The family decided that after the pandemic, we were due for a much needed break from the continental United States. My mother wished to return to her home country of El Salvador, but unfortunately my father and brother did not apply for passports in time. Thus we were left with where to go? My mother wanted to go somewhere with a tropical climate, my brother wanted to go back to New York City, and I was left at the whims of the deciding faction.
In the summer of 2019, my family and I ventured to Maui. Fell in love with its warm baby blue beaches, thriving greenery, and wonderful fresh seafood. This seemed like the place to go. My brother, disappointed recalled the amazing macadamia nut pancakes, topped with white warm coconut syrup, served by the ocean at a place called “The Gazebo” and stopped incessantly harassing our parents to go back to the Big Apple. However, we had heard from some family members that ‘haole’ were not quiet welcome back in Hawaii post pandemic. Where to go? We had been to Florida not too long before and were in love with its tropical weather, beaches, and its Cuban-American population that influences Florida’s diverse culture. As flashbacks from a horrendous first day began to surface; recalling a flight delay that decimated our plan for food in Dallas airport, waiting 5 hours for a rental car that was not waiting for us and waking up after 4 hours of sleep to meet with a friend of my fathers in Miami from Orlando. We figured, perhaps Florida is not the best idea.
Puerto Rico, a United States territory since 1898, seemed like the place to go. Being Latino ourselves, my brother Hector and I, have never been to a Spanish speaking country or outside of the United States for that matter. Although Puerto Rico is a United States territory and has considerable influence as such, it is a completely different World. It is a true to form Latin American country. The folks here drive as though their Grandmother is going to die if they don’t cut you off and drive at the speed of light. Feral cats are pretty normal around my neck of the woods, but here in Puerto Rico I have seen very few. What there are, however are plenty of feral dogs that wonder the city streets in search of scrapes. No one here seems to spoil the shit out of their dogs, like they do at home. Local bakeries serve the usual, coffee, sweet bread, breakfast sandwiches. Had a rough night last night? They got Advil on deck, run out of flour? They got that too. Someone at home sick? Lipton soup packets on deck! This part of the world has charmed me. But no part of this island has charmed me more than the old city “Viejo San Juan”.
Many Sacramento residents have gone to the tourist trap that is “Old Town Sacramento”. A couple blocks of wild west architecture, dirt road, and a handful of pretty shabby shops and decent bars. More of a cash grab than a cultural experience. Viejo San Juan shares some of these characteristics however, this city is much more rich in history than my very own Sacramento. Luminous buildings of blue, red and faded gold, color the streets lined with bushy green trees and red painted flowers. Tourists and residence alike meet for mojito’s and bocitas in the many bar’s within the city streets. Salsa can be heard at every corner, as friends and lovers dance in the street. All intoxicated in different fashions.
Two Spanish forts bookend the old city, Castillo San Cristobal, and Castilla San Felipe del Morro. These forts, which were built by the Conquistadores so long ago, are brimming with history. They are like Roman ruins, and have a fascinating history. One which you will have to learn yourself because I do not wish to bore you with the details. These forts are the icons of the city. The “garitas” (seen in the first image below) are on everything from key chains, magnets and even beach towels! Both forts are surrounded these garitas and are wonderful subjects for photographing. Due to their sheer age, the forts give these black & white photos a grittiness reminiscent of Pasolini films.
The castles are very large and open thus providing many vantage points to see the city from. From up high or within the many hideouts provided by the fort. This photo taken from inside a little nook is not a panorama rather, it is a photo taken from a small room with a large window overlooking the city. This little room is grey and has names of visitors and lovers written all over it.
Fujifilm X100F, Tri-X Film simulation
Here are some photos taken while walking through the streets of San Juan. All of these photos have been made using a FujiFilm x100f, using various film simulations.
I will be adding a gallery on my site so all can see the many photos taken from this trip! It has been a lovely trip and I thank my parents for the opportunity to see such a beautiful part of the world. Thank you for taking time out of your day to see some of my photos! I will leave you with my favorite photo from this trip.
Two men enjoying a cigarette and some sun.