Category: Blog English

"Puerto Rico", "San Juan", Blog English, Country

The White House of Puerto Rico

We longed desired to visit a building that is observed looming over a great wall, grew with each visit to Old San Juan. It is “la Casa Blanca” or the White House. It is the structure in Puerto Rico and in all of the Americas that has been open and operational for the longest period of time with over 500 years since constructed. The White House / Casa Blanca is located at the start of the San Sebastian Street and the corner of the Casa Blanca Street in Old San Juan, being the first fortification on the islet of Puerto Rico, today known as San Juan. Continue reading “The White House of Puerto Rico” →

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Plaza of Spain in Seville; it embraces

At any time of the day, the “Plaza de España” in Seville is ready to welcome all those who visit it with a big hug. Perhaps, that semi-elliptical shape that stands out in the structure, can be considered as the embrace of Spain to its American territories and the Ibero-American people during the 1929 Exposition. Continue reading “The Plaza of Spain in Seville; it embraces” →

"Leon", Blog English, Country, Spain

“Casa Botines, León and Gaudí”

Upon hearing the name Gaudí, one must pause and imaginarily travel to Barcelona and reminisce about the “Sagrada Familia” Church, “Casa Batlló”, “Casa Milá”, “Parque Güell”, among many other works of architecture so different and beautiful at the same time. Structures where Gaudí masterfully combined decoration, symbolism and functionality, comfort and use of the interior spaces. All this based on the detailed observation and careful study of nature and its forms. Continue reading ““Casa Botines, León and Gaudí”” →

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

“La Plaza del Cabildo” – Seville, Spain

One of those places in Seville that you cannot miss out on is the “Plaza del Cabildo”. Access is somewhat hidden, but it is located in the Arenal neighborhood, close to the Cathedral. We entered from “Avenida de la Constitución”. When we arrived at this small square, a smile surged on our faces, not only because of how beautiful it can be, but it turns out to be an oasis in the summer time and provides us with a little relief from the high temperatures of Seville. Being somewhat hidden from the hustle and bustle, it is the perfect place to cool off and recharge your batteries to continue enjoying this great city. Continue reading ““La Plaza del Cabildo” – Seville, Spain” →

"Puerto Rico", "San Juan", Blog English, Country

The Jewel of the “Santa Catalina” Palace

“Ignorance is bliss”, a very popular phrase that is used when people do certain actions (whatever they are), ignoring  the good or bad consequences that may result from said action. We can say that something of this sort has happened with the staircase, dome and the structure that supports the “State” Staircase of the Santa Catalina Palace found on the grounds of La Fortaleza in Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico. A jewel that in 2015 was returned closely to its splendor of the 19th century.

This structure not only faced natural deterioration over the years as caused by time, humidity or pollutants, but also faced the worst of interventions, a product of ignorance, when it was covered countless times with thick layers of ordinary paint, hiding its original coloring and beauty.

Thanks to the restoration efforts of committed professionals and students, in 2015, the ignorance boldly embodied in the staircase through the years, was returned as close as possible to its origins in the year 1845, when Puerto Rico was a Overseas Province of Spain. Today, the Santa Catalina Palace and its staircase are a heritage site of Puerto Rico and a world heritage site, declared by UNESCO.

Continue reading “The Jewel of the “Santa Catalina” Palace” →

"Puerto Rico", "San Juan", Blog English, Country

The “San José” Church of Old San Juan; from our point of view

Close to turning 500 years old, the long-awaited re-opening of the San José Church of Old San Juan took place on Friday, March 19, 2021. An ideal date, coinciding with the celebration of the Year of San José (Saint Joseph), as designated by Pope Francis, on the occasion of celebrating 150 years of being declared patron of the universal Church. Continue reading “The “San José” Church of Old San Juan; from our point of view” →