Monday, November 28, 2022

Puerto Rico 1965-1990: A Quarter Century of Highlights, Hope, Status and Stasis

 ]Puerto Rico 1965-1990: A Quarter Century of Highlights, Hope, Status and Stasis 

Puerto Rico 1965-1990: A Quarter Century of Highlights, Hope, Status and Stasis

by Robert Friedman
friedmanro@gmail.com

Through his own newspaper articles and recollections of the time, Robert Friedman shows readers in this vivid and nostalgic memoir what it was like living in Puerto Rico from the mid-1960s through the 1970s and 1980s, the years he spent there as a journalist for the San Juan Star. The book is far from an encompassing history, but rather a personal timeline of the era, a journalist’s-eye view of life in the U.S. quasi-colony, whose island-born residents are U.S. citizens but who do not have all the rights of fellow citizens living in the States.

Friedman gives readers an understanding of the humane, colorful, and difficult life lived by the island’s residents, as it was when he was there, and which, from all accounts, remains the same today. While much of the material deals with the U.S. - Puerto Rico relationship —political, social, and economic — also featured are portraits of island visitors over those years, such as Leonard Bernstein, Muhammed Ali and Norman Mailer, who give, among other things, their take on Puerto Rican and "Americano" life on the island and in the states. The author presents in this book both the first draft of history, as good journalism is called, and a vivid, human picture of the Caribbean Island and its people.

Robert Friedman was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He spent more than 20 years living in Puerto Rico and working as a reporter for the English-language San Juan Star, special correspondent for the New York Daily News, an as a Washington correspondent for the Puerto Rico newspaper.

“Friedman's stories are the more immediate glimpses of life on the island as seen by a Bronx ‘ex-pat’ who shares the absurdities, the disappointments, the joys, and frustrations with the fondness of one who chose to make it his home for many years… It is also a reflection of how the Island is connected to world events.”

  

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Other Books by Bob Friedman

Ulysses in San Juan, the third and concluding novel follows the relationship between Wolf, a concentration camp survivor who has come to Puerto Rico to try to build a new life, and Carmen, a drug addict. Set in 1980, the novel takes the reader on a trip into the San Juan underworld, as well as to other island sites, to meet crooked and upright and deeply human characters. The survival theme is extended to Stevie Diaz, a young Newyorican who has recently returned to the island and is searching, through his writing, to find out where he is truly at.

Ulysses in San Juan
Published by Brown Posey Press
Paperback, April 2, 2019

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The Defining Sea, book two of the Puerto Rico Trilogy, is a coming-of-age novel that follows the misadventures of Richie Peréz, a 20-year-old University of Puerto Rico student. Richie’s girlfriend is killed by police during a campus protest against the Navy for its decades-long bombing exercises on the offshore Puerto Rico island of Vieques. In order to raise money for a scholarship in her name, Richie becomes a drug runner between the island and the states, learning hard truths along the way about life, love and loss. Editor’s note: The second book in the trilogy was published earlier, then rewritten somewhat and had its title changed from The Surrounding Sea to The Defining Sea.

The Defining Sea
Publisher ‏by Brown Posey Press
Paperback, April 2, 2019

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In the first book, The Odyssey of Pablo Camino, a well-known Puerto Rican artist goes on a search for the truth of the possible murderous past of his dead father, Cornelius Rhodes, an Americano doctor sent to the island for research. The doctor claimed in a letter that he purposely killed eight of his patients because of his disdain for the “natives.”  Personal obsessions and public events collide as the novel’s characters grapple with lies, false identities, puzzling connections, U.S. wars and colonialism. Editor’s note: The first book in the trilogy was published earlier, then rewritten somewhat and had its title changed. The Odyssey of Pablo Camino was previously titled called Shadow of the Father. 

The Odyssey of Pablo Camino
Published by Brown Posey Press
Paperback, April 2, 2019

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Friday, November 25, 2022

A Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation In Puerto Rico At The Horned Dorset Primavera

 Horned Dorset Primavera

For a Luxury Vacation in Puerto Rico or a Caribbean Honeymoon resort you need not look beyond The Horned Dorset Primavera.

