Well we have moved past the 50 states, to a couple of territories to finish out the year.
I went to Puerto Rico for work, an AARP training gig, at the Caribe Hilton on the water in San Juan. I have just a handful of photos, probably taken with my phone, though they might have been taken with an early digital camera. The wind seemed to blow constantly when I was there, strong and noisy at times. The hotel lobby was amazing, it was open on the water side and the street side, with the breezes blowing through.
The people were welcoming and wonderful. Most legal education materials in Puerto Rico are in English, the audience was strongly bilingual. For the question and answer part, there was a simultaneous translator, with an earpiece and all. The only time I have worked with a live translator in a training.
I had little time to wander around, only a couple of hours. I really enjoyed it.
When I lived in Orlando, a good part of my client base was from Puerto Rico, or as many described themselves, New Yoreakans, their family moved and they were born and raised in New York City.
PR is a US territory or protectorate. A historic artifact. The people born there are US citizens, but self governing. Many, but not all, Federal laws and programs apply. Items manufactured in Puerto Rico are considered US products, but the companies are not subject to US Corporate Tax - leading to the manufacture of high margin items such as pharmaceuticals and military hardware on the island.
I would love to go back.
I loved it there. SG and I went twice in the early ’80s and spent lots of time wandering. In the early ’80s? Jeez. That was a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteIn the last century as they say.
DeleteIf I was in the US as a PR person, I think I'd be worried about ICE.
ReplyDeleteIf Spanish was my first language . . .
DeleteI have yet to go to Puerto Rico I have two friends that have a houses in Puerto Vallarta one of which lives there part of the year. I've been invited many times but have not gone yet.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a chance to go to PR, go.
DeleteWe went to PR for a mortgage banking awards trip and then another time to visit friends. Wonderful people, lovely beaches and countryside, the El Yunque rainforest was fascinating, and the roadside Lechon Asado (slow-roasted whole pig) was delicioso!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go back and explore. The work trip, was mostly work.
DeleteYour photo has a stormy look to it. I've never been to PR. I'd love to go.
ReplyDeleteThe wind howled almost all of the time I was there. It was only a couple of night visit.
DeleteI have never been, but have seen photos of the beauty and heard that the people are quite wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnd then the food!! Oy!
Jose, the state director for AARP joined us for dinner, and he knew what was best on the menu. It was amazing.
DeleteSounds very nice!
ReplyDelete