Doors of Old San Juan

January 14, 2015November 22, 2015Leave a comment

I love Old San Juan.There might be traffic to get there, parking may be tough and some alleys may have questionable smells, but Old San Juan is beautiful. From family outings on a bright sunny day, to late night bar hopping with friends trying to find the best place to dance that offered reasonable priced drinks. There might be several tourist traps here and there, but that doesn’t take away from all the magic that lies around these streets. If you don’t believe me, just look at these doors. I don’t even need my average photography skills to show you how beautiful they are. I wish I could tell you the story behind each door, but I don’t know it. I can tell you, however, that I’m pretty sure I once stayed inside one of them for one night, in my friend’s friend’s apartment with no mirrors, because he “didn’t believe in those things”.

Sure, people may talk about Dublin’s iconic doors, but my lovely Old San Juan has nothing to envy.

Photos taken and edited by Cristina Nogueras ©

Joyuda, Puerto Rico – Take One

January 7, 2015November 22, 2015Leave a comment

It’s always sad when one exciting trip ends, but there’s always the comfort of coming home to a bunch of photos. This was my first trip with my DSLR camera, which obviously means I took more photos that I now can handle. I must admit I am obsessed and can’t get enough (something I have no problem with).

Here are a few to begin with from my days at Joyuda, Puerto Rico

Joyuda is one of my favorite areas in Puerto Rico, located in the South West, you can get amazing seafood (which I had) and pass out by the beach with a food coma (which I did). In my humble opinion, this area has some of the nicest beaches in Puerto Rico, but I know that can be highly debated.

I love the fact that you can find a handful of seafront restaurants in Joyuda, allowing you to have your fish by the sea (you can think that’s awesome or tragic, your pick). I also love this random picture that I took of my boyfriend, he might seem serene but I can tell he is a little freaked out by the huge fish swimming right below (they were like 4 feet long!).

For better or for worse, I am a steak person, but seafood here is so good that I can totally make an exception. You can find seafood empanadillas, seafood mofongo … seafood EVERYTHING. I would show you pictures, but most times I was very excited to eat and forgot to shoot first (I know, horrible how I dared to enjoy my food without any technology). I do have some good places to eat that I will be sharing soon, more to come!

* All photos in this post were taken and edited by Cristina Nogueras, please do not use without permission *

Puerto Rico On My Mind

December 15, 2014November 22, 2015Leave a comment

Five years ago, making my way to las Tinajas in Puerto Rico.

Trekking up the river to reach a corner of the forest where rocks become natural slides.

Now, just a few days away from landing on this twisted little island of mine.

“Great things never came from comfort zones”

May 27, 2014November 22, 20151 Comment

This has been my mantra for this past month. Not only is my big Europe trip right around the corner, but I got a new job and started a new professional journey (basically the reason why I have abandoned this blog for a few weeks) but cry no more, I’m back! (Only to leave in a week, but still!)

I also went home to my beautiful Puerto Rico and got to spend some wonderful days with my family and friends. It was really the perfect way to end a great chapter in my life and freshen up to start a new one. So really, I can’t complain. Sure, I’m peeling from the sun even though I am still technically white and sure, my bank account has taken a hit, but I’m sure I’ll live.

I try to stay away from all things cheesy (except when they actually are cheesy, yum.) but lately I’ve just been feeling like I have so much to take in from life (besides new work information, of course). Sure, I stress about things all the time, that’s just how I work. Who knows? This may be the nice weather talking, but life is good right now. Long gone are the days of miserable weather complaints and in are the sunny, sweaty walks to work. Ah, sweaty summer bliss.

But back to being corny,

Life is crazy, unpredictable and if you let it be, it can also be beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, below are some pictures from La Isla del Encanto that I took during my last visit home (yes, I get to call paradise home). I always love giving out recommendations for travelers that wish to visit Puerto Rico, so feel free to shoot me a comment or tweet me any questions!

Yes, me and my boyfriend might have started a cheesy tradition of taking travel pictures with our feet #noshame – This was before our kayak tour at the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. Tour started during the day, through the canals and into the bay to watch the sunset. Then, I was once again amazed by the beauty that is the bay’s natural glow. Third time doing it and it’s still worth the sore muscles!

Right before our journey! This picture has no filters, you can see how the sunset light glows in the water, giving it a nice natural tone.

Credit for this one goes to my dad (@josenogueraspr)

Hyatt Hacienda del Mar in Dorado, Puerto Rico

Basically, a little corner of heaven, right here.

It wouldn’t be complete without a food picture, wouldn’t it? For my boyfriend’s birthday I took him to a delicious restaurant in Dorado called El Ladrillo (The Brick) – I had been there when I was little and fine cuisine for me consisted of plain rice and chicken, coming back was absolutely amazing. Not only is the food really good and varied for all tastes, but the restaurant itself is beautiful. They have a true art collection within the space.

Be sure to follow my Instagram for more pictures that don’t make it to actual posts – @peaceloveanddietcoke

Main image credit – http://www.etmusiquepourtous.com/2012/11/07/16191/jpeg/

All other pictures taken by Cristina Nogueras © Do not copy or repost without attribution

Wordless Wednesday: Where I wish I was right now

January 29, 2014March 1, 2014Leave a comment

Guilligan Island, Puerto Rico – Photo by Cristina Nogueras ©

Wordless Wednesday: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

January 22, 2014November 22, 2015Leave a comment

Photo by Cristina Nogueras ©

Vacation mode, not that I’m bragging or anything.

December 27, 2013November 22, 2015Leave a comment

Still in vacation over here. Enjoying some time in my beautiful Puerto Rico, can’t really complain.

2014 is right around the corner, but right now I’m enjoying the “now”.

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico – Seriously one of my favorite views in the whole island.

Up in the mountains of Adjuntas, having lunch with a sweet tropical breeze.

Delicious mofongo, stuffed with skirt steak and other wonders. Basically, plantain gloriousness in a plate.

Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo. “Sucia” means dirty, but believe me, this beach is far from dirty. Guess we like irony?

So basically, been busy with family and tropical adventures but I shall be back in the tundra that is New York and face reality. 2013 has been pretty sweet, so some stories are in store.

Cheers everyone, Happy Holidays! (At least in Puerto Rico it’s still the Holidays)