Puerto Rican Honeymoon

A tiny, very secret near perfect Puerto Rico honeymoon vacation spot is a very good description for the world class Horned Dorset which is to be found on the quiet as yet undeveloped west coast of Costa Rico, situated in 8 acres on a hillside. Many people believe that not only is the Horned Dorset’s restaurant the finest in the Caribbean, but the guest rooms rate amongst the finest as well.

You will find 22 villas all whitewashed scattered around the tropical gardens in such a way as to guarantee privacy, and also done in such a way as to resemble a Meditteranean village. The villas retain their privacy even whilst you are swimming in your own private plunge pool or relaxing outside, where the views of the sunset are remarkable, and contribute in no small way to the acceptance that Horned Dorset is the most luxurious Puerto Rican hotel. In fact probably at the very top end of luxury hotels in the whole of the Caribbean.

No children under twelve years of age contributes to the ambiance, as does the sheer quality of the furnishings in each of the two story suites, from hand carved mahogany tables to four poster beds, to the marble bathrooms with a tub big enough for two. By the way there is a second bath downstairs to get the sand off, after a beach walk.

When you add no radio or television then you can see why the Horned Dorset Inn is such a romantic Caribbean honeymoon spot.

Horned Dorset Primavara

The Horned Dorset Primavara is a combination of luxury, exclusivity and fine dining, and that would probably summarize this unique Caribbean Honeymoon resort better than anything else. If you want an amazing beach, nightly entertainment, a local town with restaurants then don’t come here for your luxury Puerto Rico Vacation Package.

If you are hesitant to book your Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation at a place that includes all meals then don’t be, for the meals you will eat at The Horned Dorset at Restaurant Aaron will surpass even your wildest expectations. Breakfast is served al fresco in The Veranda overlooking the Caribbean , on the terrace of the Blue Room or in your suite, and Room Service is available throughout the day.

The Horned Dorset is just a world away from your typical Caribbean Resort, and completely lacks any hustle and bustle. In fact there is nothing organized at all for you to do, so you can entertain yourself as you wish, although of course if you are on your Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation then this will probably be exactly what you want.

You can swim in the pool, walk on the beach, although not at high tide when it ceases to exist. You can enjoy the beautiful grounds or ask reception to arrange for most things from golf to deep sea fishing, to visiting an old coffee plantation.

In reality The Horned Dorset is specifically designed for couples who want to be alone together for either a romantic Caribbean honeymoon or just away from the bustle of the real world.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

The Best Street Food In Puerto Rico

 Puerto Rico street food

No matter how excited you may be to visit a new place, one fear often remains: will you like the local food? That is not a silly concern either since getting used to a new cuisine can be challenging. It is possible to ease the transition if you know what delicious local food to choose, though! Having said all that, let’s look at the best street food in Puerto Rico you are guaranteed to like!

Empanadilla

Empanadillas are the first entry on our list of the best street food in Puerto Rico, and their popularity earns them the spot. The treat might initially seem like a relatively basic combo of dough and fillings, but the local street vendors' endless variety and expert skills make it shine. Furthermore, they are easy to eat on the move, letting you explore more of Puerto Rico while enjoying a great snack.

Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias are one of the most representative examples of the best street food in Puerto Rico. They are generally one of the most beloved street foods locally, and their taste lives up to the hype splendidly. They are, basically, fritters. The fried dough contains a unique mixture called masa—a filling made of yautia, green plantain, beef, and sofrito. The combo is fantastic; you can’t miss out on trying it if you get the opportunity.

Arroz con Gandules

Next on our list, we have one of Puerto Rico’s national dishes in Arroz con gandules. That is a rice-based dish, which includes pigeon peas, sofrito, and pork. It might be an odd street food, considering it takes a container and some utensils to eat correctly. Still, it is popular locally, and vendors are developing exciting solutions to the eating puzzle. One thing’s for sure: you won’t regret ordering it if you have the chance.

