Epic Virtual Travel Adventures! Nelly vs. The Professor 1

Epic Virtual Travel Adventures! Nelly vs. The Professor 1

First Virtual Travel Adventure: San Juan, Puerto Rico!

Nelly the Wanderer:
“Ugh, Professor, do we have to do this? I could be playing video games or scrolling through TikTok right now.”

Professor Chronicles:
“Ah, Nelly, that’s exactly why we do this! Technology isn’t just for cat videos and dance challenges. It can take us on epic virtual travel adventures! How about we take a trip—without leaving your couch? This is one of the best virtual travel destinations we can explore.”

Nelly:
“Wait, so no airport security, no long flights, and I can still wear my pajamas? Alright, you’ve got my attention.”

Professor:
“That’s the spirit! Let’s start in San Juan, Puerto Rico—a place where Spanish colonial history meets Caribbean beaches and modern culture. Here’s a little trivia—when San Juan was founded, it wasn’t called San Juan.

Any guesses? I’ll reveal the answer at the end!

Actually, Juan Ponce de León founded an earlier settlement called Caparra in 1508. It was the first Spanish settlement and capital of Puerto Rico.

Caparra was chosen for its proximity to freshwater and gold mines but was abandoned by 1521 because it was too far inland, vulnerable to attacks, and too close to swamps.”

Nelly:
“Snakes, bad smell, and quicksand—three good reasons to move. Are you sure this is an “Epic” virtual travel adventure?”

Professor:
“Good point! The capital was then moved to what is now Old San Juan.”

Nelly:
“Okay, okay, that is a kinda cool virtual travel adventure. But can we at least find something that looks fun? I think an Epic Virtual Travel Adventure should have an epic backdrop for my next post.”

Exploring Old San Juan – A Colonial Gem

Professor:
“Okay, first stop—Old San Juan! Let’s fire up Google Earth so you can take a virtual walking tour and do some exploring, Nelly!”

Explore Old San Juan on Google Earth

Nelly:
“Oh wow, this is great! Checking out these cobblestone streets, surrounded by colorful Spanish architecture, is way cooler than I expected. Maybe I’ll even find an Insta-worthy spot. This is definitely one of the best virtual travel adventure destinations I’ve seen so far!”

Professor:
“San Juan was one of the most fortified cities in the Caribbean, and for good reason! Spanish explorers, pirates, and rival European powers all fought for control of this strategic island.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) took over 200 years to build, making it one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas.

This is what I mean, Nelly—why aren’t more schools using technology to make history feel alive? This is one of the best ways to learn history online.”

Nelly:
“So, instead of just reading about battles, kids could actually see where they happened? That’s way better than a history test.”

Discover More of San Juan—Virtually!

Nelly:
“Okay, I’ll admit, this is kind of fun. What else can we do from my couch?”

Start Exploring San Juan Virtually

Professor:
“A fantastic recommendation, Nelly! Through these virtual tours, you can:
✔ Walk through Old San Juan’s historic plazas
✔ Explore El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal
✔ Discover Puerto Rico’s lesser-known hidden gems

And the best part? No crowds, no sunburn, and no high prices! It’s one of the best educational virtual tours for everyone.”

Nelly:
“That’s all well and good, Professor, but do any of these places have Wi-Fi? Because let’s be real, that’s a priority.”

A Beach Getaway & Rainforest Escape

Nelly:
“Okay, let’s turn up the vacation vibes. Where’s the best beach for a virtual tan?”

Visit El Yunque & Flamenco Beach

Professor:
“Ah, El Yunque! A place of breathtaking natural beauty and home to cascading waterfalls, lush jungle trails, and rare wildlife. The indigenous Taíno people believed it was sacred.

And Flamenco Beach? A true Caribbean paradise with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. But did you know the island of Culebra was once used for U.S. Navy target practice? Fortunately, it’s now one of the best-kept travel secrets in the Caribbean!”

Nelly:
“Wait. They used a gorgeous beach for target practice? That’s like throwing paint on a masterpiece!”

Trivia Answer & Final Epic Virtual Travel Adventures Thoughts

Professor:
“Alright, time for the big reveal from our first virtual travel adventure! When San Juan was first founded, it was actually called Puerto Rico, which means ‘Rich Port.’

But later, the names flipped—Puerto Rico became the island’s name, and the city was renamed San Juan Bautista after John the Baptist.”

Nelly:
“Mind blown! 💥

Okay, Professor, I have to admit—a virtual travel adventure was actually fun. Not saying I’ll swap TikTok for history class, but if learning was always like this, I might reconsider.”

Professor:
“That’s progress! And who knows, Nelly? Maybe by the end of our adventures, you’ll be the one teaching others how to use tech for learning.”

Nelly:
“Let’s not get crazy, Professor. But okay, what’s next?”