Puerto Rico

-->

When the Spaniards took their voyage to the new world, they conquered many South American countries. They also conquered islands in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico was one of these countries.

Tainos Indians occupied Puerto Rico before being claimed by Spain in 1493 (World Atlas.) The Spaniards then brought Africans slaves to Puerto Rico for manual work (World Atlas.) After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a territory of the US and  “ were granted US citizenship in 1917” (CentralIntelligence.) After many years of Puerto Ricans deciding whether to become a state or not, “ 2012 vote left open the possibility of American statehood”(Central Intelligence.)

My best friend was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She told me stories of the controversy of this. Half of the population in Puerto Rico wants to be a state and the other does not. She told me they would like some help from the US, to better the island but others think if Puerto Rico were to become a state, then they will loose heritage and especially their flag.

Many Puerto Rican Music artists display their flag full ofpride. Musicians like Don Omar, Daddy Yankee and Wisin y Yandel are famous Reggaeton artist from Puerto Rico. Reggaeton is a mixture of Latin hip-hop, andLatin electronica. Reggaeton was created in Puerto Rico and is now listened to all the Spanish countries. Puerto Rico is a very interesting country because they do not speak typical Spanish like other Latin countries do. They have many different words. A few for example:

English                                    PuertoRican                            BasicSpanish

Mom	Mai	Madre
Earring	Pantalla	Arete
Trashcan	Safacon	Basura

My Best friend sometimes has a hard time understanding when people talk Spanish to her because they use different words in Puerto Rico.

When she is in Puerto Rico she says it’s not much of a difference from the US because English is the second language there. “Fewer than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently, according to the 1990 U.S. Census” (Top Puerto.) Now, English is taught mandatory in schools.  My friend brings me back trinkets when she goes and the items are mostly hand made. This is because there is a lot of tourism there. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, you do not need a passport to go. Puerto Rico also uses American currency, so it’s easy for Americans to vacation there. Another reason why Tourist likes Puerto Rico is because of the beautiful beaches and warm weather. Puerto Rico has mountain on one side of the island and beaches on another, this caters to all people who want adventure and then relax on the beach (Central Intelligence.)

Puerto Ricans are also known for their attractive women andmen. Because of African slaves and immigrants. Puerto Ricans range from blue eyes blonde hair to tan and dark skin. My best friend told me that young men in Puerto Rico shave off all their body and facial hairs. This is so they can look clean and their best. It is kind of taboo but if you think about it, why should girls be the only one who has smooth skin?

From the beaches to the history, Puerto Rico has always been a country I was interested in and to many that’s where they call home.

References

"Central Intelligence Agency." CIA. Web. 06 Feb.2013.

"Culture." Puerto Rican. Web. 06 Feb. 2013.

"PUERTO RICO." Map of Puerto Rico. Web. 06 Feb.2013.