Jibaritos

Jibaritos are a unique take on sandwiches. Not only are they not made out of bread, requiring fried plantain instead, but they are also much more substantial meals. They are typically topped with meat and cheese in more significant amounts than you’d expect. Not to mention that the meat is rarely a plain boring cold cut. Instead, you can expect your street vendor to serve you juicy barbeque or similar! Since the moving experts from Four Winds KSA recommend keeping your diet robust before, during, and after a move to deal with exhaustion and stress, jibaritos are a perfect option for once you’ve arrived in Puerto Rico.

[caption id="attachment_15903" align="alignnone" width="640"]a jibarito The size of jibarito portions makes them very filling.[/caption]

Pernil Asado

Another more ‘substantial’ street food option is pernil asado. That roasted pork dish is unique in that it can take days to roast properly. The result is a vibrant taste. And its divinely soft texture makes it feel like the meat melts in your mouth. The food can be purchased as is, or you can find it as part of other street food. For example, in the jibarito, we just covered. Consider this if you are looking for a satisfying meal after a romantic day in Puerto Rico.

Rellenos De Papa

If you like potato-based food, then out of all the best street food in Puerto Rico on our list, you’ll like rellenos de papa the most. The dish is potatoes stuffed with minced meat. The butter coating on the outside and the decadently spiced meat on the inside make this food stand out!

[caption id="attachment_15902" align="alignnone" width="640"]Preparations for stuffed potato cooking You can always improvise a vegetarian version of this dish at home.[/caption]

Pinchos

Pinchos are, basically, grilled chicken meat skewers. While it may come with some unique seasonings and combinations, the familiarity with the dish still makes it a safe choice if you are still getting used to the local cuisine. If you had stressed over things to do before moving abroad to know what you should do once you’ve arrived and aren’t feeling very experimental, this is a great food to opt for, too.

[caption id="attachment_15900" align="alignnone" width="640"]Pinchos, one of the best street food in Puerto Rico Pinchos are considered one of the best street food in Puerto Rico[/caption]

Piononos

One of the most interesting entries on our list of the best street food in Puerto Rico, and one which might surprise you if you’re not familiar with their cuisine, are Piononos. This simple yet delectable treat is fried sweet plantain stuffed with minced beef. The result is curious yet still delicious, sweet, and sour. The taste might be a bit odd initially, but it draws you in to try more. Before you know it, you will enjoy munching on these. And the way they’re sold makes it easy to carry them around to satisfy your munchies!

Arroz con Dulce

One of the few examples of the best street food in Puerto Rico of the sweet variety is arroz con dulce. The dessert has a rice base, to which you add various spices and raisins. You can find plenty of street vendors selling this particular treat. And while it can be a bit hard to maneuver eating it on your feet, it's well worth the hassle. It is sure to improve your day, not to mention cleanse your palate a little after indulging in all the savory food you’ve gone through on our list already.

Coquito

Coquito treads a fine line between a drink and a treat, which earns it its spot on our list of best street food in Puerto Rico. It is, in essence, the local variation of eggnog. However, it’s typically made with relatively high alcohol content and should not be offered to children. You can specify that you want a version for kids made, but it is not the default. The drink is unique in its use of coconut milk and cream, adding an extra kick and making it very rich and sweet.

Final comment

With our list of the best street food in Puerto Rico, you will surely find some dishes to fall in love with. We hope this will make your visit, or the start of your life here, a lot more enjoyable!

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

World Premiere of Puerto Rican Art Song Cycle “Que tus ojos no se cansen de brillar”

 Gabriel Bouche Caro

The Americas Society will host the world premiere of a new art song cycle by the young Puerto Rican composer Gabriel Bouche Caro and the legendary Puerto Rican poet Giannina Braschi on December 9th 2022 in New York City.

“Que tus ojos no se cansen de brillar” is a new chamber music work for clarinet, violin, flute, cello, percussion, piano, and soprano. This art song cycle focuses on the idea of “puertorriqueñidad” or what makes someone Puerto Rican.

