It's been nearly 10 years since I last visited Puerto Rico. I'll tell you one thing, seeing with the eyes of a 26 yr old is definitely different than those innocent eyes of a 16 yr old! The roads seemed longer, the hills steeper and the streets cleaner back then.
Like many countries and islands in the Carribean, Puerto Rico is not excluded from the vast range of empoverished barrios to fast-paced luxury living. San Juan (primarily Condado) is booming and thriving with renovated hotels, restaurants and high end retail shops. It was great to visit Condado, however, my family in particular is spread out along the North, North East part of the island. I visited Guaynabo "City" LOL (& campo), Trujillo Alto, Bayamon, Santurce, Arecibo, Hatillo, Ponce ("Ponce es Ponce, y lo demas parqueo..." yea right! LOL) and rekindled in that humilty that is both my parents family, managing to pick up the occasional "bendito nene" "nena" "ay 'dito" "brutal" "papi" "es igual q' la mai" and a badass perspective on love & life. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm one lucky girl with great history and heritage!
A quick, but love filled shout out to Titi Luisa & Tio Hiram por brindar tu hogar, aire condicionado y paseos por la isla, Javi & Ana por ser buenos alumnos de salsa y choferres, Luis y Bebo, primos - por todo! Titi Lillian y Tio Angel por los piononos (yummmmm) y bizcocho! Nina- q' te mejores miamor, Yazmin y Maria- ojala nos vemos mas a menudo.
Titi Mimi y Tio Edwin, Omar, Marelis (y Wilfredo) y David - los aprecio muchisimo! Me diverti bastante en la playa de Hatillo y q rico el Frape y mini frituras! yummmm!! Titi y Tio como siempre su aconsejo es inestimable.
Abuela - bendicion!!!!!!!! No hay palabras, te adoro! besoooooo y abrazo
Abuelo Santo - gracias por los diez pesitos, aunque no era necesario..jaja, le compre un regalito a mis hermanos de parte tuya.
And, so here I am back in Miami, ready to hit the books and work again. Glad to be back...I missed my parents, brothers, mushu and friends very much. I'm grateful for the renewed connection with my extended family and wonderful new memories and safe flight to and fro; it is priceless.
xoxo always karla
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