No eletricity in parts of San German, no water for a couple of hours, no school nor University.
This isn't exactly the worst of the hurricanes but still scary. Last night the thunders and heavy rain kept my family awake until the early hours. Usually I have been told, Puerto Rico is lucky when it gets to hurricanes, the island always manages to get the best, weakest parts of the hurricane, but it's still a scary experience and two more are on their way.
Sadly, one student from Colombia died and one Brazilian student is still missing after the river overflowed.
Hopefully it will get better soon !!!
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Going back to school, an expensive business
Daddy, my school starts on Monday, we seriously need to get my books.
Ok, let's calculate the costs and you know what, just as I am adding them all up, it came to a total of $957 USD. That is including school wear, school registration, monthly fee and books. But what is really shocking is the books cost. $67 for a science book? Say what? She is only going to the second grade, how can they ask for these sums of money?? $67 for a second grade book...
Studying privately in PR is an expensive costs for parents and a lucrative one for schools!!!
I still love the island....
Ok, let's calculate the costs and you know what, just as I am adding them all up, it came to a total of $957 USD. That is including school wear, school registration, monthly fee and books. But what is really shocking is the books cost. $67 for a science book? Say what? She is only going to the second grade, how can they ask for these sums of money?? $67 for a second grade book...
Studying privately in PR is an expensive costs for parents and a lucrative one for schools!!!
I still love the island....
Recession or not? I am confused...
If you believe the news, the PR government is broke, with a $800 million deficit, almost on the brink of breakdown. Is this a good time to move to the island? Common sense would say no., the middle class professionals are leaving in island in droves for South Florida, earning them the title of Floricans. But, on the other hand, the island also seems to be attracting a share of people wanting to move in from USA and Europe, Phillips is recruiting to the island, so is SAP, one of the largest software companies in the world. UBS, the Swiss investment bank is also recruiting potential candidates to Puerto Rico. Has this constant flow of migration to mainland always been a part of Puerto Rican life? The malls are always busy, even in the current climate, the other day a friend bought a huge Chevrolet with integrated DVDs on the back. It makes you wonder...
Friday, 21 March 2008
Puerto Rico crime rate
A lot has been said and written about the crime rate in Puerto Rico and San Juan.
There has been two high profile cases invloving an American and Canadian citizen which brought plenty of bad publicity in the media towards Puerto Rico. Let me write my opinion on it.
My friends, before you despair and cancel you vacation, let me tell you. It's not that bad, I personally feel as safe in Puerto Rico as I do in London. Actually, I reckon that the likelihood of being robbed at knifepoint or gunpoint in London is greater thabn Puerto Rico. A lot of the crime rate in San Juan and Ponce (the two murder capitals in Puerto Rico) is related to the drug trade. There is no hiding that Puerto Rico is a spot for the drugs route between Latin America and USA. Actually, if you look at a map, Puerto Rico is the nearest American territory to Latin America.
That provides a bit of comfort that if you don't get in the way, you will stay out of the way. Sadly, innocent victims are caught in the crossfire/robbery of these drug gangs. Mostly those that live in the "projects" don't really have a choice but to face and be exposed to the crime and drugs trade.
Also, despite Puerto Rico as a whole getting the bad PR, the rest of the island is safe, safer than many American and European cities. It has happened in many occasions in San German, to leave the car unlocked or forgetting a valuable or two and the following day, the contents are still intact. San Juan itself, if you know where and when to go can be ok.
As per the tourist industry, in my opinion, if you stay within the beaten track areas, use common sense, don't flash, just use the same common sense that you use everywhere and you will be ok.
I still think that the police, government, etc should do more to address this issue.
There has been a feeling amongst both families of the victims and in general that crime usually goes unpunished and badly investigated.
Better pr is also needed in PR
There has been two high profile cases invloving an American and Canadian citizen which brought plenty of bad publicity in the media towards Puerto Rico. Let me write my opinion on it.
My friends, before you despair and cancel you vacation, let me tell you. It's not that bad, I personally feel as safe in Puerto Rico as I do in London. Actually, I reckon that the likelihood of being robbed at knifepoint or gunpoint in London is greater thabn Puerto Rico. A lot of the crime rate in San Juan and Ponce (the two murder capitals in Puerto Rico) is related to the drug trade. There is no hiding that Puerto Rico is a spot for the drugs route between Latin America and USA. Actually, if you look at a map, Puerto Rico is the nearest American territory to Latin America.
That provides a bit of comfort that if you don't get in the way, you will stay out of the way. Sadly, innocent victims are caught in the crossfire/robbery of these drug gangs. Mostly those that live in the "projects" don't really have a choice but to face and be exposed to the crime and drugs trade.
Also, despite Puerto Rico as a whole getting the bad PR, the rest of the island is safe, safer than many American and European cities. It has happened in many occasions in San German, to leave the car unlocked or forgetting a valuable or two and the following day, the contents are still intact. San Juan itself, if you know where and when to go can be ok.
As per the tourist industry, in my opinion, if you stay within the beaten track areas, use common sense, don't flash, just use the same common sense that you use everywhere and you will be ok.
