Islanders point of view

Apr 15, 2008 at 10:27 AM
6 comments

Well Im back from my trip, it was short but sweet. It gave me time to get my mind off things and just enjoy life. I had been to the city as a child but now I truly got the big picture. May I add that I hate American Airlines... They lost my luggage so the first day I had to buy the essentials and clothes for the night on the town. A friend of mine from high school who lives in the city took us to the village at night for drinks. He's a graphic designer for Mark Ecko for Ecko unltd. Obviously in the city to gain experience in his craft but I couldn't help to notice that he didn't seem very happy. "I miss the island, its too cold up here and Im turning white, I need some sun" He seemed happy to have some puertorrican company. Now I know some people will say, "why? there's like a million Puertorricans in NY" To which I will (very politically incorrect) respond no there aren't, there are like a million Nuyoricans up there. Believe me its not the same at all. We have different cultures, raised in very different realities. Now I'm not trashing them or anything, I'm just stating that we behave and express ourselves differently. On the island people cringe when they see the Puerto Rican day parade, our flag being tossed about as a "fashion statement" knowing that to people that don't even know where the island is, well this will be their point of reference... Now just because I don't wear my flag on a t-shirt that is two sizes too small doesn't mean I'm not proud of my heritage. People on the island are friendly, contrary to popular belief most speak english as well as spanish, we have a high rate of people who continue their education after high school, and very low illiteracy rate. We have good fashion sense as well :P Luis Vuitton, Gucci and Channel all have stores here for a reason (Our mall is the biggest in the Caribbean and you won't find any flag shirts there)

Just like anywhere else we have people of different social-economic status but everyone is friendly always willing to help someone out. In NY there was this lady who's son almost didn't get on the train, she frantically tried to pry the doors open because the 13 yr old was pinched in between and what surprised me was that no one tried to help them out. Just last week I was crossing the street here in PR and a lady fell on the side walk, in a matter of seconds all, and I mean ALL of the people who saw her fall rushed to her aid, even the parking lot worker left his post. They helped her up, asked is she was ok, picked up her stuff... That is what I love about my people. We are very aware of each other, very cordial. Every time I walk in an elevator full of strangers we all exchange a "good morning" or "good evening." Every time you go out you meet new people, everyone is very talkative, we are a very affectionate bunch.

So really I can completely understand why he misses the island. He said that after he acquires the experience of working in NY and has made all the proper connections, he wants to come back and work from home. The joy of globalization and good networking. So yes I loved NY, but I don't think I could live there...

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I can't wait to get back to PR (in three weeks!) and show my fiancee the place where my dad grew up and used to take us when we were kids. She misses Hawaii so badly, and I think PR will do her heart good. I can't imagine moving from either of those islands to NYC, even though that's what my dad did when he was a teenager.

Yeah I can imagine it's really tough, the change is huge. I have so many friends whom have done that, the city is full of opportunities, but for those who are used to sunny beaches all year round I guess the cold get to them easier. May your fiance enjoy your heritage, Im sure she'll enjoy the typical island life once again ;)

It's funny. The NewYoricans I mean. They wear our flag, they tattoo our flag on their bodies, they have a flag in their living room, and a sticker on their car. Yet they have never been in Puerto Rico and don't even speak Spanish at all. I can understand their sense of patriotism but, as you say, it's not the same as being a truly Puerto Rico native.

Right now I am in the Dominican Republic, been here since February 16th. The Dominican Republic is right next to the Island, but I have to say: I MISS PUERTO RICO!! I can't wait to go back which will hopefully happen this week. These two may be Caribbean, neighboring countries but I have never seen customs and cultures so different between places that are so near each other.

I miss the smell of my Island, the beauty of our beaches, the people, the sense of freedom I experience when I'm there. You know what I'm talking about, right?

I guess that it just makes them feel a part of something even if they have no idea of what that something truly is. I went to Italy this summer to study. When we hung out with my Italian friend and he presented us to people they could not believe we were Puertorrican. When asked why they would respond that we didn't look the part! Their idea of Puertorrican was the stereotypical roles on movies, tattooed flags and street demeanor...

I completely understand what you're saying, although the Dominican Republic is a neighboring island we have different cultures and realities. But home is just a plane ride away! My best wishes to you, and may you come home soon :)

I really enjoyed reading this. I feel much the same about Hawaii vs. San Francisco - I think your friend and I have a lot in common. I am ALWAYS cold and way too white. You are lucky to be so well-integrated into the island life - I know it is hard for some people. I cannot wait to visit PR - I'm certain I will love it!

Aloha,

Scotch

:D !!!

I have friends who go to hawaii for the surf, they say it's simply fabulous. I hope you feel as welcome on my island as they have felt in yours (which ever one of the 8 main islands that may be)

Hasta luego!

Phoenix

Islanders point of view

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