Puerto Rican culture is a mix of Taino, Spanish, African, and American influences, although the Spanish influence dominates. The pace of things is a bit slower, and more relaxed, and the people here work to live, rather than living to work. The weekends and holidays are times to be enjoyed with family and friends, and people will socialize into the wee hours of the morning. Plans can change quickly, and there is a spontanious nature to almost everything.

The family is at the center of Puerto Rican culture, however, and it is not unusual at all to see three, and at times, four generations of a family all living in the same home. Family bonds and loyalties are extremely strong, and while there may the the usual family arguments and discord at times, if there is a problem or trouble strikes, the family is all there as one to provide support and whatever help they can give, without hesistance. This same attitude extends to a certain degree to friends and neighbors and friends, especially in the case of some catastrophe, and all will pitch in to help.

Puerto Rican's are more relaxed about appointments and time than most people in the world, and it isn't unusual for people to show up unexpectedly, or on the other hand to be hours late to a social invitation if something has come up to delay them. They are a very social people and you'll often see people talking like old friends at bustops and on the beach, and later find that they are complete strangers to one another. Where as in the U.S., you would find people sitting in silence or reading a book or newspaper on a bus, in Puerto Rico, the bus is full of conversation amongst the passengers

Crime is a problem in Puerto Rico, primarily in the large cities, and more and more middle and upper class neighborhoods are closing themselves off behind gates to keep out all but residents and invited guests, and most of the apartment buildings have a security guard on duty 24 hours a day. Due to the high unemployment rate and economic troubles, you will find the more honorable people swallowing their pride and rather than resorting to crime, begging on a corner here and there. The Puerto Rican government does take reasonable care of it's people though, and public housing and assistance are available to those most in need, especially to out of work families with children.

Politically, the people of Puerto Rico are vocal and opinionated, and don't have the lackadaisical attitude displayed by so many U.S. citizens. They believe very strongly in the importance of their individual participation in the political process, and know that their vote and voice counts. Their passions run high, and political demonstrations are often boistrous and animated affairs.

The infrastructure of Puerto Rico is old, but is being modernized and repaired as quickly as possible. The inconveniences that go along with this are something that Puerto Rican's take easily in stride. The things that most U.S. citizens would find intolerable, (a few days without water as a water main is repaired, power outtages due to storms, etc,) are simply shrugged off as part of life on the island, with the knowledge that service will be restored shortly. These things rarely catch a Puerto Rican unprepared, and he will have water reserves and whatever other necesities exist on hand to manage through the situation, whatever it may be.

Puerto Ricans are a proud and generous people, inured to hardship, and living life to it's fullest. They see and appreciate the beauty of life, even in it's ugly moments, and this is reflected in the works of Puerto Rican artists, singers, sculpturs, actors, etc. The majority of the population is at least partially bilingual, being fluent and literate in Spanish, and having at least a passable command of English. Puerto Rico is a poor place, overall, economically, but as rich as any place I have been in the world in spirit, heart, and soul. There is not enough room on this entire webpage to tell you of all that I have seen here that is so amazing to me. The best way that I can put it is this: Knowing that a place such as this, and a people such as these, still exist in the world has been refreshing down to my very soul. The island has it's shortcomings and drawbacks, but these are so far overshadowed by the goodness that exists here, it can only be experienced to be believed. This is truly The Island of Enchantment!