This morning I went on a walking tour of old town. I was amazed how empty the streets are on weekends. During the week it is bumper to bumper most of the time. But on weekends unless you are leaving the city you walk. It is really cool. Everyone is out, Plaza Grande was full of people of all ages.
The steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral are divided in half by law. One half is for preaching religion which was packed later this afternoon. The other for preaching politics which is the busiest one. I went by the other evening because you could hear the people shouting from blocks away. The presidential palace is also on the square so they have a lot of political rallies or protests here. I may go back in the morning for the changing of the guard.
The San Juan district used to be full of gangs and was very violent. That was 10 years ago. Now it is a wonderful part on town. Went to a bakery there that has been in the family 80 years Quesadillas de San Juan. Took care of my sweet tooth for a few days. Between that and Paila ice cream while sitting on the square I was smiling.
The San Juan district now has other problems. Now that it is quiet, peaceful and family friendly it is a desirable place to live because of it’s wonderful location. Families that have been here generations living through the good, then the bad, and now the good are getting priced out of their old neighborhood. I know it happens everywhere but that doesn’t make it easy to watch. How many can afford to live in San Francisco that were born and raised there.
Off my soap box. Live life and love hard when you get the chance! Randy
