My Childhood Memories Of Puerto Rico

Like many Puerto Ricans before me, I have questioned my cultural identity. We claim to be a commonwealth, a free associated state, but we are neither free nor a state. This is where our dilemma lies. What are we if not a state? What are we if not free? We are stuck in the middle, we have become a paradox, a contradiction. Now the question here lies: what- or better yet- who are we?

This presentation will explain the differences and similarities, if any, in the countries of Spain and Puerto Rico’s. The presentation will show the differences and similarities between the two countries arts, culture, and economic environment. The presentation will show how both countries have a assimilation of cultural and distinctiveness. Even though both countries have similarities and differences, they both have one thing in common, and that is they are Spanish-speaking countries with an array traditions, culture, and diversity amongst the people, that will be talked about in this presentation.

Being Puerto Rican means more to me than just food but that’s where it all begins sitting at a table surrounded by loving, funny, loud family members. We love our food, music, family and religion. Being part of a small island, in this world with the biggest heart, brings me joy. When you are around any Puerto Rican you feel a part of the community instantly.

One of the first things I noticed while attending the Puerto Rican Festival was the language differences (2017). Most people spoke Spanish, and Spanish seemed to be their preferred language over English. At the festival, it was difficult to communicate. People carried

Puerto Rican culture is very unique and diverse and is mainly influenced by its past. It is a melting pot of Taino Indian, Spanish, African, and American cultures, which is what makes Puerto Rico unique. Puerto Rican music, clothing, food, traditions, holidays, languages, and religions are all influenced from the diversity of the population. The official languages are Spanish and English because of the long period of time when Spain ruled and then later, when it became U.S. territory. The majority of the population of Puerto Rico is also Roman Catholic or Protestant again, because it was ruled by the Spanish Crown for over an extended period of time.

The autobiography When I was Puerto Rican, written by Esmeralda Santiago, tells a story of a poor girl trying to succeed. The settings in this novel have an important influence on Esmeralda. They influence her behavior and change her ideals as an adult. Negi goes through many changes based on the challenges she faces by moving to new locations where society is different. All of these changes allow her to become a stronger person. When she lives in El Mangle, Negi has to face extreme prejudice against her upbringing as a jibara. When she leaves Puerto Rico to move to Brooklyn, she is forced to face an entirely different society. All of these events that took place in Esmeralda’s childhood had a significant impact in shaping her into an adult.

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and independent United States region that is embellished with a countryside of green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tropical forests. However, it is best known for its white sandy beaches. Here one can snorkel, surf, and sail. San Juan is the capital and often visited as a tourist location. One can find bars located beachside, fabulous nightspots, and casinos. The reason for choosing Puerto Rico is because it is similar to the United States in many ways. There has always been a desire to travel there to teach English in this country. Having meet some citizens from the country and had friends that experienced life there as an exchange student has only heightened the desire to move there.

Interestingly enough I never learned about the history of Puerto Rico while in school. The curriculum during my grade school years never included Puerto Rican history. It is interesting that there is a whole month dedicated to Hispanic heritage and not once did we touch upon the history of Puerto Rico. When reading the book by Ray Suarez I found that there were many instances where oppression, racism, and discrimination were portrayed. Ray Suarez speaks about Isabel Gonzalez a young pregnant Puerto Rican woman who wanted to move to the United States with her fiancé who was an American citizen. However, while on her way to New York a new regulation was passed that changed her immigration

At that point, you’ve realized those edler men have been craving for someone to listen to the laments of their precious homeland. If you’re just there for the attractions, then maybe you should respectfully say your goodbyes and be on your way to the next place on the list. But if you’re really curious about what’s just below the surface, then you sit down on the cement benches in front of the fountain and listen.

People keep asking me what is that scared in my face and it was an interesting question so I told them it was when i was 4 years old at puerto rico and i just turn 4 and i got a new play car and. My gramma house and she have two dogs and one was a Chihuahua and a mexican bulldog and when I pet that bulldog I think it didn’t like me and 5 seconds later it bit me right face and the bit was close to my eye and the bit was hurting bad but it least it wasn't bleeding and that was my story the end.

Puerto Rico, a spanish island unfamiliar to me, but five of my best friends and I were all on our way there. We all had talked each other into going on the 9 day trip with no parents, just our Spanish teacher. Running on about maybe 3 hours of sleep, we landed in San Juan to begin our journey. We had a group of 29 students and being in an airport with only Spanish speaking people was one of the most stressful places I’ve ever been. I was a little worried this trip might not end well at the beginning, but our week had ziplining, swimming through caves, painting a school, visiting a rainforest, staying at three different hotels, meeting orphanage boys and many unfamiliar foods on the agenda.

This article from Encyclopedia Britannica mainly illustrates the history, economic and politic development of Puerto Rico in a big picture. It introduces several historical events which shape the modern Puerto Rico.

By introducing another language to children at school, a new language would soon be introduced at home. The United States has impacted the language of Puerto Rico by introducing this fascinating languages to many families. Puerto Ricans have many customs that they acquire including their food and everyday lives that have been altered due to the influence of America. Puerto Ricans are mainly known for their rice and beans, as well as tropical fruits like plantains which are incorporated in famous dishes. Due to the impact of America, you can and will now find stores like Subway located in Puerto Rico. When I visited Puerto Rico two summers ago, I found new parts of Puerto Rico that were clearly influenced by American culture. There was a Subway and an American fast food restaurant. America has also influenced the everyday lives of many individuals. Puerto Rican families were traditionally a large family living in the same home as other relatives. The Industrial Revolution has impacted Puerto Rico in the sense that now the United States ideal off a small family. From the effects of the Industrial Revolution, the United States has helped employ many men and women, giving future generations a good childhood. Impacting the lives of our future generations will help to keep Puerto Rico a healthy and successful

On Thursday September 21 Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico head on which caused catastrophic damage to the island. But that's not even the worst of it. The next day on Friday, September 22 reports that the Guajataca dam had been broken as a result of the hurricane the previous day. Millions of people are going through what could essentially be the most devastating time of their life. These citizens need all the support and help they can get and that's why if I had a ticket to go anywhere in the world I would go to Puerto Rico.

Louis Moreau Gottschalk wrote many musical selections among those were Souvenir de Porto Rico, Op. 31. Souvenir de Porto Rico, Op. 31, is a piano composition written during one of Gottschalk’s many tours in Puerto Rico. Gottschalk dedicated this work to Dutch pianist Ernest Henry Lubeck and it was originally published in Mainz circa 1860. Si me dan pasteles, denmelos calientes, a Christmas folk song is what it is based on. This piece incorporates Latin-American and Afro-American melodies and rhythms nearly fifty years before early ragtime and jazz would use them.