In 2003 I turned 30. So for my 30th Birthday I wanted to do something special. I decided toVisit San Juan the capitol of Puerto Rico which is a spirited modern metropolis with a combination of South Beach and Las Vegas. White unspoiled beaches, high-rise hotels and casinos along with rich history, culture and traditions make this Caribbean hot spot a must see destination.

San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico. It is serviced by the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport which is a short drive from the ocean and the city central to the northwest. Just north of the airport is the Isla Verde beach area and its large, expensive casino hotels. Going west on route 26 you will drive through Atlantic View, Ocean Park, and then Condado. Past the Laugna del Condado lies Old San Juan and its narrow streets.

Visit Old San Juan where you can visit the two forts protecting San Juan, one from an ocean attack, the other from land invasion. The largest, which guards the harbor, is El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, usually refered to as EL Morro. This monumental 16th century fortress has a 45m (150ft) rise above sea level making it an excellent fortress to repel pirates, Dutch and English conquerers more than 500 years ago. A half mile to the east is Fort San Cristobal. Looking east along the coast from the ramparts of San Cristobal one can see all the way to Isla Verde. Looking slightly south you gaze at the old city and the Capitol Building.

Old San Juan is built inside of the castle wall. The ramparts extend from San Cristobal on the east side to the turrets of El Morro guarding the straights to the west. The wall wraps around the point to the bay side. The walk between these two points follows the ridge crest with the Atlantic Ocean far below. This is a rugged coast with large waves rolling in from the north.

From the southern ramparts on San Cristobal you look down on the busy Plaza Colon with its statue of Columbus. Further south you see the docks used by the many cruise ship which frequent the port.

Between the two castles lies the beautiful San Juan Cemetery and its stark, neoclassical chapel. The cemetery, often called one of the most beautiful in the world, is situated between the fort wall and the ocean cliffs. Through the walled system you will see turrets were the sentries stood guard over the city. The views from some of these are very good.

The large field in front of El Morro was once used to drill and train the troops. Today it is a picnic area and a great place to fly kites. The highest level of El Morro has a lighhouse. Leaning out the rampart openings you can see to the west the straights of San Juan which are flanked by a long, palm tree covered stretch of land known as Isla de Cabras. Looking to the east you see the makeshift houses which are situated on the hill on which the forts sit.

You can drive in Old San Juan but you are better advised to take public transportation or walk. The streets are very narrow and go up steep hills. Many are one way and parking is hard to find. If you wander the streets, you will find many interesting shops, bars, places to eat, and hidden squares. The churches are generally situated on plazas and many have beautiful stainglass windows. After a long walk in old town it is time for a cooling swim.

A short distance west of San Juan is the popular beach at Isla Verde. Some of the Island's largest and most expensive hotels border this beach. The far eastern end at Boca de Cangrejos has nice coral reefs. While many of the beach hotels are very expensive, if you go just several block off the water, they become much more reasonable.