Why travel writing?

by T. M. Boyd

Why I Want to Study in Puerto Rico

            I am interested in the travel writing class for a number of reasons, chief among them being that I live for traveling (almost as much as I live for writing) and would love to have a career that incorporates both writing and international travel.  Previously I have lived in South Korea and Bolivia, and I have travelled to many amazing places, including Cuba.  It would be wonderful to be able to share those experiences with more than my nieces and nephews.

            Additionally, I would like to educate the American public about some of the issues overseas that we as Americans are fortunate enough not to encounter in our everyday lives.  Things that we take for granted, like turning on the tap and having potable water, or flipping a light switch and having the lights come on, are the exception for most of the world, not the norm.  And yet, despite these challenges, the world is filled with wondrous places and exceptional people that can teach us a great deal about living, if we are only intelligent enough to listen.

Finally, I would like to study in Puerto Rico so that I can visit an American territory, which I have never done before, and travel to a new place (at least new to me).  This class is also an excellent opportunity to exercise my rusty Spanish.  Most importantly, this class is an opportunity to learn a new writing skill, travel writing.

After the trip to Puerto Rico, I don’t really have anything to add to my original application essay, although I have to admit the second paragraph gets pretty preachy.  It is difficult for me to remember that very few people have had the overseas experiences I have had.  Living in South Korea during the Asian Economic Crisis.  Living in Bolivia during a presidential election, when the country had been a stable democracy for only 20 years.  Spending a week (kind of) exploring Cuba as part of an international education conference.  And, of course, the fantastic trip to Puerto Rico, which I don’t count as international travel, though many would.  All of my travels have been magnificent and terrible, uplifting and heartbreaking, and above all, educational.

I meant what I said about the world being filled with wondrous places and people, both good and bad.  I also meant what I said about Americans not being particularly skilled at listening (more on that in a later entry).  Most importantly, I am deeply committed to sharing the world with those unable (or unwilling) to experience it for themselves.  Hopefully this guest blog will be a successful launching pad.

The Godfather and Papo

By Marisa Mohi, world traveler and consigliere to the Don.

My dad has raised me on two ideas. The first, is The Godfather. Ever since I was little he would quote the movie, reminding me to never “take sides against the family” or to “take the gun and leave the cannolis” and various other bits of wisdom that only the Corleone family could relate in parts I and II. The other thing, is the notion of travel.

You see, my dad is what he refers to as “an international.” That is, he is not from the U.S. I’ve always heard stories of him coming to the U.S. from Iran when he was a teenager, and how this has shaped him into the person he is today. (This is probably one of the many reasons that he likes The Godfather, because he relates with young Vito coming to the U.S. to make his way in the world.) He didn’t speak the language, but came here anyway to make his fortune. Before considering this trip, I knew that I could never live up to the person that my dad is if I never traveled.

Enter Puerto Rico.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve gone on many an organized tour and done the touristy sort of things. And while I don’t feel like the badass that my dad was, I feel like I’m definitely growing up. I feel like I’m getting the vibe of the place, and getting to know Puerto Rico.

Since I’ve been here, we’ve had a few tour guides, but none so great as Papo. If you ever go to Puerto Rico and decide to go on a tour, ask for Papo. He’s the most fun you can have in a tour bus.

Papo has 8 daughters and claims that he needs to work as a tour guide in order to get out everything he wants say but can’t say at home when surrounded by women. He’s also the head trainer for the tour guide service we’ve used. And, even though he recently had a stroke, he’s still going strong, showing the flora and fauna and architecture and relating anecdotes.

A stop on our grand tour that really sticks out in my mind is Loiza, a city founded by freed slaves. We all hopped on the bus with Papo and headed from San Juan to Loiza. We stopped at the home and studio of Samuel Lind, where I bought a print.



Then we were off to the Loiza Cultural Center to learn how to dance the “Bomba.” The Bomba is a type of dance that uses different drum rhythms created by the freed slaves from that area. We sang the chorus and learned a simple dance, though the majority of us weren’t quite up to par. The pros, however, were a sight to behold.



And then, we made a stop at the proverbial mecca that is the Bacardi Rum factory.



And throughout it all, we had Papo to give us the quick and dirty, and also the long form of information regarding these destinations. And, though our time with Papo has ended, I’m glad he was here to properly introduce me to the greatness that is Puerto Rico.