San Juan: Humidity, Rum, and Questionable Street Art (My Kind of Chaos)
okay, so. san juan. i’m still peeling sunburn off my nose and trying to remember what sleep feels like, but here we are. i just checked and it’s…a damp hug out there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. seriously, the humidity is a thing. like, your hair just gives up. embrace it. it’s part of the charm, right?
I was here for a gig - touring drummer, remember? - and ended up staying a few extra days because, well, why not? the music scene is surprisingly vibrant, if you know where to look. i stumbled into this tiny bar in *Old San Juan called La Bodega del Sabor - check their Yelp page https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-bodega-del-sabor-san-juan - and it was packed with locals jamming. felt…real. not touristy at all.
Speaking of real, the street art. oh, the street art. it’s…a lot. some of it is genuinely incredible, like these huge murals in Santurce. others? well, let’s just say a toddler with a spray can could probably do better. but it’s all part of the vibe, you know? raw, chaotic, unapologetic. i spent a good afternoon just wandering around, camera in hand, trying to capture it all. i’m thinking of doing a whole series on urban decay and vibrant color - maybe i’ll sell prints on Etsy. who knows?
Someone told me that the best mofongo is at Deaverdura. apparently, it’s a local secret. i haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on the list. i did have some amazing empanadas from a street vendor near Parque de las Palomas. seriously, find that guy. he’s a legend.
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the mosquitos. honestly, they were just being dramatic. yeah, they’re there, but so are the sunsets and the rum. priorities, people. if you’re planning a trip, definitely pack bug spray, though. and sunscreen. and maybe a dehumidifier for your suitcase.
I spent a day exploring El Yunque National Forest. it was…muddy. very muddy. but also beautiful. the trails are a bit overgrown, so wear sturdy shoes. and bring water. lots of water. you can find some good hiking tips on TripAdvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60724-Activities-El_Yunque_National_Forest_Puerto_Rico.html.
If you get bored, Ponce and Mayagüez are just a short drive away. i didn’t make it to either, but i heard they’re worth checking out. i’m already thinking about coming back. maybe next time i’ll rent a car and explore the whole island. or maybe i’ll just stay in Old San Juan* and drink rum on a rooftop bar. either way, i’m in.
Oh! and a local warned me about the pigeons in Parque de las Palomas. apparently, they’re fearless. he wasn’t kidding. they’ll land on your head if you let them. just sayin'. you can read more about the park on this local forum https://www.puertorico-guide.com/forum/.
okay, i’m officially exhausted. time for a nap. maybe i’ll dream of mofongo and street art. or maybe just sleep. that sounds pretty good too.
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