One of the most interesting and exciting places I have had the pleasure of visiting was the Island of Puerto Rico. Getting on the plane and arriving on the island was the easy part, but learning to navigate the island and getting reliable transportation was a whole other ball game.
Once I got off the plane and exited the airport I knew I was going to face some challenges with transportation. The island is small, but is home to 3.6 million people so it is very crowded and busy. If you have ever been to New York City and waited for the train at a subway station that is what leaving the San Juan airport was like. I had not thought to set up a taxi or bus service before I arrived so I began to walk away from the airport. Eventually I made it to a bus stop. As I was waiting for the bus I noticed that people were not very cautious while driving. Small dilapidated vehicles were swerving in and out of lanes while blowing on their horns and the public transportation followed suit. By the time the bus arrived I was almost positive walking would have been a safer route to my hotel room, but I hesitantly got on the bus. The buses cost one U.S dollar to ride any were in the city of San Juan but they do not accept dollar bills, I did not have coins on me. Thankfully the bus driver was very kind and let me ride for free.
The trip to the hotel room was about an eight-mile journey, which took almost two hours to complete. As I sat on an unfamiliar bus in a strange new city I began to
“I know what's enchanting about my beautiful Puerto Rico. That's why I love her so, and I'll always call her Precious”. This verse is part of a song called “Preciosa,” which is cataloged as another anthem of Puerto Rico. I was born and grew up knowing the island of Puerto Rico as Borikén, the island of charm. I had the opportunity to know the rural paths of my blessed island, its culture, and its history. Every year in school, I learned about my roots, the “Indio Taino,” the African slaves, and the Spanish colonizers. As I was part of a folkloric dance group, I was able not only to learn of the Puerto Rican culture and history, but to represent it as well. Along with the Puerto Rican history, I always knew Puerto Rico was a territory of the United States, but I
Cautionary old wive’s tales have long been an effective way to teach children morality and values without boring them. In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “A Partial Remembrance of a Puerto Rican Childhood” (rpt. In Santi V. Buscemi and Charlotte Smith, 75 Readings Plus, 10th ed. [New York: McGraw Hill, 2013] 67-71) it is clear how a good storyteller such as Mama can capture the attention her audience. Cofer’s grandmother often tells these “cuentos” to her daughters and granddaughters over afternoon coffee. These stories are used as an indirect way for Mama to teach her family the values and lessons that she has learned throughout her life.
There has been a question that has been asked by hundreds of people. Should America have a 51st state, if yes what should the 51st state be? This logical question makes it clear that there should be a vote on whether Washington D.C. and/or Puerto Rico should become a state or not.
Traveling to an island for free? Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that great opportunity? Growing up with a family of six, my parents have always wanted the best for us. one thing they strive for is making sure we spend time together. My dad works all year to be able to take us out to learn and enjoy our from our family trips. Because we drive on our vacation trips, we have only been limited to the eastern side of America. I am blessed to have parents who care about our future because through our trips we have been able to learn outside of school and bring that information to the classroom. Going to Puerto Rico I will be able to learn more than just history. This experience would allow me to expand my knowledge of the island and the people, and learn a little of everything about the culture. Coming from a Mexican background and growing up in America, I have been exposed to two cultures. Culture is a big part of my life. I love my Mexican culture, but I enjoy learning about others' cultures.
prompting action from the U.S. government that would lead to stabilization of the Puerto Rican economy.
A few years ago, my family and I traveled to Puerto Rico for winter break vacation. Our resort was located on an island off of the mainland so it was necessary that we take a boatride. The island was beautiful and desolate. It was full of beaches, fields, and mountains and our stay was filled with exploring the island. For the first few days, I explored the island primarily with my dad. In the middle of the island lay the main attraction, a large, hikeable mountain. We climbed to the top until we reached the peak. We sat down at a gazebo and enjoyed the 360 degree views of the island.
Summer is my favorite time of the year, but this year It felt like summer was two minutes long. It was most likely because of all the fun I was having playing baseball and hanging out with friends and family. The highlight of my summer was my trip to Puerto Rico. It was beautiful, the smell of the trees, the weather, and the beaches.
The calm waves in the crystal blue water bounce off my eyes as the sun shines bright. I wouldn't be able to see the beauty of Puerto Rico without my one way ticket. If I was given a ticket to anywhere in the world I would choose Puerto Rico because of the diversity and I can experience nature like never
A tropical island, beautiful sunny Puerto Rico. Despite their citizens in need, the millions in debt, 45% of their population living in poverty, not to mention their bankrupt government, I think I could manage to enjoy the beach. On second thought, with the damage its recent natural disasters caused, visiting the island might not be
Whether or not Puerto Rico becomes the 51st state of the United States of America is an important issue that has been pondered for the last fifty years. Puerto Rico is currently a Commonwealth of the United States and has been under U.S. rule for a century. Spain ruled Puerto Rico for about 400 years prior to the U.S. take-over in 1898. The current and pertinent issue, though, is whether Puerto Rico will remain a Commonwealth of the U.S., become the 51st state, or gain independence. In "Doing Right by Puerto Rico," the former governor of Puerto Rico (1973-1976, 1985-1992) argues that Congress must take action. He describes the deterioration of the quality of life in Puerto Rico and explains that it is imperative for a decision to be made
Puerto Rico is more than San Juan and the lovely beaches. It also boasts luscious tropical rainforest and just across the central mountainous region, you will find this secluded town of Guánica - known for its dry forest, rich with exotic flora and fauna. The landscape of Puerto Rico is diverse - although a small island. A place to explore further for
Puerto Rico’s absolute location is 18.2208” N, and 66.5901” W. Puerto Rico’s relative location is East of Dominican Republic, & bordered by the Caribbean Sea –which it is in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea- along with bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This Caribbean Island is located in the Western & Northern hemispheres of the world.
I have a similar experience in high school while I was taking History of Puerto Rico class. We need to learn the 78 cities of the island and point them on a map. Every Friday, he gave us a quiz about the location of these cities. He gave each student five random pieces of paper with the name of a city, and we need to locate all of them in the map at the front of the board. It was awkward at first because every classmate was looking. One technique that I use there was by looking the shape of the city on the map, and relate the name of the city with something like I know. For example, the shape of the city of Guayama looks like a camel; Arecibo and Utuado are together and appears to be the biggest on the island, and so on. Another technique
I have a ticket in my hand. I can go anywhere in the world, see anything or meet anyone. The world has an abundance of cities and beautiful views. For what? A temporary ease to reality? Magical places filled with superficial smiles materialistically caused to cover up the evil within the country. So where would I go?
In this paper, I will give a general overview of Puerto Rico. To begin with, I will cover the early ages of Puerto Rico, the 1530’s to the 1815’s. I am going to explain a general geographical view, the existence of the Taino’s which were the first settlers in Puerto Rico before Columbus arrived, the struggles and consequences that the settlers came across due to living in a subsistence culture and exploitation of disease. Eventually I will explain, how the subsistence society broke loose from living a day by day basis.