Tattooing is one of the great timeless art forms. Each civilization has had its own method and purpose behind the tattooing of their bodies. Some civilizations thought that carving the symbols of the gods in their skins would grant them a view into their wisdom and knowledge. Other had markings that defined them as warriors, and were designed to frighten and demoralize the enemy. Today peoples thoughts on tattoos are mixed at best. Some get them to symbolize special moments in their lives, while other like them simply because they look cool.

Today every city worth its salt has a good and reliable tattoo parlor. It’s as necessary as the 24 hour convenience store, and usually it’s way more clean! In Old San Juan we have Senzala Tattoo, and not only is it as clean as can be, it also houses excellent skin art.

Located on 354 San Francisco street, Senzala has a quaint entrance that you could miss if you’re not looking for it specifically. The residents are Eddie, Demian, Manolo, Hendrix and Angel. (Im sure there are more, but those are the ones I could see and recognize, sorry guys).These guys will tattoo and pierce you to you hearts content and leave you in good health.

So next time your in O.S.J. take some time out to visit your friendly neighborhood tattoo parlor and let your imagination soar (or sore, whatever the case may be). But if you already have something in your mind, like a design or a piercing idea, it might be best to give the guys a call and arange for a meeting, their number is 787-722-3676 .

If you’ve had your tattoo done at Senzala then send us pictures and we’ll be glad to post them up.

*pics taken from Senzala’s webpage: www.senzalatattoo.com

EDIT: Found this right after writing the previous post.

While searching the net for information about the Senzala article, I came across a very cool tattoo of our very own El Morro castle.

This picture is from Johnny Berrios, a tattoo artist from Easthampton Massachusetts, who im sure is Puerto Rican or at least latino (his last name is Berrios, so yeah thats kind of a given!). Aside from the iconic fort, he also has a sleeve tattoo of Roberto Clemente which you NEED to check out! Drop by his site www.johnnyberrios.com and comment on the awesome art he displays on it.

If you have a tattoo with an image of Old San Juan, like “La Garita del Diablo” or something of the sort, send us a picture of it ,and well do a write up for it!

1- Medical Emergencies: On San Francisco street, in front of the Plaza de Armas you will find two drugstores stocked with every essential item for minor scrapes, bruises, as well as emergency medicine runs. One o them is a major chain store, while the other is a local pharmacy. If I would recommend one I would say to go to the local one, (more inexpensive), but if you have your prescriptions on the more famous one, that’s the one you will need.

2- Security emergencies: For all the police related problems that happen in Old San Juan, you will need to head to the Puerta de Tierra Police Headquarters. If you’re in a car accident, lose your possessions, or are accosted, this is the place you need to go to make an official complaint. Old San Juan is always crawling with police officers so if something were to go down, you will usually find one near to your location. The Headquartes is located on Fernandez Juncos Avenue in Puerta de Tierra, near the fire department and the McDonalds.

3-Transportation emergencies: Nobody is going to get mad at you if you miss your bus back to your hotel because you were too busy finding the perfect souvenir. (Well maybe your wife/husband.) So for those: “I have to get out of here quick”- emergencies, you need to head to the corner of Tetuan street and Fortaleza street. There you will find a brigade of Taxi’s ready to take you wherever your lodging might be. These cabbies can be found round the clock, into the late hours of the night looking for fares. I would recommend care in selecting the taxi, they can be very competitive with each other and they are not afraid to fight for a fare! Don’t let this scare you, it just means that you will always be able to find the ride you need….or let go in the first place. Cabs painted white are part of the Tourist taxi program and have set fares for most routes, check ‘em out here on their website http://www.cabspr.com

As always be sure to practice safety at all hours! Old San Juan might not be as big as New York City but the same rules of security apply: mind the traffic, be courteous, don’t walk alone late at night, and if you have doubts as to your current surroundings go into a business and ask.

Know any other places where you can find help on the OSJ? Sound off in the comments below!