example to follow for Puerto Ricans wanting sovereignty. 

Pigeon homes. 

It was about 40ºC in the shade, Phil and I could barely function. But these people couldn't care less about the heat and danced away. Lovely to watch. 

Old tree in the city center that gave us some shade. 

This tree didn't want anything or anyone standing on its branches. 

Flying kites. 

Andri organized a wonderful design event for the creative people in Puerto Rico to show their products. Elena came along too and got handed over to everyone that fancied a squeeze and cuddle with her. 

Andri and her constellation mobiles. 

Beautiful!

Typical colonial San Juan architecture.

It was a wonderful few days in Puerto Rico. Gracias Andri y Leandro, lo pasamos genial! Os queremos! 

El Yunque, P.R.

Feeling mighty lazy about bloggin lately... ok, so here's the last few photos of one of the best holidays yet. Leandro was a wonderful host and really planned out our day in Puerto Rico so that we could get to see as much as possible. The highlight of the day was El Yunque National Forest.

Coconut water has magical effects!
Andri's dad gave Phil this shirt so he wouldn't look so much like a tourist... ha!

Getting my coconut ready for consumption. 

Phil's open mouth due to the amazement of the jungle. 

Little plant searching for light. 

I couldn't take many more photos after this because there was a tropical storm, hence calling this sort of forest rainforest. It was so refreshing and invigorating to feel the cool rain on us after the sticky hot weather.

The nature in Puerto Rico has still left an impact on me, I have seen nothing like it. 

Puerto Rico - Mofongo y la casa de la playa.

Our "on the side" trip to Puerto Rico  was to see my friends Andri  and Leandro and their beautiful baby, Elena. I was most impressed by the booming nature, it seems to creep out of every corner, a vast energy of greenery that seems to want to take over constantly. It's so lush, so strong, that I believe that if mankind were to get out of the way for a couple of months on this island, everything would be covered in green. Also: iguanas are a plague here. We saw one crossing the road in front of the house. It was longer than me. 

Here is some wikinfo about Puerto Rico: 

Originally populated for centuries by indigenous aboriginal peoples known as Taínos, the island was claimed by Christopher Columbus for Spain during his second voyage to the Americas on November 19, 1493. Under Spanish rule, the island was colonized and the indigenous population was forced into slavery and wiped out due to, among other things, European infectious diseases. Spain possessed Puerto Rico for over 400 years, despite attempts at capture of the island by the French, Dutch, and British. In 1898, Spain ceded the archipelago, as well as the Philippines, to the United States as a result of its defeat in the Spanish–American War under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898. In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship and since 1948 have elected their own governor. In 1952 the Constitution of Puerto Rico was adopted and ratified by the electorate.

More here: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico

A Puerto Rican back garden. 

Beach houses. 

Don Claudio was a great host. Gracias, Claudio, por tu hospitalidad! 

Tropical storm ahead. 

Baby Elena is the most squeezable baby I've ever held. 

Mofongo relleno! 

Arroz con habichuelas y plátano. 

The residential area where the beach house is. 

Stunning flora everywhere. 

EVERYWHERE!

Interesting postbox. 

Claudio picked this flower from their back garden. 

Don Claudio. 

Andri and Elena in the garden. 

Elena whistles to entertain her dad. 

Next stop: Puerto Rico.

New York Day 7- Empire state of mind.

The day before flying to Puerto Rico we took to just shop, walk and soak in Manhattan atmosphere once again. 

The Gummy Bear Car by Guenther Siraky. More info here:
http://www.gadling.com/2013/08/30/gummy-bear-art-car-grand-tour/

Taking her snake out for a walk. 

Up the Empire State Building. 

You were burning like a city of electric light. 

Yes, we just had to have a selfie up there. 

Intense looks. 

Chrysler building. 

New York Day 6 - André, the story teller and Coney Island.

We went to visit my friend André da Loba, the very talented illustrator, artis and story teller. He showed us around the building where he works, The Invisible Dog Art Center in Brooklyn, a place that, together with a bunch of people, he managed to spruce up and turn into the wonderful place it is now, full of creative studios and a spacious exhibition space. 

André doing business over the phone. 

Phil balancing Andre's flying horse. 

Me holding a giraffe and André pulling a funny face and holding a folded creature. 

The exhibition space. 

They even have a back garden!

Floating woman on the wall. 

On our way to Coney Island. 

Nathan's Famous. 
Nathan’s Famous was founded by a Polish immigrant, Nathan Handwerker, and his is truly an authentic “only in America story.” He started his business in 1916 with a small hot dog stand in Coney Island, New York. He sold hot dogs that were manufactured based on a recipe developed by his wife, Ida.

SCREAM ZONE.
The rides weren't working on Coney Island that day but it was still worth visiting. The atmosphere is strange and artificial, a forced fun feeling. Almost melancholic. 

I loved the hand painted signs. 

Remembering Patty Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. 

Tillie. 

It was a very hot day. Phil enjoyed getting sprinkled.

We ended the day at the McKittrick Hotel where we experienced the incredible SLEEP NO MORE show. I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone who might be going, so I will say no more. It's a must if you're in NYC.   

Feeling shaky after the adrenaline rush at Sleep No More. 

One day gas stations will be obsolete. And nature will take over... wishful thinking.