Puerto Rico Then & Now (English and Spanish Edition)

Puerto Rico Then & Now (English and Spanish Edition) by Rigau, Jorge. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781592239412.

For centuries, Puerto Rico has captured the hearts of sailors, soldiers and cruisers--including none other than Christopher Columbus who landed here back in 1493. Puerto Ricos colorful culture reflects her colorful past, blending together Spanish, African, and Amerindian influences. Known for its exotic exports, including sofrito, rum, coffee and Rita Moreno, Puerto Rico exudes old world charm. Experience this captivating Caribbean island for yourself in Puerto Rico Then & Now. * Through pairs of past and present photographs, youll see Puerto Ricos beloved landmarks like youve never seen them before. * Puerto Rico is rich in colonial architecture--note the city walls, fortifications, cobblestone streets, hanging balconies, and plazas found throughout Old San Juan, Puerto Ricos distinctive, historical center. * Tour La Fortaleza, which once housed Puerto Ricos stores of gold and silver. Over the years, this magnificent building survived an attack by Sir Francis Drake, earthquakes, tsunamis and many hurricanes. Today, La Fortaleza is the governors mansion--the worlds oldest such residence in continuous use. * Seen Casa Blanca? Not the film, but the ancestral home of Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Ricos first governor. The Ponce de Leon family lived here for more than 250 years; today its patio and gardens are highlights of the Casa Blanca museum. * Revisit the beloved Castillo Valdez, built by the founders of Cerveceria India--one of Puerto Ricos favorite breweries. Legend has it that Se–or Valdez passed out cold beers to locals when the Castillo was demolished to make way for a modern Hilton hotel. * Puerto Rico is rich, indeed. Discover many additional then-and-now images of her national treasures, including Labadie Castle, the Roadkeepers House in Hormigueros, Munoz Rivera Park, and the Hacienda Santa Ana, one of Puerto Ricos famed coffee plantations.