Lucky me, this past month I had the chance to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico for a few days. I didn't go to photograph people or places but I had the chance to do so after work. I spend all my free time walking the streets of Viejo San Juan, that is why most of the photographs were at late afternoon and night. I had very few light but still had the chance to enjoy street life in this beautiful city.
Officer in front of President's House at Viejo San Juan.
As I walked the streets of San Juan I've got lost, I was searching for el Morro so I asked the officer for directions. This officer was so kind to let me know the way and had the chance to talk to him, about security and the barrier the President's house has because few weeks ago there was a shooting near the place so they had instructions to close the street except for neighbors.
Nostalgia of my Old San Juan.
Plaza de Armas, Curet Alonso Statue @ Plaza de Armas, Viejo San Juan.
On my way to el Morro, I passed by Plaza de Armas. So I've got to explore the plaza, the fountain, its people, the vendors and tourists.
Fountain at Plaza de Armas, Viejo San Juan.
From Plaza de Armas and on my way to el Morro I had to stop by a place is a must if you want to take a photograph and say that you have been in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico's Flag painted at the door of an old and empty building.
This is a classical photo everyone takes to say the one has been in Puerto Rico. I kept walking and end up finally in a Plaça that get`s you to el Morro.
Water fountain at Monolito Plaza.
El Morro @ Viejo San Juan.
There is a Spanish song that calls of Puerto Rico with Nostalgia: "En mi viejo San Juan" by Noel Estrada, writer and singer. I found the lyrics in English but I feel it very much describes the Nostalgia one can feel for Puerto Rico once is left.
"In my Old San Juan, many dreams I forged in my childhood years
My first illusion, and my grief of love are memories of the soul
One afternoon I left for a foreign nation, that's how destiny would have it
But my heart remained in front of the sea, of my Old San Juan."
Galeria las Americas.
Here is a guardian that explained me that he use to be a athletic sports man in his young ages and that he still practice a lot of sports. Everyone is ready to explain their story.
Caribean Ice Cream.
As night was down I had the chance to taste real flavor of Caribean Ice cream. I had to use my flash because it was very dark but this man was so nice to sell mi a Parcha Ice Cream and still smile at my camera. I had the chance to talk to him for a while.
Galeria las Americas at night.
Viejo San Juan at night.
I had to go to the hearth of Salsa and Bars at night so I was recomended to go to La Placita. I took a taxi and within 15 minutes I was in vibrant district full of life and music at the streets.
El Sabroso lechon and Panda in harmony @ La Placita, Viejo San Juan.
Karaoke Bar at La Placita, Viejo San Juan.
Karaoke expectators.
Couples at Karaoke Bar.
Salsa Dancers.
Bar la Catrina full of Mexican Flavor.
Midnight sandwich.
Just around the corner the Karaoke Bar.
Baseball, Box and Che Guevara's Pictures and Posters.
"But time passed me by and destiny fooled my terrible nostalgia.
And I could not return to the San Juan I loved, little piece of my soul.
My hair turned grey, my life is leaving me, death is calling me.
I do not want to die so far away from you, Puerto Rico of my soul!"
Watchers of the sea, Old San Juan Bay.
"I'm leaving (I'm leaving now)
But someday I'll return
To search for my love
To dream once again
In my Old San Juan.
Goodbye (goodbye, goodbye)
My dear Borinquen (land of my love)
Goodbye (goodbye, goodbye)
Mi Goddess of the Sea (my Queen of the Palms)"
As I document street life in Viejo San Juan I felt attached to the place and its people. It might be my latino blood, but I felt united in so many ways but I couldn't feel more welcome and warmed, treated good in some many ways.
Thanks Puerto Rico!!!
