Author: Puerto Rico

Local Dining Surprises in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

  On my last visit to Old San Juan, just a short trip, the plan was to not have a plan.  I instead dined on and shopped for and admired the beauty of whatever happened to present itself on my path. As is usually the case when travelling with a loose itinerary, I stumbled upon some very special places. Among them were some wonderful dining experiences, some in well known restaurants, others in hidden gems, and even some right out on the street. Here are some worth taking a chance…

Read More

Puerto Rico Chambers of Commerce

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican Chambers of Commerce have been established in many cities throughout Florida and the United States. Below is a listing of most of the Puerto Rico Chambers of Commerce listed by area. Camara de Comercio de Puerto Rico Misión: Fortalecer el desarrollo de sus constituyentes proveyendo conocimientos, representatividad multisectorial y protegiendo los valores y fundamentos de la libre empresa. Además fomentar el desarrollo socioeconómico sostenible de Puerto Rico y una mejor calidad de vida. Visión: Crear las condiciones socioeconómicas sustentables que potencien la competitividad de Puerto Rico, promoviendo la…

Read More

the Origins of Plena y Bomba

Puerto Rico

The “plena” and “bomba” are still thriving in Puerto Rico. Like the Calypso from Trinidad, the “plena” is characterized by its simplicity and repetition, like all folkloric music, it is spontaneous expression of everyday occurrences. In Puerto Rico, it was influenced by people with African heritage. Themes included religion, local and national events, recipes, advice, and superstition. The philosophical element is also present. In other words, it embellishes themes that lure the imagination of the people. Plena y Bomba There are several theories as to the origins of this indigenous…

Read More

The History of the Paso Fino: a Classical Horse

Puerto Rico

The History of the Paso Fino: a Classical Horse By: Quentin Justice When Christopher Columbus landed in the New World in 1492, he found a continent without horses.  After returning to Spain, upon his return to the Americas, he brought back mares and stallions from Andalusia and Cordela.  These horses were a mixture of Andalusian, Barb, and the now-extinct Spanish Jennet.  The resulting offspring of this mixture was a horse with a very smooth and comfortable gait suitable for the varied terrains of the New World.  Because of a trait…

Read More

the Borinqueneers

Puerto Rico

    The Borinqueneers chronicles the never-before told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in U.S. Army history. Narrated by Hector Elizondo, the documentary relies on the vivid testimony of the regiment’s veterans and rare archival footage to trace the unique experience of the 65th, culminating in the Korean War and the dramatic events that would threaten its very existence. The 65thInfantry Regiment was nicknamed “The Borinqueneers” after “Borinquen”, the word given to Puerto Rico by its original inhabitants, the Taino Indians. Bound by…

Read More

VACATION RENTAL – Villa Mary Adjuntas Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico
Villa Mary Front of House

VACATION RENTAL – Villa Mary Adjuntas Puerto Rico Location: Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, Caribbean (Adjuntas is 20 Mins Away from Ponce, Taking Route #10) Accommodations:  House, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10) Escape back to a quieter time! Villa Mary is located on 6 acres in the lush verdant green mountains of the Cordillera Central in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. Build in the 1920’s by Mary Aguayo Casals, wife of Antonio Ferre’ Bacallao. This was the summer retreat house for the Ferre’ family. The Villa is fully furnished in antique Puertorican…

Read More

Puerto Rico: United States Citizens Starting in 1917

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Flag and American Flag

Puerto Rico: United States Citizens Starting in 1917 written by: Rett Fisher Puerto Rico sits close to 1,000 miles southeast of Florida. The island was given to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War in the year 1898. Two years later the U.S. set up a government for the island through a Congressional Act. President William McKinley inaugurated their first governor in San Juan that same year. Nearly twenty years later, about four weeks prior to the U.S. entering World War I, the Jones-Shafroth Act was signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson,…

Read More

Puerto Rico Coqui

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Coqui

Puerto Rico Coqui The Puerto Rico coqui, or little frog, as it is known in Puerto Rico, lives in a family of over 600 species of frogs. It is a tiny tree frog, measuring about one inch in length. They are translucent in color, though some appear yellow, some brown and some green. Their toes are not webbed, but separated and have small pads on the bottom so they can stick to surfaces. However, lack of this webbing means that they can not swim. The high pitched sound they make…

Read More