Tourist Local - 11/15/19

I often write my posts outdoors in my small yard in Eagle Rock. Mosquitos love to nip at my ankles as I tap away at the keyboard with a cigar slowly burning next to either a whiskey or beer. The environment has become quite conducive to bringing my mindset to a somewhat sloppy blasting of phrases and sentences that will form the skeleton of my post.

Puerto Rico has allowed me to create a similar environment, mosquitos included. I’m surprised at why I’m able to feel so comfortable so quickly in a place that 12 days ago I knew practically nothing about. During these last 12 days and speaking with those that have moved here for tax purposes, I’ve begun to understand how uniquely American it is. 

As our Puerto Rico adventure group begins to split to return home, I was finally able to feel like what it was to live here alone. I’ve dropped off laundry, gotten a haircut, bought groceries, and even have become a quick regular at one of my favorite bars in Old San Juan, the Cannon Club, a hotel bar where one can listen to live music, smoke a cigar, and enjoy a glass a rum all at the same time. 

Scouting out different parts of San Juan on foot in such a short time reminds me of the different characteristics of different towns within Los Angeles, albeit smaller and shorter to travel to. As I meet more people born and raised in Puerto Rico, it has become common to bring up our president as the main reason to not visit the mainland. I find this mindset so restricting and silly, as I wrote about in my last post. One could easily say not to visit PR because of the hurricane damage, potholes, government corruption, iguana roadkills, and stray cats. (Oh right, everyone loves kitties!)

And on and on and on…

But like any city, it has its good parts and bad parts. 

As I witness the rebuilding, hospitality, and friendliness of the city, I honestly believe the island will be booming in the next decade and will be known as the Hawaii of the east. If I had more chips to put in, I would. 

I will continue to do my research, but with so much field experience I’ve gained in the last week, moving here becomes more and more attractive. However, I will need to experience a spring or summer when the parade of hurricanes makes their visit, make more money to allow the option within the next few years, and continue to help build the startup company. 

It will be back to the grind in Los Angeles soon, but I will carry the memories with me until I come back. ¡Viva Puerto Rico! ¡Viva Ricky Martin!

¡A huevo, es Viernes!