Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
On arrival in San Juan Puerto Rico on the sleeper ferry I was questioned by US Immigration. They wanted to know about my passport stamps to Cuba, was I nervous, to hold both my hands out to see if I shake, how I would be leaving.
I then had to trek all the way in the morning heat back to the old town as ferry had docked on the wrong side. I left my bags as I couldnt check in till 2pm and went to explore.
First was the Governers Mansion but this is closed to the public. Nearby is the Puerta San Juan where the Spanish dignitaries would arrive from.
I made my was to Castillo San Felipe del Morro at the peninsula of the island. It was very windy and ideal for kite flying.
Entrance is $10 US and allows you access to both forts in a 24 hour period.
It was quite a large complex and lots of exploring to do over multiple levels.
Nearby was Casa Blanca a historical home. Entry was $5 US but I only had a $50 US bill and he didnt have change so let me pay student fare $3.
Wandering thru the town centre was the Cathedral and another church under renovations.
The tourist office is in one side of City Hall and I stopped for lunch in Place des Armas. Then I was able to check into my hotel.
After resting for a bit I headed to the next fort Castillo de San Cristobal just by my hotel. I could enter on the same ticket from before.
This was smaller and not as sprawling as the first first but was interesting with three levels and not as many tourists.
As well there were nice ocean views across the island and strong breezes to keep cool.
Nearby was also the Olympic house from the 1920s and Casa de Espana. This was very interesting and had lots of influences from Andalucia.
See also vlog of 10 Best historical sites of Old San Juan - https://youtu.be/cpP0DdOPOn8
crowdywendy
2020-03-17
Asif, the US Immigration sounds like fun.....Interesting trip.