Puerto Rico ep. 6 (Citizen of The World): Adiós Puerto Rico

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As much as I would have loved, at that moment, to return to Puerto Rico, I was glad to be home. It may have treated us great, but I’m a Detroit boy through and through and there’s nowhere else that I would want to be.

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Puerto Rico ep. 5 (Citizen of The World): Exploring Luquillo

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I think about people like the Carlos at El Jefe Burger Shack and admire them tremendously for their firm determination. They are still there living their lives, even after everything that they experienced. In spite of everything that they have experienced. It is in moments of transcending unthinkable odds that people are defined. They are able to discover what they’re made of, see what they can endure and identify how they can rise above.

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Puerto Rico ep. 4 (Citizen of The World): In & Out Around Humacao

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I couldn’t help but think about the marked contrast between Palmas Del Mar and Punta Santiago. While each place had its notable differences, each had its own beauty that we were fortunate enough to experience.

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Puerto Rico ep. 3 (Citizen of The World): Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan)/La Perla/Humacao

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We saw a variety of geographies contained within San Juan, Cayey (Lechonera Los Pinos) and Humacao. We were able to see where one of our favorite videos were filmed and learn more about the area. Lastly, all of these adventures were punctuated with some delicious food.

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Puerto Rico ep. 2 (Citizen of The World): San Juan Photoshoot/Paletas/Mallorcas/Piña Coladas

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All in all, this day had us on quite the adventure from having flavorful paletas to hardy mallorcas to satisfying tropical drinks at the birthplace of the piña colada and taking in the sites while going on a photoshoot.

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Puerto Rico Ep. 1 (Citizen of The World): Old San Juan/Viejo San Juan

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On landing in San Juan, as soon as we we exited our plane and went into the airport, we were greeted by the savory smells of Puerto Rican food. The airport was painted in absolutely vibrant colors.

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Puerto Rico Series Prelude (Citizen of The World)

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Hello all. I was blessed to return from a trip to Puerto Rico. This is my second time to La Isla del Encanto (The Enchanted Island), a nickname that is well-deserved. I will get this out of the way, since I get asked this every time that I say that I’m visiting PR: no, you don’t need a passport to go there.

The first time that my family and I came was about a year and a half prior to Hurricane Maria passing through. My heart broke, when I heard that news, but was happy to see that the island is coming back, albeit very slowly. It was compelling to see some of the remaining damage. While some things have changed, something that stayed the same is how warm and welcoming Puerto Rico has remained this time as it was our first time. Now that my son is older, it is a richer experience, since he was really able to engage in and with our various experiences. My sincere hope is that, for the rest of his life, he will carry fond memories of this trip.

While some of what I say could be labeled as “travel writing,” this is not my primary intent, as there are much better writers than me that specialize in this style. In conceiving this series of pieces, I am approaching them from a “citizen of the world” perspective. If you have read my inaugural piece, “Hello World,” I mentioned some about my travels and stressed how I approach my trips as both traveler and student. I feel this now more than ever, especially with trying to pass this approach onto my son.

I will save the deep commentary for those people that are much more versed and capable than me. However, my hope is that, with the upcoming Citizen of The World pieces that you’ll walk away more informed on Puerto Rico, will consider traveling to, in my opinion, one of the most underrated travel destinations and that you, yourself, will be a citizen of the world.