Old San Juan and it's Colorful Houses

Photographed by Angel Rodriguez

 

 

I've traveled many times to Puerto Rico but this visit meant a lot to me because I got to do everything I had on my list and more, every time I visit in the past was all about visiting family etc.

 

But the colorful building in Old San Juan has been a must see for me for quite some time specially shooting in this area.

 

Thanks to my photographer friend and make-up artist Angel I was able to do this he toured  me around and show me little beautiful streets that El Viejo San Juan has.

 

This Old San Juan streets just makes me hungry for pastel-colored cupcakes hahaha, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is a delight. Wander the centuries-old blue cobblestone streets, gaping at the brilliantly colored historic buildings. Did you know, however, that this treasure was nearly DESTROYED?

 

Old San Juan was settled by the Spanish in the early 1500s, and the conquistador, Ponce de Leon and his subsequent offspring lived in the city for centuries. By the late 1940s, however, Old San Juan had become decrepit, unsightly, and dangerous. Politicians called for the historic old buildings to be smashed to make way for sleek, modern ones. Forces mobilized for the destruction.

 

Heroically, an anthropologist by the name of Ricardo Alegría stepped in. Alegría convinced the authorities to preserve the beautiful colonial architecture of Old San Juan, and to zone the area so that subsequent development would follow the historic visual pattern instead of destroying it.

 

The government began to funnel money to developers who agreed to rehabilitate historic buildings as “models” for others to see and emulate, to show it was both possible and pretty. There was a particular push for these rehabilitations to take place on streets where — ahem — uncouth behavior was taking place.

 

Slowly, Old San Juan was revitalized, in alignment with its colonial Spanish architectural roots. Because of Alegría’s ideas, Old San Juan is now a major tourist destination instead of just another boring city. By 1983, the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Other cities around the world began to follow Old San Juan’s lead, and I can attest that both Lima, Peru and Havana, Cuba are all the more beautiful for it.

 

So now that I've shared some important history about Old San Juan into, what are the logistics of touring Old San Juan stay tuned for my next post and Allow me to share my experiences with you.

Old San Juan is a rainbow feast of historic architecture.

 

Old San Juan is surrounded by water, and from certain streets you can see the ocean at the end.

 

I'll take the pink colored house with the balcony, and pretty flowers please.

 

The metal gates and balconies are so ornately crafted.

 

My experience with Angel and Guillermo was fun and memorable and they are 2 new friends I made on this visit to P.R

My Look for the Day.

Sunnies: Fryers

Shoes: Sophia Webster

Romper Forever21

Clutch Lulus

Bracelet Express

Make-up by Angel Rodriguez

My Look Up close.

You will spot many cats roam Old San Juan.

 

Even the stop signs fit into the color scheme.

 

Restaurante el Jibarito.

 

Food: You can find all sorts of cuisine in Old San Juan, and certainly could break your budget if so inclined! I did, but justified it because it was all delicious.

 

This delicious plate was white rice, with red beans, fried plantains, a simple salad and some delicious shrimp in garlic sauce with lots of onions a plate they will call, Camarones al Ajillo.

My favorite thing I spotted on this day a street with my last name.

CALLE DE LA LUNA.

 

Thanks for Reading.

XO MDollNYC.