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August 27, 2005
back from the island..
Yes, it's true. My vacation has come to a swift end, but it was good while it lasted. Puerto Rico is beautiful, the weather almost always perfect, and the people just as I remember from my childhood. While there I visited el yunque (the only rainforest in the U.S.), luquillo beach, and a few other places. The food? WONDERFULLY FATTENING!!! Eating at pinones was the highlight of my trip, as monfongo, piraguas, empanadas, and flanes forced my body to remember the wonderful edible delicacies my grandmother used to cook for me, that were so often taken for granted.
Another beautiful sight is el Puente Moscoso. This bridge is decorated with both the American and Puerto Rican flags all along its (10k) length. What made me never want to leave was Viejo San Juan. On the weekends, native artisans peddle their wares and different bands come to play for hours; visitors and natives alike dancing to the beats while onlookers marvel at the lack of ageism or inhibitions of the dancers; a kiosk serving any beverage you would like and the visitors’ center giving beverages away for free; the smell of frituras y cuchifritos, dulce de batata y coco...
The sounds and sight of my native Spanish embraced me like a much needed blanket on a frostbitten body. It's funny how at home I felt. It truly felt like home, even though I have never lived there. For once in my life, I was part of the majority, and not on the periphery. It is an experience I plan to relive again next summer, si dios quiere.
Posted by dvaldesd at 02:10 PM | Comments (0)