San Juan: Both Past and Present
- Ferrer Gonzalo
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
San Juan is a city that doesn't stand still. There's always constant movement, as one would expect. Whether it's the ocean, traffic, or people. San Juan has aspects from the past as well as the present. A mix of the natural world and the built one, with both calmness and intensity. It’s a city shaped by history; it's become more than a place where I live, but one I can interpret.
Old San Juan takes you back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the old colonial architecture, with colorful and vibrant streets. The colorful facades and the fortress overlooking the Atlantic showcase its history all the way back to Christopher Columbus. The ocean is never far, physically or psychologically. You’ll feel the warm tropical breeze wherever you go.
My own images
San Juan's contrasts strike me, as old Spanish colonial architecture coexists with modern architecture. You can drive through old streets, and in less than 5 minutes, you’ll observe a modern city with tall buildings and new developments being built. This layering makes the city feel authentic, still preserving its history. It's a city that has evolved, adapting to change and urbanization. Growing up, I navigated daily through the city as I went from my house to my school, which were both located in the city. Living so close to the ocean meant I could walk to the beach at any time to enjoy the calmness it brings. I could also go to the beach by boat and see the city from a distance. Allowing me to observe the integration between the city and nature, as you’re able to observe the mountains in the far distance, as the fresh salty breeze hits your face. It's a city that withstands storms, tides, and heat, reminding me of the importance of creating cities that can respond to nature and withstand what it entails.
This city has also taught me to observe and interact with people. People there are very social, and conversations with strangers are common, whether that be in a cafe, restaurant, or on a sidewalk. There is a sense of community, creating a welcoming environment. As you walk along the street, people will smile and say good morning or good afternoon, creating a friendly environment. Which allows you to have a conversation with a random person you’ve never met before. Some areas are vibrant and well-maintained, while others clearly show inequality and negligence. You begin to notice the contrast once you begin to go to the outer parts of the city, which makes it feel real.
Every time I travel to different cities around the world, I find myself comparing them to San Juan. I notice the cities coexist with nature, how people move through the city, and whether history is preserved or not. San Juan has given me this lens. It has taught me that cities are not just a collection of modern buildings, but they also reflect culture and history. The way San Juan blends and balances tourism and local life allows me to observe how I imagine the future of cities like it.
Today, when I think about San Juan, I view it as a city that blends culture, history, innovation, and change. It's not perfect, but it feels alive as tourists and locals fill the streets and take advantage of everything it has to offer. Whether that be going on a run, biking, boating, dining out, or spending time on its beautiful beaches. Living in San Juan has taught me to notice the beauty of certain places and appreciate all of the different components that together make up the city. Every city around the world has a unique touch, but for me, San Juan has an energy that can’t be matched.
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