A hidden treasure trove of the history and culture.

In the Cuartel de Ballaja of Old San Juan, we visited the Museo de las Américas, a hidden treasure trove of the history and culture of Puerto Rico and the American continent. There was so much to see and learn. But what fascinated me most was that within these walls, I discovered echos of a tumultuous past and a rich culture in motion.

As we walked through the different salas history came alive. The El Indio en América exhibition tells a visually fascinating tale of how our ancestors, the indigenous Taínos lived in Boriken, the indigenous name for Puerto Rico, and their struggle to survive post colonialism.

Forward in time, the "Conquista y Colonización", brings alive the familiar story of the arrival of the Spanish and the voyages of Columbus in the "ocean blue" room, as well as how European rule influenced religious belief and piloted the emergence of Caribbean countries as important ports and centres of trade.

Memories and memoirs of a Transatlantic African slave trade in the 'Herencia Africana', rouse the horror and sadness of past atrocities, but the dominating narrative is the celebration of the strong influences of the African people on food, music and Puerto Rican culture.

Each piece of history produced inexplicably unique artwork, and explains the courage and resilience, the energy and love for life, the creativity and diversity, and pride and passion of the people of this beautiful island of Puerto Rico. And in this walk down their colourful past, I understood them