Entrance to our hotel, El Convento, originally a Carmelite convent built by Spain in 1646.
Evening, central Courtyard Hotel El Convento.
Central Courtyard, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena. Puerto Rico was founded by the Spanish in 1521 and is full of stunning, historic-buildings. (Click to enlarge).
More views of the Instituto Cultura…….
Front facade Instituto de Cultura.
La Fortaleza (Governors Mansion). This is the oldest, continuously occupied governors mansion in the Americas. We toured inside and I will post photos for you soon! It is a gorgeous, stunningly-situated, old mansion and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
El Palacio Rojo. (Now Administrative Offices).
Museo De Las Americas.
Typical tourist shop, Calle Fortaleza in the glorious old-buildings of historic San Juan.
Cheers to you from the very old, y muy hermoso, San Juan!
Love these architecture pictures. The first and the picture with the 3 kings are my most favorite.
Beautiful aren’t they! They exude tranquility and history~
absolutely gorgeous!
Yep, I am in love with Old San Juan! Cheers to you and thank you~
Dear Cindy,
Are you travelling? The photographs are pretty.
Yes, for almost a month now. So happy you like them my friend~
I love the architectural details, especially in Old Town San Juan. Have you been to the Fort there? Lots of wonderful photo angles and an eerie kind of energy from centuries ago…
Yes, how well articulated, the “eerie energy from centuries ago.” That is it exactly! Gives one a feeling on continuity. Thank you for your kind words~
Gorgeous photos, Cindy. You opened with a stunner – great choice.
Muchas gracias! Muy sympatico~
beautiful colours!
I love how other cultures use and aren’t afraid of color combinations! It cheers you up, it is so pretty and so creative~
yes … and the cheering up aspect comes in handy for many parts of North America right now!! 🙂
Unbelieveable isn’t it…..and the west is in historic drought. Feast and famine. Not goo. Stay warm & safe~
am I detecting a pattern here- lol – beautiful
What is it with me and arches??? I love them. My house has a bunch and a central courtyard too…..these are elements I love~
I love them too
🙂
I love the way you compose a photo… I learn so much from looking at your posts…. pity I can’t remember all I learn when I’m out there with the camera…
You are so gifted with a camera it blows me away! It is very kind of you to say this though and most appreciated. Every time I look at your photos I want to go back to Africa~
The colorful buildings are gorgeous! Thank you so much for posting while you are traveling!
It is so much fun to share, especially with people like you! Cheers to you my friend~
How completely lovely.
Yes. I am not surprised that it resonates with you…..you have that soulful vibe and this is a very soulful old city. Cheers to you my friend~
🙂
Your hotel looks to be fabulous! And so do all the other buildings. You are so good at uncovering the stand-out beauty of the places you visit. And each time I want to go there too.
I wish you were here Dor!! I know you would love it, beauty with every step~
Beautiful photography Cindy. You captured the essence of each location.
Thinking of you and your family here my friend~
These are beautiful. Looks like you are having a wonderful time. I love the patterns of light and shapes in the Museo De Las Americas
Isn’t it just gorgeous….such simple artistry…blows me away~
Lovely photos. That’s a beautifully picturesque entrance.
It is quite a change for me to be in a convent…..I’m trying not to swear. Don’t want to annoy the lingering souls. It’s said to be haunted but I see no signs. The courtyard is full of fruit bats at night though 100’s of them…..quite amazing!
Nice convent. Wow…beautiful, they must have enjoyed the beauty of it all. It’s a wonderful building.
It’s peaceful in a convent…of course I can leave! Laughing…….
espléndido y maravilloso!!!!
Muchos gracias mi amigo~
I love Spanish architecture with the wide cool verandahs and archways.
Marvelous isn’t it! Such comfortable and gracious living~
Gorgeous! Some of these pictures don’t look like photos – the colors are so stark and brilliant that they seem to be brightly colored paintings!
Off the top of my head I would guesstimate that Spain, Italy (Cinque Terre), and all of Latin America make this joyous use of color. I’m sure more that I am not remembering….When I return to the US, everything looks so beige!
Wonderful architectural features–wonderful holiday that you’re having.
Such a beautiful old city….so much history. It is one of my favorites~
Lovely pictures Cindy! You are such an artist. The angle and framing of your photographs are always so interesting and beautiful.
