My mom was like, “You’re going to Old San Juan again??”
It’s true, I go there a lot. Anytime I get the travel bug and can’t book a flight, that’s my favorite destination.
What’s not to like? Well, let’s see.
Streets are not always clean, many structures are in serious need of repair, Airbnb rentals are pushing residents out, there’s too much traffic in spaces originally designed for walking, plus other issues the government should resolve.
In spite of that, there’s something about this historical area, a city within a city, that makes people come from all over the world, day in, night out.
I prefer to go on a weekday, arriving around 9am, when parking is possible, the pace a bit slower. I usually stay for 3 or 4 hours, which is enough time to walk around, get food, explore a cultural venue and take interesting photos.
This week was my first time grabbing a bite at Mercado La Carreta, a welcoming brunch/lunch restaurant at the corner of Calle Luna and Calle Tanca. Since I was not terribly hungry, a satisfying option was a sandwich (turkey, bacon, sliced avocado on ciabatta) and a glass of jugo de parcha.
Next stop: Museo de San Juan, at 150 Calle Norzagaray. For weeks, I’ve been meaning to see their temporary exhibit Picasso en San Juan, a selection of 40 lithographic works made by the Spanish master between 1899 and 1955. As expected, these beautiful pieces are testament to the formidable talent of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
And before going home, my sweet tooth took me to Señor Paleta, a small storefront on Calle Tetuán offering the best popsicles in the island (no hyperbole). Other brands have tried to compete but these paletas are unmatched. Flavors go from sorbets made with water and fruit - lemon, mango, coconut, pineapple, parcha, tamarindo, guanábana - to creamier milk-based options like coffee, maní, maíz, nutella, dulce de leche and more. Just delicious.
Hasta la próxima.
Yanira
By the way…
Food Network stars Guy Fieri and chef Antonia Lofaso visited Mercado La Carreta a few years ago to try one of their signatures dishes: Sous Vide Chicken with Trifongo.