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Puerto Rico (Citizen of The World): A Love Letter To Puerto Rico

Jose Rodriguez

Photos: José A. Rodríguez & Renée Rodríguez Photography

In part 6 of my Citizen of The World series chronicling my trip to Puerto Rico, I wrote how I didn’t recall seeing a sunset perhaps because I didn’t want the days to end. I similarly dreaded writing this piece because it would mean that there was nothing more to write. However, I have to look at this piece more as hasta luego (see you later) rather than adiós (goodbye). The great people that I met, the things that I experienced and the food that I ate give me infinite reasons to return, although it’s not like I need that much motivation.

Looking Back

I was fortunate to be able to take this second trip. I carried my previous experience and there were some places that we revisited. However, there were new places that my wife and I wanted to check out. What these trips had in common was our sense of curiosity and fearlessness. We dread the “beaten path” and prefer to make our own.

This time around, I felt like there wasn’t as much to learn. Perhaps it is better to say that what we learned was more subtle. On the first trip, there was so much to learn: destinations, routes of travel and getting acquainted with the food. This time around, I think that the lessons were more about the absorbing the essence and spirit of Puerto Rico.

One of my biggest treasures were my interactions with people. I remember the cabbie, who drove us from the airport to Hotel El Convento, who gave us an updated overview of Old San Juan. There were the chats with our photographer, Kahlil, who showed us around Old San Juan, while taking great photos of us. He told us about not having power for six months after Hurricane Maria. There were the friendly men in La Perla, who said hi to us and provided us with directions. There was the Uber driver, who drove us from El Convento to Charlie Car Rental. He shared some of his concerns regarding Puerto Rico’s infrastructure should the next disaster strike. There was Carlos, owner of El Jefe Burger Shack & Mojito Factory, who shared his story about rebuilding his kiosko, after it was destroyed in the hurricane, which showed his tenacity. Lastly, there was the Charlie Rental Car shuttle driver, who was drumming on the steering wheel to a Taylor Swift song. He reminded me that even in the most mundane task that there is always rhythm.

Moving Forward

So what else can I say about this trip? Well, the pieces that I wrote are a start. It’s not like there weren’t people before me that have written about the Enchanted Island (Isla del Encanto), so I’m hardly the first. However, from talking to people that I know, it seems like Puerto Rico is not on their radar nor does it appear to have ever been. This is shocking considering how welcoming the people are, how delicious the food is and how easy it is to get there. You don’t even need a passport.

Around the time of our first trip, I wasn’t writing. This time around, I have this blog. With it, I felt obligated to share my story and that of the places I visited and people that I encountered. I felt that with sharing these stories that maybe people in my corner of the world and elsewhere will consider Puerto Rico for their next trip and explore the island not just through a cruise or going to the regular tourist spots. There is so much more to experience in Puerto Rico through a little adventurous exploration. My hope is for others to see it as I have and to feel this same love.

I wish that I could personally thank every person that I interacted with during this trip from the people that waited on me, the people at El Convento that took care of us, the drivers, Kahlil the photographer and El Jefe Burger Shack’s owner, Carlos. It is people like them that make Puerto Rico feel cozy and homey. It is people like them that make people like me want to return.

TE QUIERO PUERTO RICO. HASTA LUEGO.

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