Bad Neighbours and Life Lessons in the Pastel Streets of Old San Jan

Oh the pastel streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, charming barely describes it. As I wander down Calle San Miguel, I veer off toward the colourful residential streets away from the Malecon. That too is a sight, but wait till you hear these stories, all occurring in the pastel streets of Old San Juan.

A slow unplanned zig zag through the historic cobblestone streets reveals several life lessons. The air is warm on this bright, blue sky day. The joyful sunshine accentuating the crisp painted walls and enhancing our thirst. Should have brought a water bottle along, but there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bodegas to step into.

Lesson 1 – Experience is a more permanent teacher.

We did just that. Looking for a thirst quenching drink I stepped into La Verguenza. The saffron exterior and lively music that spilled out through open doors, called me in. It was midday, yet the ambient sounds resembled a midnight fiesta.

Aside from the man at the counter, this small place was empty and as I turned my camera on to video tape the energetic ambiance, a policeman strode in. Out of respect and due to former tutelage I turned my camera off.

I had learned the hard way, once in Venezuela, in my naive and early twenties, that police and especially soldiers do not like to be photographed. Decades later the lesson has stuck. Experience is a permanent teacher.

The festive energy in the little walkway beside the restaurant continued, oblivious to the police presence. We ordered our drinks to go, and stepped out into the Puerto Rican sunshine once again.

Lesson 2 – Everyone is a celebrity seeking appreciation.

Continuing along the pastel streets, whoops I had to wait, or else become a star in a lone YouTuber’s video. Her cameras perched on tripods, she floated across the street in her beautiful floral dress that mimicked the pretty pink building behind her.

She had a lot to say. It was going to be a while, and since there was no way to go around, I ducked to avoid the lens. Hopefully my loose and flailing top knot did not make it into the video, for her sake.

Everyone wants to be a celebrity it seems, except me and my flailing bun. No pictures here, because I’m not the paparazzi, even if I act like it.

Lesson 3 – Be Friendly, it’s so easy and generates joy

The streets are not crowded, and the wrought iron balconies with potted flowers and gorgeous trailing greenery exudes a European vibe. I stop to draw the warm air deep into my lungs, thinking perhaps they will also absorb the memory of this gentle moment.

Just as I turn to continue along the cobblestones, a little meowed greeting calls to me through the opening in a front door. Hola I say, to the cute kitty cat perched in the opening. This friendly furry love called out his hellos to all the passersby, who responded with joy and laughter.

It’s so easy to say hello. Before you knew it I was also chitchatting with the passersby gathered near the door and joy and laughter ensued.

Lesson 4 – You Can Advertise your Bad Neighbour

The pastel buildings and cobblestones press me out into the Plaza Colon where a statue of Christopher Columbus stands on a tall column. Erected in the late 1800s this structure is dedicated to the discovery of Puerto Rico by the famous explorer.

I take a 360 degree view of the square and capture a short video of the Alma Hotel, which to the tourist’s eye looks like a beautiful place on the exterior. It wasn’t until I got home and looked at my pictures that I realized there were printed signs on the balconies of the building next door. The sign says, “Alma Hotel Bad Neighbor.”

For people to hang printed weatherproof signs on their balconies denouncing their neighbor must mean the neighbour had done something quite egregious. A little research revealed that the neighbors of the Alma Hotel in the adjoining building have tried for many months to diplomatically deal with the Alma Hotel’s management on noise issues and health violations. It appears however, that management has made no changes, and problems persist. Several poor online reviews attest to these issues.

I should have thought about this when I had a bad neighbour several years ago. Apparently billboards still work.

I saw a lot and learned so much in that short afternoon amble through the pastel streets of Old San Juan, and treasure some delightful memories.

Is there a memory you treasure that you experienced walking the streets of a different country? And have you ever had a bad neighbour? I could write a book about mine (HaHaHaHa), but for now I’ll hold on to the memories of this special afternoon in Puerto Rico.