Day 8: Sigh

Today was my last day in Puerto Rico. Sigh. I met up with Yarí, who graciously came to pick me up at the hotel before driving us out to her neighborhood, where we lunched on delicious sandwiches (I had a Cubano) and some local food picked up by her father. Yarí's parents are awesome...very intelligent and hospitable (just like Yarí!). Although I am sure they are tired of talking about it, I brought up how strange the whole Puerto Rico as a territory issue seems. As I walked through Old San Juan and other areas this past week, it seems to me that Puerto Rico has such a rich, extensive history, beginning with (and probably before) the local Taino natives, to the influence of the slave trade and families from Africa, to the Spaniards, to the Dutch, to the British, and now as part of the United States. Although I know the U.S. was populated by people before the colonization from Europe, so much of the previous cultures' influence seems to have been erased that I experience my country as only having one history and heritage, even though I know this isn't true. Puerto Rico doesn't really seem like part of the U.S. (and it isn't, sort of, but it is, sort of), and I dare venture a guess that if it ever became a state, it would lose some of its unique culture and livelihood. Such a complex issue.

Next, Yarí drove me up to the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico, where I spent an hour or so. Because she is awesome, Yarí picked me up again and drove me to el Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Smaller than the Art Institute (my most favorite place in Chicago) but still awesome, the museum displayed some wonderful works from local artists. The museum staff invited me to stay after closing for a performance by the Orquesta Filarmónica de Puerto Rico, which was free with my admission fees. The setting was perfect for the type of music, and, although I'm not an opera fan, I must say that the soloist, Melliangee Pérez, was phenomenal. I must also say that I use commas and the word "awesome" way too often.






As I still had not eaten mofongo, Yarí recommended Raíces in Old San Juan. Mofongo is a creation of smashed plantains, spices, and meat. It was...you guessed it...awesome, and now I must search for a good Puerto Rican restaurant in Chicago that serves this delicious dish.