“The style of the music is, at its core, influenced by traditional Puerto Rican music, but it purposefully does not portray these elements clearly. It includes tonal and atonal elements, a variety of textures, and a rich rhythmic structure. The idea behind my work is to represent the wide cultural variety that exists inside the Puerto Rican and Caribbean experience. In this project, it will be evident because of the sonic qualities of the work and also through the variety of styles in text,” said Bouche Caro.

The world premiere will take place as part of the Music of the Americas Series in New York City, directed by Argentine composer Sebastian Zubieta. The chamber music work was commissioned by The Americas Society, a cultural organization founded in 1965 by David and Nelson Rockefeller, to fosters an understanding of the contemporary social, cultural, and economic tides in Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.

“I want to not only expand the vocal repertoire but to broaden the artistic representation of my generation, who has been faced with the culmination of more than half a millennium of colonialism and oppression—to speak for myself and a generation that has felt excluded, abandoned, and even forcibly ousted and to make something that can give back to where we I come from. My collaboration with Giannina Braschi is also an ongoing one that has allowed me to see some of my ideas about identity clearly represented in text. This has led to a series of compositions (both vocal and instrumental) based on her work,” said the composer.  He selected lyrics from Braschi’s epic poem “El imperio de los suenos” (Empire of Dreams) and the classic Spanglish novel “Yo-Yo Boing!”.  Braschi, in turn, curated a selection of famous Puerto Rican poems for the composer to work with, including works by Julia de Burgos, Pedro Pietri, and Angelamaria Davila.

More about the Boricua Composer

Gabriel Bouche Caro’s chamber music has been featured in the Havana Contemporary Music festival, sound SCAPE, and New Music on the Point festivals. He has been commissioned by the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society, the Canva sounds Collective, and the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. His authored “Ni Fú, Ni Fa: Los Cuentos de Siempre”, based on the postcolonial novel “United States of Banana” by Giannina Braschi about Puerto Rico’s future. His music has been performed by various ensembles and soloists including the JACK Quartet and Evan Runyon. He is the recipient of the Randolph S. Rothschild Award in Composition (Peabody Institute) and the Augusto Rodriguez Prize for musical achievement (University of Puerto Rico).

More about the Boricua Poet

Giannina Braschi is a trailblazing force in Boricua arts and letters. She writes cross-genre literature in English, Spanish, and Spanglish.  The North American Academy of the Spanish Language (ANLE) honored her earlier this year with the Enrique Anderson Imbert Award." Her prolific career, which extends from groundbreaking research on Hispanic classics to her spectacular work as a renowned and award-winning creator, places her among the most innovative and influential voices of Hispanic letters in the United States. She is a pioneer," stated the Academy’s Director Carlos E. Paldao. Her Latinx philosophy and poetry has inspired adaptations to theater, music, short films, painting, sculpture, and industrial design.

For more on Puerto Rican song cycle “Que tus ojos no se cansen de brillar”, click here: https://www.as-coa.org/events/gabriel-bouche-caro-que-tus-ojos-no-se-cansen-de-brillar

Monday, November 21, 2022

Beware of Hurricane Damaged Vehicles!

 Hurricane Damaged Vehicles

Hurricane Damaged Cars

Nearly a half million cars were destroyed by two of this past season’s biggest hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Some of these cars may not have received much apparent damage but they were totaled nevertheless because of water, mud, and debris which flooded engine bays and the interior. Damaged cars are supposed to make their way to the junkyard for scrap, unfortunately some unscrupulous parties are gaining a hold of the vehicle titles and turning around and selling damaged cars to the public. Should you be concerned? Absolutely! Read on to learn more about this problem and what you can do to avoid being stuck with a vehicle that is certain to be a lemon.

Let me just say this: it is not illegal for weekend mechanics to buy a salvaged vehicle, repair it, and sell it to you. What they must disclose to you is this: you are buying a salvaged vehicle. This is where most of the problems begin: the dishonest purveyors are not sharing this information.