I still think that the police, government, etc should do more to address this issue.
There has been a feeling amongst both families of the victims and in general that crime usually goes unpunished and badly investigated.
Better pr is also needed in PR
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
The hardships of the expat life
Ok, so the title already indicates that I am not having a good day, I am experiencing one of those “expats” days when you miss home, local food, friends, everything.
I know that the ones in the same situation relate to my feelings and see it as the downside of being an expat.
Yes, I agree with you, usually we move to a nicer location, the salary package is much better, the lifestyle is more appealing or the weather is more attractive, but my friends, let’s have an honest moment here for a second. There are times when you wonder even in paradise, when I wonder……….. IS IT WORTH IT?
Is it worth it being away from the ones you love? Is it worth it not having a regular contact with friends and family? Is it worth it missing the little ones (sons, nieces, nephews)? Is worth it breaking a family to allow daddy to earn a few more $$$?
Is it worth it being away from your parents and watching them getting old at distance?
Are the expatriates selfish?
Let me tell you a bit about myself, I am what you call an hardcore expat, actually, I was an expat kid.
I left Angola with my parents when I was two months old, moved to Lisbon, Portugal and grew up there until I moved to London in my late teens. I am now in the process of embarking on a new adventure to Puerto Rico. On each major phase of my life, I was in a different place.
Born in Africa, childhood, early teens in Portugal, late teens, young adult in London and now with a family, I am off to the Caribbean.
Will this be the end of my moving? I don’t know
Has it got advantages? Yes, I became a world citizen
Has it got disadvantages? Yes, you lose contact with people; your friends have moved on and live different life’s when you see them.
Should my daughter experience the same lifestyle? I don’t think so, not as much.
Was it worth it for me, for you? You decide
I know that the ones in the same situation relate to my feelings and see it as the downside of being an expat.
Yes, I agree with you, usually we move to a nicer location, the salary package is much better, the lifestyle is more appealing or the weather is more attractive, but my friends, let’s have an honest moment here for a second. There are times when you wonder even in paradise, when I wonder……….. IS IT WORTH IT?
Is it worth it being away from the ones you love? Is it worth it not having a regular contact with friends and family? Is it worth it missing the little ones (sons, nieces, nephews)? Is worth it breaking a family to allow daddy to earn a few more $$$?
Is it worth it being away from your parents and watching them getting old at distance?
Are the expatriates selfish?
Let me tell you a bit about myself, I am what you call an hardcore expat, actually, I was an expat kid.
I left Angola with my parents when I was two months old, moved to Lisbon, Portugal and grew up there until I moved to London in my late teens. I am now in the process of embarking on a new adventure to Puerto Rico. On each major phase of my life, I was in a different place.
Born in Africa, childhood, early teens in Portugal, late teens, young adult in London and now with a family, I am off to the Caribbean.
Will this be the end of my moving? I don’t know
Has it got advantages? Yes, I became a world citizen
Has it got disadvantages? Yes, you lose contact with people; your friends have moved on and live different life’s when you see them.
Should my daughter experience the same lifestyle? I don’t think so, not as much.
Was it worth it for me, for you? You decide
Monday, 7 January 2008
Wanted fresh fish please!!
Buenos dias,
I know that yesterday I promised to post about my experiences in Puerto Rico. But, as I type, a subject keeps sticking on my mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the lack of fresh fish in Puerto Rico. Actually, let me rephrase.
I don't know any place in San German, Mayaguez, Ponce or on the South West of Puerto Rico that sells fresh fish.
Most restaurants are meat friendly, PR is a meat-eater paradise, but when I ask for fresh fish, I normally draw laughs or funny looks.
Fish, yes, we have some, let me take you to a place to buy it, I was told.
Plenty of choice, frozen choice, I had Mr Special, Pueblo and Sam's.
Hold on a minute, last time I checked, Puerto Rico was an island, right? An island is surrounded by sea, correct?
So why, is meat eaten so much? Better yet, why the lack of fresh fish and plenty of frozen?
P.S- If anyone knows a place or a market to buy fresh fish or seafood nearby, please leave your comment here. I would be delighted to know. Really craving for it now.
I know that yesterday I promised to post about my experiences in Puerto Rico. But, as I type, a subject keeps sticking on my mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the lack of fresh fish in Puerto Rico. Actually, let me rephrase.
I don't know any place in San German, Mayaguez, Ponce or on the South West of Puerto Rico that sells fresh fish.
Most restaurants are meat friendly, PR is a meat-eater paradise, but when I ask for fresh fish, I normally draw laughs or funny looks.
Fish, yes, we have some, let me take you to a place to buy it, I was told.
Plenty of choice, frozen choice, I had Mr Special, Pueblo and Sam's.
Hold on a minute, last time I checked, Puerto Rico was an island, right? An island is surrounded by sea, correct?
So why, is meat eaten so much? Better yet, why the lack of fresh fish and plenty of frozen?
P.S- If anyone knows a place or a market to buy fresh fish or seafood nearby, please leave your comment here. I would be delighted to know. Really craving for it now.
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