Old San Juan

The hostel we stayed in is the oldest hostel in Old San Juan. The elevator in the hostel was the first elevator ever built in Puerto Rico, and it was from the 1930s! I thought it was a really interesting piece of history to be a part of each day! The hostel, like most of Puerto Rico, had lots of Catholic references. Our key was Mary, and above our bed there was a large cross to wake up to each morning! haha There are crosses everywhere, it was fun to see a different religion other than Mormonism take over a town. The cross did make Esmie and I laugh when we first entered our hostel. But we really enjoyed staying there and we were able to make lots of friends along the way.

Me in the elevator!

Big cross above our bed!

Our key to our room.

View outside our hostel.

The sunset outside our hostel (Friend took this pic).

I was really happy that our hostel was right in the heart of Old San Juan. It gave us the unique opportunity of exploring the historic town a little bit each day. I loved the streets in Old San Juan. They are over a hundred years old. I couldn't help but wonder and think about who else has stepped on those very same steps throughout history. Sadly, Esmie and I noticed that they were taking out the old bricks and replacing them with new ones and redoing all of the roads. I felt grateful that I was able to still see that part of history before they remodel and change it.

I loved the way the grass grew through the bricks.

Me in the streets!

Cute right?

One of my favorite parts about Old San Juan was the history behind this ancient city. The princess gate was really neat to see, I loved the different colors of each building. The streets seemed to come more alive and the colors and different types of architecture was one of the best parts of Old San Juan. There were many statues throughout the city and my favorite one was by far "La Rogativa." Back in the 1700s, the Old San Juan was very desirable for surrounding countries. When the English launched a naval attack against the city at night, the Bishop came up with an ingenious idea. He gathered all the women and children and together they carried torches towards the port, which the English thought to be a sign of legions of armed soldiers. Which in consequence made the English realize it was not worth invading this town, so the Bishop and women and children saved the town from invasion. That is what the statue commemorates.

Esmie and I in Old San Juan

Overlooking the city

Beautiful paintings can be found throughout the town.

La Rogativa

I did do some of the stereotypical touristy tricks that everyone falls for. I took pictures with a lizard that you see everywhere in Puerto Rico, and I also was able to take pictures with parrots! Here are my touristy photos. haha

Look at his cute hat!

Maybe he'll turn into my prince charming?

Parrots!

Neat Haitian man I met on the street!