Flood Damaged Vehicles

Only 22 states require that the titles of flood damaged vehicles [which were totaled by insurers] be stamped with that information. So, if you live in any one of the 28 other states, be extremely cautious about buying any used car [check your local laws to see which group you belong to].

One organization is doing its part to help fight the problem. The National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB] this past summer and fall sent teams to flood damaged areas in affected states to work with local police authorities. What the teams did was try to catalog all of the flood damaged vehicles and enter that information in a database, which is accessible online. Because of their diligence, nearly 200,000 car identification numbers are now available for car buyers to search at www.nicb.org

Car shoppers should always invest in obtaining a car history report from an independent company, such as Car Fax, as a back up source to verify information about a vehicle. Although the information supplied by these types of companies isn’t always 100% accurate, it can usually reveal whether a car has been salvaged, rebuilt, is a lemon, or has been flood damaged. Some guarantee their information so check the individual contract/agreement before you use their services to see what recourse you would have in the event a lemon sneaks by them and you purchase one.

So, how can we know for sure that there will be problems? Well, if Hurricane Floyd is a measuring stick then the potential for fraud is huge. In 1999, nearly 80,000 cars were damaged by Floyd and taken off of the roads due to storm damage. About half of that number were repaired and resold, many to unsuspecting consumers.

You don’t have to be a victim, so get informed. If a car is priced well below book value that can be a big clue that a problem exists, however don’t rely on price, instead do some research first before buying your next used car.

Friday, November 11, 2022

What to Do Before Moving to Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, and many Americans are choosing to move there for a variety of reasons. Before you make the move to Puerto Rico, it is a good idea to take care of some groundwork to ease the transition. That way you are ready for the cultural differences that you will experience, and you are in a good position to make your home there.

Decide Where to Live

The first thing you need to do is figure out where in Puerto Rico you want to live. There are a variety of different kinds of areas that can provide you with very different living experiences. For example, you could live in a city, a more rural area, or on the beach. To figure out where you want to live, you should think about your lifestyle and why you are moving to Puerto Rico. That will put you in a better position to make the right choices for your needs. Make a list of what you want, and use that to help you find the right location and home for yourself.

Sell Your Home

You also need to make sure that you have your affairs in order with your current home before you leave. Selling your home can help you to free up some cash, which will allow you to have more options when you get to the island. It can take a while, though, so you need to start the process of selling your house as early as possible. You should also think about the kind of buyers you want to look into because they each have their benefits that you can potentially take advantage of. For example, cash buyers let you sell fast and without paying commissions.

Understand Your Financial Situation

Some people choose to move to Puerto Rico because they can work remotely, and they would rather do that work in a tropical location. Before you decide to make a move like this though, Before you go, you should understand the costs of that decision. You should look into the cost of living and any tax rules that you will need to abide by with your work. Also, make sure that you feel confident you can have all of your needs met in your new locale. Taking the time to do this before your move will help you to have a more positive experience.

Moving to Puerto Rico can be an amazing experience, but you want to make sure you plan it out well first. Once you have a plan in place, you can work towards your goals in your new location. Take your time, and plan out an amazing new life for yourself in a totally new location.

Check out this article on how to stay healthy when traveling!

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

5 Things You Didn’t Know about Puerto Rico

 An aerial view of the beach in Puerto Rico

When someone mentions Puerto Rico, two things come to mind – beautiful women and dreamy beaches. In fact, for most people, that is enough to want to go there immediately. Yes, it is true that the beaches of Puerto Rico are everybody’s vision of paradise and that this country has provided the winner of the Miss Universe pageant the miraculous five times. Nevertheless, some very interesting things you didn’t know about Puerto Rico will make you put it on your travel wish list. Here is our choice of five such things we find most interesting.

1.     Puerto Rico has uninhabited islands

Puerto Rico consists of many islands, of which only three are inhabited. The others that do not have any permanent residents offer so many opportunities to explore nature’s best-off works. Out of so many, each a story on its own, you should start with the following that is the most popular.