You are very kind and your comments are most appreciated! Cheers to you & thank you~
Reblogged this on Madeleine Pujals.
So lovely of you and so appreciated! Muchas gracias~
My Pleasure Cindy! Madeleine
Magnificent!!! Lucky you!
I think of you whenever I see a UNESCO World Heritage site!
What a beautiful series of photos. It is such a pleasure to see such nice images. I miss following along!
Elephant
These kind words make me happy! Cheers to you~
Stunning, Cindy. Absolutely magnificent. It’s a crime we don’t do more to restore and cherish our historic buildings. Fort Ord is a perfect example. Millions of dollars were being spent to build new roads, additional housing, a $350,000 daycare and on and on. The funds had been allocated by Congress before Fort Ord hit the base closure list. We listened to jackhammers and other construction for two years while we bought our own office supplies. The old Officer’s Club looking over Monterey Bay was a beauty and instead of shoring her up, they shoved her over the cliff into the bay.
Oh how sad. San Diego of course has all these gorgeous old bases the original MCRD, NTC, North Island Officer’s Club. They are precious and need to be protected both for their historical significance and their beauty. I love what they have done with the Officers housing on the other side of SF Bay. It’s a hotel now. Quite lovely. You know, I stayed alone at Treasure Island Officers Club? Skeletal staff on site. The Navy sent me up to do a survey of the needs of military families in the Bay Area. Treasure Island had closed, but they housed me there in the female Officers Barracks. I remember walking around the island at night in heaven! My daughter just was there. Now it houses some HIV+ folks….so glad it is being put to good use!
Very fantastic ….. 😉
Very nice of you to say!! Thank you~
Thanks and welcome… 😉
Absolutely magnificent. Loved the pics!
Oh these photos are beautifully arranged and really brightened up my day x you are a wonderful photographer and it is so kind of you to share the joy and beauty of your trip – thank you 💖
It is such a joy to share with wonderful people like you. It makes traveling even more rewarding!
So very happy you do!! Thank you~
So happy you did!!
very nice photographes…..
Thank you ma deah!
you’re always welcome………….
So inviting, so fantastic!
I hope you come visit over this way soon and come by The Holler for a taste of the ol’ west!
Oh I have my sights on such a trip Cindy thanks 😀
Excellent!
I simply love the splendid happy colors they use in their architecture, and archways everywhere. Spectacular.
Isn’t it wonderful…..so hard to describe, but so enchanting to see and experience. I am so glad you agree!
What’s a Bond girl doing in a convent. Quick, it’s a trap. Dum de dum dum de …..
Cool photographs. 🙂
Laughing…..I did figure if the nuns were haunting the place, they might well kick me out!! I am minding my P’s & Q’s! Watching my language…….still laughing~
What a beautiful place, Cindy, and your photos are phenomenal. I’ve never been to Puerto Rico and I’m dying to go! 🙂
I hope you go and spend some time in Old San Juan! It has completely charmed me~
I’m charmed just from your photos. I do hope to go there before too long. 🙂
At last! Someplace I have been!! 🙂 I love all the colors. You capture them beautifully!
Could not have said it better, sharechair!
Sharechair is so clever as are you and you are both very kind! Cheers & thanks~
Laughing….you don’t need to actually go many places, your oh so clever mind takes you everywhere. Cheers to you my friend~
Where did my comment go???? I had said your wonderful creative mind will take you anywhere! Thank you my friend & cheers to you~
My reply function is being hinky…..
Gorgeous photos
Makes me happy!!
Superb pictures which give the feeling of space and colour – also love the architecture
Marvelous place isn’t it! You know how much I admire your skills too I hope!
So Beautiful!!:))
It is just a stunning old city…so glad you agree!
I love how vibrant all the colors are! Beautiful photos, Cindy.
Encourages one to celebrate daily living!
Beautiful entrance to the hotel.
Yes, I was captivated by the details!
Incredibly beautiful. I am lost for words. Thanks for sharing.Anna
How wonderful of you to say and think! Thank you so much~
Let me get this right…., you’re staying in a convent…, is there something you haven’t told me about??? 🙂 Hahaha !!! The pics are beautiful and interesting enough to make me want to visit PR one day too. Be safe…, have fun ! Hugs.
