I had a business trip to Miami last week and thought, hmmm.... how often am I in Miami?! I should hop on over to the Emerald Isle of Puerto Rico and check out my ole stompin' grounds.
(Historical note: my father worked for a government contractor, which sent him all over the world, family in tow... although I missed out on the European and African tours, I did get to live in Puerto Rico for many of my formative years.)
In the last 21 years, the island apparently has joined into modern culture. Many "OMG"s were exclaimed as I discovered much of my memory's pristine landscape and bucolic areas are now covered by chain restaurants, big box stores and toll roads. And instead of one English channel with week-late shows, everyone seems to have The Dish.
In 1986, a herd of cows marched up my street every afternoon at 4, followed by their keeper, who shooed them along with A Big Stick. Today, that same street has become a haven for boat dealers and marine accessory stores. There are no cows within 50 miles.
In 1986, the downtown area of Fajardo was a thriving retail center. Today, that downtown area reminds me of most small towns in flyover states - dying. Many beautiful historic buildings have been bulldozed over and redeveloped or even more sadly... left to rot, boarded up.
Besides the shock of seeing my beautiful island turn into the new Waikiki, it was great to go back... to smell the hibiscus and frangipangi... to see that (still) aquamarine ocean at the beach... to eat the most amazing food... to have that warm tropical breeze waft over me as I looked at the stars.
"Progress" and "development" happens in the most desirable real estate and Puerto Rico is certainly no exception. They can have their big box stores on "my" cow pastures... but I will never forget the enchantment and wonder.. and the privilege... of spending so many years in a very special place.