             Palomino Island

To start with the most relaxing and family-friendly one, Palomino Island is our first suggestion. To access it, you need to be a guest of the El Conquistador Resort. It offers the absolute perfection of a beach with calm, shallow water and soft, white sand. And if you were wondering whether this place would bore you, well, it won’t. There is a range of activities to do there, such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and every other sporty activity you can do in the water. Kids will have a blast there, and so will you.

            Monkey Island

This one is technically not uninhabited, as a colony of monkeys is living here. In the 1930s, monkeys were brought to this little island to be studied. Today their monkey community is strong, and it even managed to survive Hurricane Maria, which seriously damaged this primate’s home and nearly killed them all. But thanks to their cleverness and survival instinct, the monkeys made it, and people are now helping to rebuild their home island. Unfortunately, only scientists can step onto this unusual monkey land, but there are boat trips that allow tourists to observe it.

             Isla de Mona

A go-to place for all adventures, especially of a snorkeling and scuba diving type, Isla de Mona attracts many visitors each year. An interesting fact is that this island has a limit regarding the number of people that can be there at any given time – 100.

            Desecheo Island

They call it the diving paradise. And by “they,” we mean a huge number of people writing in superlatives about this island after visiting it. People are not allowed to step onto the island, but the diving locations near its coast are the utmost dream of diving and snorkeling professionals. The rave reviews this island is getting online make it well worth visiting.

A woman diving together with some other people One of the things you didn’t know about Puerto Rico is that it includes many uninhabited islands, some of which are ideal for diving.

2.     Your passport can stay at home when you travel to Puerto Rico

US citizens do not need a passport to come to Puerto Rico, and the reason for that lies in the collective history of these two countries. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory, and all its citizens are US citizens following the same laws and regulations. There are a few differences between a Puerto Rico citizen and a mainland US citizen, such as voting rights. Leave your passport at home, good US people, and enjoy your stay in paradise.

Some enjoy it a bit too much, though, so much, so they decide to stay for good. If you are one of them and intend to relocate from the US to Puerto Rico, don’t worry about the logistics of it. All you need to do is hire the international mover that will get you here with ease and start your new life in this Caribbean paradise.

3.     One of the things you didn’t know about Puerto Rico is that it has its observatory

The last thing one expects to find in such a dreamy place is an astronomy facility. Yet, Puerto Rico is a proud home to one of the world’s largest observatories, the Arecibo Observatory. Unfortunately, in 2020 the largest single-dish telescope in the world in this observatory fell and suffered severe damage. This scientific facility continues with its work and with its constant efforts to inform and entertain its visitors.

4.     San Juan features some of the oldest churches in America

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and the city fully capable of stealing the hearts of everyone roaming its streets. No wonder most ex-pats choose this city to move to, citing they were enchanted with it, according to the experts in relocation from Los Angeles Transfer and Storage. But, apart from its apparent esthetic appeal, San Juan is rich in cultural terms, boasting some of the oldest churches in America. These churches tell a story about their builders, the times they come from, and the dominant architecture. They are another gem that adds to the sparkling beauty of the capital of Puerto Rico.

A cemetery with a castle in the background. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has many extremely old churches in its area as well as other cultural monuments.

5.     Puerto Rico is the rum capital of the world

Regardless of whether you a fan of alcohol or not, Puerto Rico has some very cool rum distilleries you must visit. The oldest rum distillery in the world is in Puerto Rico. It is called Casa Bacardi and takes its visitors on a rum-tasting tour. This tour tells a story about the history of rum and the family that founded this distillery. There are some inexpensive souvenirs you could buy here as well. There are a few more distilleries to see in Puerto Rico. They showcase a slightly different production philosophy for those who want to explore this subject in greater detail. These include Hacienda Santa Ana, PitoRico, Destilería Coquí Inc, and others that would make your day.

A selection of cocktails, many of which contain rum. The oldest rum distillery in the world is located in Puerto Rico.