Yep…..in a convent and I like it!!! Laughing……it is quite peaceful and I am trying not to swear which is essentially impossible for me…..still laughing!
Now I want to fly immediately to Puerto Rico!
I’ll pick you up at the airport……
Thanks! I’ll let you know what time my flight arrives. ;^D
🙂
wow…beautiful buildings…and look at the shine on the floor of the first photo… 🙂
The shine of old marble….I love the black and white mixed with the intense colors. Stay cool there in Florida…..I bet you are not missing the snow!
Fabulous! Looks wonderful… I am on my way over right now!! 😉
Excellent…..feel like seafood for dinner, or would you prefer Puerto Rican cuisine???
Seafood would be wonderful thanks! Perhaps I could have Puerto Rican cuisine for supper? lol 😉 Well I have been a touch hungry of late!!
Works for me!!
Brilliant colors!
Wonderful uplifting aren’t they! Cheers and thanks for stopping by~
Astonishing post Cindy.The magic of architect .Warm regards.jalal
Yes, these historic old cities are so beautiful! Cheers to you Jalal~
Beautiful. Old San Juan has so much history and beautiful old buildings.
Yep! It is a total charmer~
What amazing photos Cindy, just incredible !
How lovely of you to say! Thank you so much~
splendid Hispanic architecture… your pix have reminded me of my Spanish favourite cities: Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao, etc… btw, I live at about 3h-drive from Barcelona, olé! 🙂
Lucky you!! I love Barcelona and Cartegena (both Cartagenas!) I so want to go to Madrid and El Prado…..Valencia and Seville sound wonderful too! And yes, I love Spain’s architectual footprints all over the world! So distinctive and beautiful. Cheers to you~
We had a short time in San Juan … a wonderful city … but didn’t stop by here (too little time).
Yes. This happens a lot with cruises, I know. Old San Juan is definitely worth lingering in. This was my fourth visit but first time actually staying in Old Town and I would like to go again with my kids!!! This is what happens with my bucket list. I keep re-adding places to it. More time, more time in the wonderful places!! Cheers to you~
We stayed in Old San Juan …. wonderful!
Lovin the inspiration of color from your post! I must wet my brush and add some vibrancy to my paper today THANKS CINDY! My world is mostly WHITE
I saw the photos of your white world. So beautiful. You have such a way with the camera my friend~
When I went up on the roof it was in the 30’s cloudy but OK then the snow came and in earnest 🙁 Had to put camera in bag in send back down into the house with Ron :)_ Thanks so much love yours too
Yep! We’re clicking sisters! Stay warm & safe ma deah~
Really beautiful pic…lovely place.
I am so glad you think so!! Cheers to you & thank you too~
🙂
I loved these photos and your sharing the history of these buildings, Cindy! I am amazed they have been around, some of them, since the 1500’s! I am getting ready to give out an “ABC Award” nomination post, I will be including you. I just am gathering posts and blog http’s! Smiles, you deserve this! Robin
Awwww! This is so nice of you. You of course, deserve every award there is! Thank you my friend!
What an authentic feel for San Juan, thank you Cindy. Sounds like you’re having fun!
Home now, but we had a blast! Thank you and yes, San Juan is an authentic old city~
Breathtaking, Cindy. Mathair’s been bragging on you and I have to say that it’s deserved. These are wonderful. I’m not much for paintings and whatnot, but I am a stained glass enthusiast and the image of the windows literally brought me to tears. We loved the vibrant colors of the buildings, but more that the country went to such lengths to preserve it. We only wish that America would do the same with it’s older landmarks and buildings. Years ago there was a Colonial home taken down which was as old as our town and Mathair and I were apart of the group that fought to preserve it. It broke our heart as the marble columns came tumbling down. Thanks so much for sharing these images with us.
Yes other bloggers have mentioned our disregard for some gorgeous old treasures. So sad. Being connected with old historic buildings gives one a sense of comfort and continuity. You two just rock!! Keep on doing what you do, and I would love to see the stained glass!!
