Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico: More Than Beaches and Bacardi

March 8, 2011

A couple of weeks ago, one of my Twitter acquaintances (@retroguy777) asked me: “As a solo traveller, where should I go next?” This of course begged two follow-up questions from me, which were: “Where have you been before?” and “What are your interests?” He replied that his interests were “history, urban setting, architecture” and that [...]

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The Garitas of Old San Juan

September 17, 2010

When I traveled to San Juan last winter, I did what most tourists do–visited the forts of El Morro and San Cristobal.  These were the outposts of protection for the island of San Juan against attacks by sea and by land, respectively.  I enjoy touring historic sites whether I’m traveling with others or not, but [...]

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Solo Dining Review: Patio Del Nispero, San Juan

April 16, 2010

A few weeks ago, I described El Convento in Old San Juan as a perfect choice hotel for the solo traveler on a large budget.   But let’s face it, not every solo traveler going to San Juan will be able to afford this lovely, historic hotel.  One way to add it to your itinerary and [...]

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Bacardi Rum Factory Tour

April 9, 2010

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Famed for its sun, is beaches, its old city of Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. . .and rum.  Rum being the most important.  Because of its impact on the economy, of course.  Certainly not because it tastes mighty fine mixed with Coke or anything. (That’s my story and I’m sticking [...]

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So This is Mofongo

April 6, 2010

One of my goals for my trip to San Juan was to try mofongo, a local dish made of mashed plantains.  I was finally able to do this one night when I had dinner at Raices, a restaurant on Recinto Sur Street which was recommended to me by both locals and a tourist and seems [...]

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Eat Like a VIP at Morton’s Steakhouse

April 2, 2010

Eating nothing but Puerto Rican cuisine in Puerto Rico was a goal at which I failed miserably.  There were two nights at the Caribe Hilton when I didn’t feel like taking  a cab somewhere for dinner.  On one of those nights, I had hoped to make new friends at either the Oasis bar or the [...]

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Lunch at Cafe Berlin, San Juan

March 26, 2010

I just want to go on record as saying that, even though I am a (guilty) carnivore, I do like to go meatless sometimes.  But finding good vegetarian options can often be difficult when traveling.   Before I went to San Juan, I had read about this little cafe that served quite a few vegetarian [...]

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5 Reasons to Take an Organized Tour

March 16, 2010

Independent travelers often avoid organized group tours in favor of sightseeing on their own.  Sometimes this is because they dislike the idea of being herded around on someone else’s schedule, sometimes it’s to save money, and I’m sure there are a myriad of other reasons.  I am all for saving money when I can, and [...]

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Snapshot of San Juan: The Nispero Tree

March 12, 2010

One of my favorite features of El Convento is its interior courtyard.  During my recent stay, it served as a constant reminder that I was in Puerto Rico–or at least a much warmer climate than Vermont.  Every time I walked to the balcony railing to gaze upon the courtyard, my glasses steamed up. At times [...]

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