The Spirit of Puerto Rico
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June 10, 2020
Puerto Rico has been through a lot in the past few years. Personally, I had always wanted to visit the Caribbean island for one reason: it’s where my grandmother is from. So back in 2017 when I was planning my big 30th birthday trip, it was at the top of my list. Then Hurricane Maria hit. I was devastated by the news since growing up in Florida, I knew just how much damage hurricanes could do. But my experience with hurricanes was nothing compared to the demolition that happened to Puerto Rico. We all know how horrendous the aftermath of Maria was, and I even saw it first hand when I did finally make it to Puerto Rico for the first time last year.
But what stood out to me most beyond all the damage from Maria was how it brought the people together. I remember talking to our guide at Carabalí about his neighborhood. They were without power for months. Some people had generators, others didn’t. But every Puerto Rican had one thing in common: open doors. The community came together to support anyone in need of anything. Neighbors became family and regardless if there was power or not, the warmth and love of the locals brought light to a devastating situation.
Now, as I was planning my trip to Puerto Rico with some friends, yet another natural disaster hit the island: hundreds of earthquakes. Earthquakes are not a common occurrence in Puerto Rico, so recovery has been rough. People were so afraid to sleep in their homes for fear of yet another earthquake that they brought mattresses to their front yards and slept outside. Buildings crumbled, millions of people were without power again. And help was nowhere to be found. Luckily, most of the island regained power after a few long days and I was shocked to learn that San Juan was open for business less than a week after the big quake. So in an effort to support the local economy and see the aftermath for ourselves, my friends and I decided to go ahead with the trip. And I’m so glad we did.
If there was ever any doubt, let it be known: Puerto Ricans are resilient. There is nothing that can take away from the true spirit of the island. The people are strong, caring, and happy to warmly welcome visitors with open arms. And they need those visitors. Tourism is a major part of Puerto Rico’s economy, accounting for about 10% of the GDP. This has a direct impact on the millions of people who work in the tourism industry in Puerto Rico. From hotel employees to restaurant staff, boat tour companies, and more, a large part of the population is affected when tourism slows.
I’m glad to say that Puerto Rico is, in fact, up and running. But the truth is there is still a lot of damage in the south part of the island, where tourism isn’t as big. I saw crumbled buildings as we drove through Ponce and headed west along the southern coast. I’m glad we went ahead with our visit and contributed to the local economy through tourism. And whether or not these natural disasters slow down, I know the people of Puerto Rico will not.
Have you ever experienced the spirit of Puerto Rico?
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Photos by Ryan Carpenter.
Coco
February 3, 2020 @ 9:17 pm
Hi, Megan. I’m glad you were able to visit. Tourism and supporting small, local Puerto Rican businesses is as important as ever. These photos are beautiful! I miss my island so much.
Megan
February 5, 2020 @ 12:41 pm
Aww! I’m so so glad we were able to as well! We had such an incredible time!!
Diana
February 5, 2020 @ 4:22 pm
Thank you for this beautiful post!
Megan
February 6, 2020 @ 3:59 pm
Omg of course!! We had such an incredible experience!
Carolyn
February 5, 2020 @ 9:47 pm
I’m glad you got to visit! I don’t have any family connections to Puerto Rico like you do, but we went on our honeymoon and loved it. It’s so sad all the destruction they experienced. They are amazing people though!
Megan
February 6, 2020 @ 3:58 pm
The most amazing!! I’m sure y’all had such a great time on your honeymoon!
Stephanie Whitman
February 6, 2020 @ 9:56 am
It sounds like a place where people really know what community is. I wish there would be more of that in the United States. We can put aside our differences and come together to mourn a star’s death, but then we go right back to arguing a week later over a halftime show. It’s ridiculous. I’m glad you’ve been able to witness the positivity that is Puerto Rico, despite their challenges.
Megan
February 6, 2020 @ 3:58 pm
You couldn’t be more spot on!! It’s so true. It was so refreshing to experience such a sense of community, even in the face of hardships!
Kristen
February 6, 2020 @ 11:03 am
PR looks like such an amazing place to visit. It is on my bucket list for sure.
Megan
February 6, 2020 @ 3:58 pm
As it should be!! It was amazing! I’m already looking forward to going back 🙂
Ashley R
February 6, 2020 @ 5:39 pm
Puerto Rico was one of the first trips me and my husband took when we first started dating. We were there 10 days and saw 4 different parts and we LOVED IT. We even stayed at a coffee farm in the mountains. We put 1000 miles on our rental car and even got a flat tire fixed and didn’t tell them. WHOOPS lol. We talk about the trip to this day.
Megan
February 7, 2020 @ 8:17 am
Omg lol! That sounds like the most perfect trip!! 10 days sounds amazing. I definitely need to go for longer next time! And how cool that you stayed at a coffee farm!? Sounds like heaven to me <3
Tara Fuller
February 6, 2020 @ 11:08 pm
i’ve only ever heard remarkable things about puerto rico and the people. I really want to go!
Megan
February 7, 2020 @ 8:16 am
You have to!! It was such a fun time!! The people are so gracious, fun, and welcoming! Such a magical island.
Deborah
February 7, 2020 @ 2:57 pm
Ooh I’ve been meaning to visit PR! My aunt and her husband recently moved there and they’ve been wanting us to come out and visit! After seeing this post, I’m seriously considering booking my tickets!
Megan
February 8, 2020 @ 5:38 pm
Omg DO IT! I’ve seen so many flight deals lately too! We had the best trip. I can’t wait to go back!!
Emma
February 8, 2020 @ 4:45 pm
It looks like it was worth the visit after so many issues you had in planning your trip, and such such strong people to have overcome all of that devastation. I love the street art! It’s so beautiful
Megan
February 8, 2020 @ 5:37 pm
It was absolutely worth it! We had such a great time! And isn’t it so cool!? This was actually the outside of the house we stayed in!! Amazing.
Dani
February 8, 2020 @ 5:12 pm
I’ve been hearing such great things about Puerto Rico lately! It’s nice to see that with the natural disasters they’ve been having. I need to get down there!
Megan
February 8, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
It was so amazing to see how everyone has come together! They are just so positive and resilient. I totally recommend a trip there!!
Kriszti
February 9, 2020 @ 1:20 am
Puerto Rico sounds so amazing! And it must have been such a special feeling for you given that you have a family connection. I hope I will be able to visit soon too!
Megan
February 9, 2020 @ 7:45 pm
Absolutely!! I’d been dying to explore for so long. I want to go back for more!!
Tyra Seguin
February 10, 2020 @ 2:31 am
This looks awesome! Definitely need to visit!
Megan
February 10, 2020 @ 8:56 pm
Yes you do!
LAUREN GAY
February 10, 2020 @ 2:02 pm
I love Puerto Rico and I was saddened to see the devastation they have suffered. I’m glad to hear that tourism is still happening on the island even with the earthquakes.
Megan
February 10, 2020 @ 8:55 pm
I know!! It’s so sad!! The island is most definitely open for business though, and they totally depend on tourism!