Conclusion

As you may already know, these 5 things you didn’t know about Puerto Rico are merely part of this county’s exotic charm. If you weren’t convinced before that this Caribbean island group is exactly what you need for this vacation, now you definitely are. And that is true for all types of people regardless of their interests because Puerto Rico has got something for everyone.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Top Destinations to See in Puerto Rico

 Top Destinations to See in Puerto Rico

There are so many different things to see and do in Puerto Rico. You'll feel like you are in a different country every time you visit, from the mountains to the beaches, the sights to the food. So whether you're looking for beauty, relaxation, or the opportunity to hike the mountains, you'll find what you're looking for with these top destinations in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico isn't just for the solo adventurer; it's also the perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking and adrenaline-packed adventures, delectable flavors, and immersion in history. It's all just 1,000 miles from Miami, so it's close to home with all the Caribbean vibe, beauty, and history you'll love.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, also known as the El Morro National Monument, offers some of Puerto Rico's best views. This 400-year-old fortress sits on San Juan Island. It's your opportunity to explore Puerto Rico's history while you capture breathtaking photos of the gorgeous seascapes.

It is a fortress in the so-called "walled city," replete with tales of Puerto Rico's colonial days and the Spanish era when the Spanish ruled it. Next, you can explore the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, the final resting place for well-known Puerto Ricans. Then, walk a few blocks to the Museo de las Américas, a former military barracks, to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Puerto Rico.

Culebra

Culebra is a remote destination where you can experience Flamenco Beach, one of the most popular spots for honeymooners and other visitors. Known for pristine white sands, shallow turquoise waters, and access for swimming and diving, it's a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay. 

With the beauty and relaxing waves, it's no wonder Flamenco Beach is often named one of the best beaches in the world. A nearby beach, Tamarindo Beach, offers clear waters that are home to fish, turtles, and rays. Southwest sunsets are best viewed from Punta Melones Beach.

El Yunque National Rainforest

The El Yunque National Forest is unique and memorable, partly because it's the only tropical rainforest among the national forests. Despite its relatively small size of nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the most biologically diverse. 

It's also a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture, so you get the beauty, history, and immersion in nature. In Luquillo, about 45 minutes from San Juan, there is a series of natural slides and pools called Las Paylas. Walking to the slides takes three minutes from the parking spot.

Gilligan's Island

If you've ever watched Gilligan's Island on TV, you'll want to visit Gilligan's Island, known as Cayo Aurora. It's a tiny island, but it's also part of the Biosphere Reserve of Guánica. So whether you're in the mood for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing, this is a beautiful (and quirky) destination. 

Rio Camuy Cave Park

Rio Camuy Cave Park is famous for its cave system. It is one of the world's largest, with million-year-old stalagmites and stalactites. Beyond the limestone caves, you can explore the world's third-largest underground river, the Camuy River. 

Explore this unique ecosystem. In addition to cave tours, the park houses sinkholes and other geographical features. It's one of Puerto Rico's most popular natural attractions.

Ron del Barrilito

You can tour Hacienda Santa Ana, take mixology classes, and try tastings. Finally, you'll experience Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum brand still in production. The 5-star Ron del Barrilito is a collector's edition aged up to 35 years.

Tanama River

The Tanama River in Utuado offers a twist on the traditional lazy river; it'll see you floating into a pitch-black cave. The reward at the end of this adventure is a free facial with river clay. The word "Tanama" is Taino for "butterfly," so expect to see many of them on your visit.

Toro Verde

A trip to the Toro Verde Adventure Park in central Puerto Rico, in the town of Orocovis, nearly 2 hours from San Juan, is a wonderful way to explore the awe-inspiring mountain views. With "The Beast," the longest zipline in the world, you'll strap in for a 4,745-foot drop. You can also experience "The Wild Bull" hanging rope bridges and "Escape If You Can" with ziplines, suspension bridges, and rappels.

Vieques Island

Vieques Island is a popular destination for your honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Take a kayak trip to Mosquito Bay, also known as Bahía Bioluminiscente. In the evening, you'll see its glowing green and blue bioluminescence at night. On the southern coast of the island of Vieques, just east of Puerto Rico, it's a magical and unforgettable experience.

