Puerto Rico
"A la gente de Puerto Rico, gracias por la cálida y amable hospitalidad que le mostraron a este "gringo", que luchó por entender la vida en La Isla. Pero con su ayuda y apoyo continuo, descubrí cómo sumergirme por completo en ¡lo cultural y cómo apreciar plenamente cada día en Paradise!
"To the people of Puerto Rico, thank you for the warm and gracious hospitality you showed this "Gringo," who struggled to understand life in La Isla. But with your help, and continued support, I found out how to fully immerse myself into the cultural and how to fully appreciate each day in Paradise!
Our Puerto Rico Themed Products Will Be
Coming In Summer 2024!
(Logo Is being finalized and then must be Trademarked)
In 2006 I moved to Puerto Rico, hoping to stay for the rest of my life. I can remember arriving at the airport near San Juna, and when I walked outside, it was so hot I felt like I would melt! Had I made a mistake? When I was in Puerto Rico in 1997, it was hot, but not this hot. While I melted, I looked for a taxi and waived one nearby. When I got inside, the taxi driver greeted me by saying, "Hola Gringo! Where are you going?" He could have easily assumed I was going to a cruise ship, the Navy Base, or the Coast Guard Base. But as soon as the word "Gringo" left his mouth, I tensed up like he and I were about to get into a fight! You see, "Gringo" was a fighting word where I was from in Los Angeles. While people from all walks of life could hang out with one another, the term "Gringo" typically led to bad things.... but then the taxi driver said it again and again and again! He seemed to use the word every fourth word that came out of his mouth, and I felt very awkward like we were about to pull over and go at it.
Finally, we got to the Coast Guard Base, and I found my way to my new ship. When I got there, I was greeted by the crew, consisting of 8 guys from Puerto Rico and 8 other guys from around the States. When we were all standing together, I asked the local Puerto Ricans why the taxi driver called me "Gringo" so many times; they answered loudly and in unison, "Because you are one," they all started laughing! It was then that I realized that the taxi driver didn't mean anything by it was trying to be nice to me. I missed out on his hospitality, and it was my first learning moment of 1000s while I lived in Puerto Rico, and each one of them made me a much better person.
Eventually, I asked some locals, "How do I become a "local"?
They answered, "Stopped wearing shorts and start wearing pants."
"Seriously, I asked? I have never been this hot, and you want me to stop wearing shorts? Well, where can I wear shorts?"
"At the beach, next to the water." They said.
I was determined to be a local but didn't know if I could wear pants in such heat. From that point on, I started looking for locals wearing shorts, and sure enough, I only saw people wearing shorts at the beach. Only the tourists wore shorts, and that's when I realized that if I wore shorts, I'll always be looked at like a tourist, and I can tell you that the tourists who visited the Island were some of the rudest people I had ever met. It was so embarrassing when people from the States came to visit, got staggering drunk, and talked loudly while the locals were so chill and peaceful. The odd thing is that Puerto Rico has one of the highest violent crime rates in the US and its Territories, but I never saw it.
Wearing pants was only one of many pieces of advice that I took to "fit in." And then, one day, after adjusting to a new way of living and existing in a different culture, a young girl walked up to me and asked, "Sir, are you from here?"
I told her, "No, but I wish I was." It was so cute and so funny that I was confusing people. The same thing happened with a group and teenagers, and I felt elated! But it wouldn't last long because I had to leave the Island when I got transferred back to San Diego. I was so sad to leave, and one day, I told one of the local surfers it was time for me to go. He said, "You can't leave now. You're a local!" It was such an honor for him to say that to me, and I am so glad I could get "over myself" and learn how to live in their culture.
Because of the hospitality and kindness I received, I hope to honor Puerto Ricans with a logo inspired by them, and I would like to use a portion of the proceeds to help a Non-Profit agency. I am excited about the apparel and hope it will become popular with Puerto Ricans worldwide.
Here's a little bit of info about Puerto Rico and the people-
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Living in Puerto Rico means being part of warm and friendly people who are proud of their heritage and identity. Puerto Ricans, or boricua, are a mix of Spanish, African, Native American, and other influences reflected in their language, music, food, and art. They are also known for their hospitality, generosity, and resilience. One of the most attractive aspects of living in Puerto Rico is the vibrant and colorful culture expressed in various festivals, traditions, and celebrations throughout the year. You can enjoy the sounds of salsa, bomba and plena, the flavors of mofongo, arroz con gandules and pasteles, and the sights of vejigantes, santos and coquíes. You can also learn about the rich and complex history of the Island, from its pre-Columbian origins to its colonial past to its current status as a US territory. Another significant aspect of living in Puerto Rico is the stunning and diverse nature, which offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. You can explore rainforests, caves, mountains, waterfalls, and lagoons. You can also experience some of the world's best beaches, crystal-clear water, white sand, and tropical scenery. Don't forget to enjoy some of the best surfing in the world, with waves for all levels of skill and experience. Puerto Rico has over 300 miles of coastline, with dozens of surf spots. Rincon, Aguadilla, Isabela, and Luquillo are some of the most famous ones. You can also enjoy some of the best weather in the world, with warm temperatures, sunny days and refreshing breezes all year round.
Puerto Rico is a paradise for anyone who loves culture, nature and people.