Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Laguna del
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Condado
Mangrove forests line
the shores of this tidal
saltwater lake inland
of Condado. Each
year, on June 23, the
locals celebrate St.
John, patron saint of
the city, by plunging
backward into the
lake's waters 12
times for luck.
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Juan Bobo Statue
This statue in Parque Antonia Quiñones portrays a
legendary Puerto Rican
jibaro
(farmer) trying to carry
a basket of water
(left)
. The park - known to locals
as
la placita de Condado
(Condado's plaza) - is
a good place to get a taste of local life.
^
La Ventana al Mar
Lawns, contemporary
sculptures, and a fountain
make this waterfront
plaza an attractive setting
for the free folkloric
performances held here.
&
Art Deco
Architecture
Art Deco
fl ourished in
San Juan from 1930 to
1950, and Condado boasts
many fi ne architectural
examples
(above)
,
especially along Avenidas
Ashford and Magdalena.
*
Fine
Restaurants
San Juan is lined with
fi ne restaurants offering
a variety of cuisines
(left).
Many of the city's
best restaurants are in
Condado and Isla Verde,
where upscale hotels
lead the way
(see p65)
.
Art Deco Heyday
Art Deco in Puerto Rico
coincided with the
great age of transport,
and inspired local
architects infused their
buildings with slick,
streamlined forms.
Exteriors of most
structures built between
1930 and 1950 feature
distinctive Art Deco ele-
ments, such as rounded
curves and horizontally
banded parapets repre-
senting ships and trains
moving through air.
(
Ocean Park
)
Casinos
Some of the area's
best beaches are found
in this classy residential
neighborhood. Favored
by beach-going young-
sters, Ocean Park is also
the setting for some of
the trendiest hotels.
Many deluxe hotels
here have casinos, some
of which are quite plush.
Patrons, who must be
at least 18 years old to
enter, get dolled up in
their
Miami Vice
best
for a fun night out.
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