Friday, November 4, 2022

Creative Real Estate Financing

 real estate finance

Do the creative real estate financing techniques you hear about really work? Yes and no. They likely have all worked somewhere for someone at least once. The important point is to understand the principles involved, so you can find your own creative ways to invest in real estate. Here are ten methods to get you thinking.

  1. Use hard money lenders. Ask around or find these online. These lenders specialize in short-term loans at high interest. Typically, you use this type of financing for a "fix and flip." You can get the money fast, and if you make $30,000 on a project, who cares if you paid $10,000 interest in six months?
  2. No-doc or low-doc loans. With these loans, no (or low) documentation of your income or credit is required. You can find banks that do these online now. You'll only be able to borrow 70% to 80% of the purchase price or property value. However, if you have 10% in cash, you might be able to borrow the other 10% or 20% from a friend or the seller.
  3. Seller financing help. Sometimes a bank will loan you 90%, and allow the seller to take back a second mortgage from you for 5%, leaving you needing only 5% for a down payment.
  4. Land contract or "contract for sale." Called other names as well, this just means the seller lets you make payments, and delivers the title upon payment in full. I sold a rental this way for $1,000 down, because I wanted the 9% interest, and the higher price I got.
  5. Credit card advances. Suppose a seller will take $10,000 down on a fixer-upper that you expect to make $20,000 on. Why not use credit cards? If your card limits allow for repair money too, this is a true 0-down deal for you, and if you turn the project in six months, you will have paid maybe $1,000 or $2,000 in interest on an 18% credit card. Don't let $1,000 get in the way of making $20,000.
  6. Use your retirement accounts. The laws are pretty complex in this area, but you can check with a tax attorney to see how you might borrow from your own retirement account to finance real estate investments.
  7. Borrow from friends and family. If you go this route, keep it all business. In any cae, loaning you money at 7% isn't a gift if their money is getting 2% in the bank.
  8. Use real estate note buyers. Suppose the seller needs cash. He raises the price, and sells to you for $100,000 with no money down, taking back two mortgages from you for $90,000 and $10,000. He arranged (or you did) for a note buyer to pay him $80,000 cash for the first mortgage at closing, getting him the cash he wanted. You pay two payments now, one to each note holder, but you got in with no money down.
  9. Borrow on another property. If you take out a home equity loan for a vacation, and then forget to use it for that, you can later use the money for the down payment on an investment property, without violating the rules of the bank that gives you the primary mortgage. In other words, you got in with no cash of your own.
  10. Start partnerships. For bigger projects, you could arrange for five investors to each put money into a partnership, with your share being the management responsibility instead of cash.

Remember, these ten creative real estate financing techniques are just to get you started.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Boriken Restaurant

 boriken testaurant beaverton OR

Boriken Restaurant

12800 SW Canyon Rd
Beaverton, OR 97005

HOURS:
Monday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Tuesday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm *
Saturday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm *
Sunday: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm *
* Reservations Highly Recommended

About Us

The name Boriken is the island of Puerto Rico's original name, which is the Taino language. For a good introduction to Puerto Rican food, visit Boriken Restaurant today! We offer a great dining experience of Caribbean cuisine in relaxed surroundings. At Boriken Restaurant it's the customer's satisfaction that matters to us and we strive to never disappoint. We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any questions or require any assistance please call us at 503-596-3571 or visit us at 12800 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005.

 

Let's Be Honest!

We believe in serving you like you are part of our family. We have a small humble restaurant with only twelve tables to keep your experience authentic and enjoyable! Being that we want you to taste the most authentic Puerto Rican food Oregon has to offer, we take our time preparing your meal which results in longer than average wait time. The reason is because your meal is being cooked to order, no food sitting around waiting to be reheated. We will only serve you the best! Please be patient with us if your food takes longer than you would expect, especially on busy days. Thank you for your understanding! We truly appreciate your business.