WOw Cindy how are you this fine day? I really love you stopping by my book blog. I really love feedback too. Been blogging for three years and don’t have the comments or following you have, which is good because you have the most stunning photos. Keep up the good work. Oh I love the vintage age or victorian era if you ever want to post photos or houses I’d love it. Jackie 🙂
Funny you should say that! I have been collecting Victorian Home photos…..not enough of a pool yet though! I love books, reading and your blog! Cheers to you & thank you too!
Wow is about all I have. Absolutely stunning! I adore the color and could live there! 😉
I feel EXACTLY the same about living there……there is something about what the color does for one’s psyche. Your artwork is divine and so is where you live!
Beautiful – I know you had a wonderful time, how could you not with so much beauty surrounding you!
Pretty awesome place and people!
Gorgeous photos! I’ve never thought much about Puerto Rico but your posts make me want to visit.
Wonderful! Be sure and leave plenty of time to explore Old San Juan and Ponce too!
Cindy, I hope you had a better bed that the nuns! Great pictures, as always. 🙂 Warmly, Brenda
Yes, they’ve spruced things up substantially since the Carmelite days!!! Laughing……
Oh, I could be SO at home there, Cindy!
In reality, I came to give you a virtual hug 🙂 I was just over at Zee’s site and smiled at your comment “my like keeps being wiped out”! So mean!
I get so frustrated when I want to acknowledge our fellow bloggers and the reader wipes away my like! So now I am trying to tell people when it happens!I love your virtual hug and am sending one right back at you!
Beautiful! I have never been a huge fan of this style of architecture, but your photos make me rethink that position! Blessings to you–
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much and cheers to you~
beautiful Colors!!
So happy you like them & cheers to you!
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I love your photos cindy!!! beautiful !!! Thank You for liking my newest pieces. 🙂 *Cynthia
Most welcome ma deah & grazi!
🙂
Talk about extravagant pics! O.O
Gracias, it’s a beautiful place~
I see shaded corridores, louvered shutters, ceiling fans. Life without air conditioning?
Oscar
Yes, built before there was air conditioning to take advantage of the substantial sea breezes. These old buildings still do this and require no AC. Do you suppose we have gotten dumber?
Aquiesced to the modern world of technology and convenience, and fear of the intruder. The reason the slatted shutters made me think of using cooling breezes and cross ventilation is that the 1930’s apartment building which I lived in 20 years ago in NYC once had shuttered doors and windows. All of the tenants would leave these closed and the solid windows and doors open to allow the air to move about the building. These were stories that the women who had lived in the building since the 1950’s told me. Of course, by then every window had metal bars, locked windows and window AC units humming and dripping all summer long.
Oscar
Sad isn’t it! backwards progress~
I’m sure you had a great time there eh ! Great photos 🙂 <3
We definitely did! Thank you my friend!
Enchanted…I can feel the sea breeze travel through those magnificent corridors and splash on my face…love this town.
I am so glad you do because I am enchanted by it as you can tell by all my posts! Laughing! So wonderful to hear from you my friend. Cheers to you~
Cheers Cindy. And my warmest regards to Mr. Knoke.
Nice pictures Ms Cindy, odd though, I don’ know why but the first thing I thought of from the first picture was “old convent”, I hope you are enjoying your vacation.
Well your first thought couldn’t have been more accurate! Cheers~
Looks like a grand place to stay. Good such old buildings can be kept alive by allowing more people to share for a moment the blessings of the place.
As you say ” Being connected with old historic buildings gives one a sense of comfort and continuity. ” By sharing the photographs to others in the world, who perhaps never will have the chance to come there, you allow them to carry it in their dreams and show the treasures of this world and give a voice to preserve those treasures – a Must for next generations -.
How eloquently and beautifully thought and expressed! Thank you sincerely~
Eye candy! What a beautiful place!
Gorgeous place I agree with you! So happy you like it my friend~
Beautiful compositions and colors here…..
Awwww, very kind & appreciated!
You are welcome. I will try to comment on more of your posts shortly as payback for you going back through my posts 🙂
Oh, no payback necessary! Love your posts!
So elegant…
Ahhhh, thank you!
Thanks Cindy for follow my blog. Beautiful pictures! I love it.
Love you blog too!! Cheers to you~
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, these are beyond gorgeous shots! I love your talent!!! : )
Well that makes us even because I love yours!!!!