Colors of the Caribbean and a recipe for Arroz con Gandules
Bright blue skies, sunny days, pristine beaches and breathtakingly clear blue water. That is the Caribbean. Each island has its own characteristics and languages. Each has a unique and rich history dating back to the early 1500’s when the Spaniards came to colonize the Caribbean. What is it that makes the islands so enchanting? Perhaps it is the people and their culture. Maybe it is the casual feel and relaxed way of life and a little bit of that calypso music that gets in your head and stays with you. It could also be the stunning scenery that surrounds you wherever you go.
The ports of call on the Celebrity Eclipse during our Savor Your Destination cruise included San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin (the French spelling) which is both a Dutch and French island.
Coming in to port in San Juan
San Juan was the first port of call and is in many ways the most photogenic. We chose to spend the afternoon walking through Old San Juan to capture some of the stunning tropical colors of the buildings and the beautiful old architecture.
Even government buildings are colorful in San Juan
Two doors
We love these tropical colors
One of the most impressive structures in San Juan is the fort situated on the northwestern-most point of the islet. Castillo San Felipe del Morro was completed in the mid-1500‘s in honor of King Philip II of Spain. It was built to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the city of Old San Juan from enemies approaching by sea.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Cats were everywhere
Streets in San Juan and the cemetery at the base of Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Locals gather to chat on the sidewalks
Puerto Rico, also known as the “Island of Enchantment”, has a very strong food culture that combines influences of Spanish, African and Taíno cuisines. The Taínos were some of the original Caribbean and Central American settlers. Some of the better known dishes from the island are are Mofongo (mashed plantain mixed with a variety of other ingredients like seafood, meat or vegetables) and Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pidgeon Peas).
Colors of Old San Juan
Two windows
Capilla de Cristo at Parque de las Palomas
Look at those colors! So bright and bold!
I am entranced by those colors! We spent a week in Yucatan a year ago and I remember the houses painted in vivid colors – it matches so well the temperament of the Caribbean:)
Your photos are spectacular – I can only imagine seeing the sights in person:)
Where can I find these pidgeon peas?
Hi Lana,
Thank you for your comment. The colors are truly spectacular there and my husband had a great time doing the photography on this trip.
I found pidgeon peas in the frozen foods section at our International market. They also come in cans and I saw those as well. I opted for the frozen peas. I hope you make this dish. We loved the flavors and will definitely prepare it again!
Gwen
I have never even heard of the pidgeon peas, but I have to look them up! I wish I could smoke my own meats:(
I’ll definitely try this dish – love the flavors of the Caribbean! Have a great weekend, too1
Hi Lana,
I just saw canned pidgeon peas today at Publix, so they should be easy to find.
Gwen
Breathtaking colors and delicious looking food! Looks heavenly!
I haven’t been to PR in ages, but remember it still the same! Gorgeous and love the food!
I think I went on the same sort of cruise years ago – same ports of call. I loved walking the streets of old San Juan and all the other spots.
The recipe looks smashing!
OHHHH! This takes me back. I spent many of my childhood summers at my famly’s house on Sint Maarten! it has changed so much it breaks my heart… Beautiful photos. Thanks. GREG
Hi Greg,
Yes, it has changed quite a bit. I went to the French side many years ago and it was very different with beautiful cafes and shops. We were told that after the hurricane in 2004, things moved to the Dutch side and that no one rebuilt on the French side for the most part.
Gwen
Makes me want to go to the Islands!!!
And I want to go back!! 🙂
Breathtaking photographs! Arroz con gandules is one of my favorites Gwen. My 1st mother in law made a glorious pot whenever we visited.
Save a lot is the store that has frozen gandules in my area. Haven’t found them at Publix or Winn Dixie here.
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that your are familiar with this dish and know how good it is! I will definitely be making this again soon, especially with lots of Sofrito in the freezer!
The International market here had the pidgeon peas both frozen and in cans. I just happened to see them in the International section at Publix today, so I assume they are becoming more readily available.
Gwen
Gwen, wow….just wow! What gorgeous photos of such a beautiful place (or places). This really does look and sound like a fairytale place. Beautiful. I love the photo of the cats and the one with the old men. I wish you had added more pics of food 😀 And that Arroz con Gandules is fabulous! With home-smoked meat? Yowzers! Absolutely stunning and glad you and R could go on this. Boy would I love to join you on a culinary adventure! x
Woah! Such gorgeous pictures Gwen! I just feel like i went on a holiday! 🙂
I can’t get over the stunning colors. I am dreaming of visiting there one day. I’m so happy you had such a wonderful trip. Your arroz con gandules looks fantastic!
Oh how I love cruising and I love this recipe! I can’t wait to give it a try!
I was introduced to this dish from my Dominican Kitchen assistant and I love it! Your recipe looks wonderful. We make it very simply with rice and pigeon peas which are readily available here at all of our markets. Beautiful photos too!