An island paradise awaits that doesn’t require a passport, a change of money, or a long flight. Bienvenido a Puerto Rico! John Eric Home speaks with Manuel Lopez, a native of the island, for Snapshot: Puerto Rico.
JEH: How would you describe living in Puerto Rico?
ML: I would have to describe it living in the best of both worlds. I have a rich European culture in my background, but I am an American – so it is the best of both. In terms of living day-to-day, the main thing about Puerto Rico is nature and the outdoors. Because of our weather, you can enjoy it 365 days out of the year.
JEH: What are typical activities that locals enjoy?
ML: Of course, the beach. We also have beautiful rainforests where we enjoy trail walks. Believe it or not, there are quite big 4×4 and Jeep enthusiast communities. Off roading is a real thing on the island. The Jeep clubs meet regularly, and they go on off trail expeditions. Other than that, Sunday is the day that many Puerto Ricans hit a new restaurant to try their food.
JEH: For visitors, what should they make sure to see or do?
ML: You definitely want to stroll around Old San Juan. It is an old city, dating from the 1500s, and is full of history and great architecture. Another hotspot not to miss is Condado Lagoon. It is in San Juan, right in the middle of the hotels. It is a pretty walk and teems with nightlife. It is a new area and is more the touristy side of San Juan.
In Old San Juan make sure to go to Plaza de Armas. It is one of the town’s main squares and has a round fountain with four marble statues representing the four seasons. Another great place to take a walk is the Paseo de La Princesa. It runs along the southern city walls of Old San Juan, and the Puerta de San Juan, which is the only remaining city gate is there. There are restaurants and cafes, street vendors and shops. And the views of Old San Juan and the bay are amazing.
Outside of San Juan, I would recommend a visit to Ponce. It is one of the oldest cities on the south coast and has a rum factory that is interesting to tour. Or take a day and go to Aguadilla. The beaches are amazing and so is the surfing. If you don’t mind a ferry ride, definitely go to the island town of Culebra and hang out on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s called Flamenco.
JEH: What is your favorite place on the island?
ML: Old San Juan. To me – it means that I am home.
JEH: Can you please speak a bit on the people of Puerto Rico?
ML: The people of Puerto Rico are very friendly and warm. They are open to people of all different cultures and all parts of the world because Puerto Rico is a big melting pot. The Tonce – original natives of the island — Africans, Europeans, Americans… That is what makes Puerto Ricans so warm and ready to party. There is always a party!
JEH: What are your thoughts on Old San Juan?
ML: It’s so beautiful, and there is so much history. It is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. If you can catch the sunset, you will be happy that you did. Old San Juan – it is like stepping back into time. There are still streets with the original cobblestones that were transported from Spain. It is rich in history. It is also a good place to eat and sample the local cuisine. It has everything from Spanish, to American to native Puerto Rican…it is a microcosm of cuisine.
JEH: How would you describe the beauty of Puerto Rico?
ML: The beauty of Puerto Rico is in bursts of color. It’s the colors of Puerto Rico that make it so beautiful. The deep, emerald color of the sea contrasting the brilliant white of an opened coconut. The bursting colors of all the flowers. There is a tree that I love, the flamboyant tree. It blooms in scarlet red and orange and yellow. It’s beautiful.
JEH: What is the one word that you would choose to capture the essence of Puerto Rico?
ML: An invitation. If you want to experience something new, something different… if you want to experience the best of the Caribbean, then come to Puerto Rico.
