Noall had the day off, so we headed to Old San Juan to check it out. The main attraction there is the old fort built and continually re-fortified during Spanish rule (starting in the 1500s).
It has been interesting to learn a little more about the history of Puerto Rico: when the Spaniards arrive, the Taino Indians were living here. The were enslaved and most of them died, after which Africans were brought over to be slaves. Sound familiar?
Interestingly enough, despite all that cruelty, the people on the island fought side by side with the Spaniards against the English, Dutch, and everyone else who tried to take over the island. This is the eastern most island and the first one that Europeans would be able to find fresh food and water...it was the gateway to the Caribbean and the Americas. So...basically, it was pretty important and everyone wanted control of it!
Puerto Ricans have very Spanish architecture, religion (Catholic), language (obviously), food (there are quite a few little Spanish tiendas)...which, of course, our family enjoys since we have "roots" in Spain (kind of...).
Yes...this is a picture of the sign, but it's so cool how the fort was built right on the tip of the island! I couldn't quite get THAT angle with my camera!
"El Morro" is up on the hill in the background. Apparently it is always windy on the grounds here, and a great place to fly a kite (for any of you headed this way any time soon...)
Zach's favorite part of the morning!
Zach and Camilla working intensely on their "Park Ranger" booklets. Camilla is taking her responsibilities very seriously now that she has taken an oath to be a Junior Park Ranger and wants to know when we're going back to make sure that no one is running on the grounds.
Would you like this view from YOUR bathroom window?
Our sentries on guard...
All my boys!
1 comments:
What a fabulous adventure! I'm glad you guys had such a great time; just a tad jealous. ;)
And I had to comment and say that I love your Moby! Mine's orange. :)
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