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Travel·4 min read

By Amir and Samantha Khela · Toronto ·

Remember San Juan? | February 2023 #Shorts

A trip down memory lane to our vibrant February 2023 San Juan, Puerto Rico adventure, filled with sun, history, and delicious food.

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Oh, San Juan! Just watching that short clip from February 2023 brings all the sunshine and vibrant energy right back to us. It feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once, doesn't it? That trip to Puerto Rico was one of those perfect escapes where every corner offered something new to discover, and the warmth wasn't just from the sun, but from the incredible people and culture we encountered.

We've shared so many of our travel adventures with you all, from the bustling streets of Travel to New York City to the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies, but San Juan holds a special place in our hearts. It was a trip where we really leaned into exploring the local flavour, literally and figuratively! We remember strolling through Old San Juan, mesmerized by the pastel-coloured buildings and the cobblestone streets. Each turn felt like stepping into a postcard. We'd often stop at a little cafe, grab a strong Puerto Rican coffee, and just watch the world go by. That's one of our favourite ways to truly absorb a place – finding a quiet spot and simply observing.

One of our most vivid memories, and something we wish we could have crammed more into that short, was the food. Oh, the food! If you've ever been to Puerto Rico, you know what we're talking about. Mofongo became an instant favourite – the perfect combination of fried plantains, garlic, and sometimes pork or chicken. We tried it at so many different spots, each claiming to have the "best," and honestly, they were all fantastic! There was this one tiny, unassuming place we stumbled upon (we can't even remember the name now, unfortunately!) where the mofongo was served with a rich, savory broth, and it was just pure comfort in a bowl. We still talk about it to this day.

Beyond the food, the history of San Juan truly captivated us. Exploring El Morro, the massive fortress overlooking the ocean, was an experience we won't forget. Imagining all the stories those walls could tell, the battles fought, the centuries of history – it was incredibly humbling. We spent hours there, just wandering through the different levels, taking in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic. It's a testament to human resilience and ingenuity, and definitely a must-see if you ever find yourself in San Juan.

Traveling as an interracial couple, we've learned so much about different cultures and how we navigate them together. San Juan was a prime example of a place where we felt incredibly welcomed and at ease. The vibrancy of the local culture, a beautiful blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, was so evident in everything from the music drifting from open doorways to the intricate street art. It's moments like these that truly enrich our lives and remind us why we love exploring the world together. If you're curious about our experiences navigating different cultures, you might enjoy our post on Traveling as an Interracial Couple — What We've Learned.

That February 2023 trip was a whirlwind of sun, history, and unforgettable flavours. It was a perfect reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where you let yourself get a little lost, try something new, and simply soak in the atmosphere. We often look back at these shorts and videos and realize how quickly time flies. It's why we love documenting our journeys – not just for you, but for us, to relive these precious moments.

Have you ever been to San Juan? What were your favourite memories or foods? Let us know in the comments below! And if you haven't, we truly hope this little glimpse inspires you to add it to your travel bucket list.


Watch the full short on YouTube: Remember San Juan? | February 2023 #Shorts

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Amir and Samantha Khela

Amir & Samantha Khela

A Vietnamese & Punjabi family in Toronto — us and our two kids, Amelia and Kai — sharing real adventures, cultural stories, and family life.

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