Six Things that Surprised me about Puerto Rico

 Believe it or not, we didn't do any research on Puerto Rico before arriving here a little over two weeks ago (Saturday, February 11). If you know us well, then you can find that really hard to believe. We're still not sure why we didn't research this place at all, but it may have something to do with the overwhelming amount of research we had to do for traveling with type 1 diabetes supplies, traversing across Europe, getting medically prepared for the Amazon rainforest, etc. We chose Puerto Rico for our first stop because we have really good friends from college that live here who graciously agreed to host us. I guess we figured that since the basics were figured out for us, we could learn as we lived here!

That being said, it was easy to be surprised by this place once we got here. So here are a few of the ways I was surprised by Puerto Rico...

1. This place is definitely not Americanized. I had assumed that because Puerto Rico is a US territory, that it would feel a little bit like the States - that English would be a primary language and the culture would maybe feel a bit like San Diego (a Mexican border city). Not true! Puerto Rico certainly feels like a unique country and the primary language is Spanish, while some people speak some English (although it's always better to try your Spanish first). The place has much more extensive historical roots to Spain than to the US (due to a much longer occupation by Spain) and so the culture to me seems to reflect ties to Spanish, Central American, and Caribbean influences. The only thing that feels American here is the plethora of Walmarts, Walgreens and CVS's - many more per square mile (or kilometer) than you would find in San Diego!
2. Puerto Rican food is not similar at all to the Mexican food or even Costa Rican food I'm familiar with. Because of their location in the Caribbean, their popular dishes incorporate what is easily produced here, such as sweet plantains and chicken. And while they do cook with beans and rice, they aren't similar to the Mexican versions of red Spanish rice and refried beans. I happen to love all versions of beans and rice I've eaten! 
   
   
   
3. Puerto Rico has incredible coastlines of beaches! I had no idea the rich and varied amount of beaches you can enjoy all over the island. The water is wonderfully warm (a little warmer than Hawaii), the sand is soft, and there are so many beaches with protected pools to swim in (perfect for kids). This is because most of the island is surrounded by a coral reef, and so when that reef is close to shore it creates pools. In many of these pools I've been able to practically snorkel standing up because the water is so clear that you can just watch brightly colored fish swim all around your feet! During our 2.5 weeks here we only explored the north coast of Puerto Rico and were overwhelmed by the amazing beaches just on this one side. I'd love to come back, rent a Jeep and explore a whole lot more! 
   
   
   
4. Puerto Rico was and is a prized possession for conquering nations. The Spanish fiercely laid claim to this land for several centuries (1500s-late 1800s) due to its prime location at the entrance into the Caribbean - where they could control trade - and its abundance of gold. Puerto Rico literally means "rich port" in Spanish. The Spanish built two enormous fortresses to fend off the many attacks by other colonizing nations, and were successful in defending this land. Our visit to Castillo San Felipe del Morro was fascinating as we took in the grandeur of the place, and also learned of the horrific colonization history here in Puerto Rico, but also on many other Caribbean islands. Let us not forget that the natives who called this beautiful place home before the Spanish obliterated them were the Taino people. 
   
   
   
5. Currently, there are tensions here about whether or not Puerto Rico should gain independence from the United States and whether or not Americans should be allowed to live and work here under certain tax incentives. After learning just a little about their long history of occupation, I can certainly understand where this comes from. While I am not a history, international studies, or political scholar, I have gained an appreciation for the complexities of Caribbean nations seeking independence and the ways that our world's colonization histories impact this today. 
6. I had been told that Viejo (Old) San Juan was a unique and cool town, but I was absolutely blown away when I actually set foot there. Walking into this town felt like tumbling down a rabbit hole and ending up in a quaint European village. Everything about it seems charming - the narrow cobblestone streets, the cute little shops and restaurants on every corner, the plazas with fountains and benches and little pop-up cafe stands... We loved it so much we came back again for our final adventure in Puerto Rico. And the views of the harbor and ocean from the top of the town are incredible! 
   
   
   
   

So if you're wondering if Puerto Rico is worth a visit, my answer is an emphatic YES! The food is delicious and varied (there are plenty of other options if you're not into the local cuisine), the world-class beaches are endless, the vibe is laid-back, and the island is fairly easy to navigate. I have been completely charmed by this place and would absolutely love to come back and explore more of what this enchanting island has to offer. 

~By Monique