I am so grateful, and happy, that I had a chance to experience this non-stop four day party in…read morewonderful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico last year. It was an experience my gal and I will never forget.
It's basically four days and nights of their island version of Mardi Gras!
While we were there the weather was absolutely perfect. Warm sunny days to explore, shop, walk the streets of pastel colored buildings and houses, visit historic sights, and do the touristy thing. Even paid a trip to the Bacardi rum distillery, and bartended a bit while enjoying some libations. Oh yeah!
The eats? OMG - the Mofongo here is insanely good! So much delicious food. I am now a Mofongo addict. We had a chance to dine at many of the small cafes, and always tried to eat where the locals went.
Then, awesome nights under the stars partying our asses off until midnight each evening. Even though we were surrounded on packed cobblestone streets with literally a hundred thousand other party animals each night, we loved it and never felt crowded in and stomped on. The people attending this festival were so friendly and respectful. Even when drinking and dancing to terrific DJ's, salsa bands, and numerous singers along the streets and plazas, if anyone bumped into us or stepped on our feet there was always an "excuse me" or "sorry buddy". Very warm, well behaved, and considerate people.
The entertainment that performs at SanSe is top-notch. We did so much dancing that we slept so well when we plopped into bed afterwards. It was a fun way to get exhausted, then happily do it all over again the next day!
The best part of the festival was wandering around, walking down some side street, and happening upon another party. Just some people playing instruments, the locals in lawn chairs, and breakout dancing in celebration. Anybody walking by was invited to join in. Loved it!
Oh, and there were so many stands set up to try their street foods, and island cuisine mainstays. Bars were everywhere serving up ridiculously cheap beer and mixed drinks. Booze stands would pop up everywhere, including doorways to buildings were there should not be one. $2 beers. $3-5 large mixed drinks. It was easy on the wallet, and those drinks were not weak at all.
I have to say, we felt pretty safe the whole time. The police force was out in full force, and they look like the types you don't mess around with. Very well organized event.
We had booked this trip at last minute, as JetBlue had a getaway travel package that was hard to pass up. It was a no-brainer. Definitely, one of the best vacations we have ever been on. Hands down.
Then, we all know what happened when hurricane Maria hit. Poor PR, and it's people, were destroyed. There is still widespread damage, a lot of the island has no power, and most services are not functional. Even to this day a year later. We hope and pray for PR, as we want to go back in support, and experience the culture, friendliness, and warmth that we were surrounded with. My heart goes out to the people there.
Yes, we will party with you all again at San Sebastian. We can't wait to go back in the future and dance the nights away. Plus, I need my Mofongo!
Long live SanSe!