Tuesday, 10 December 2013

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.