See the World

By: Andee Gentry

By studying abroad in Puerto Rico, I was able to grasped a whole new outlook and appreciation for the Puerto Rican culture. By taking a chance or opportunity to embark on a journey like this is one I highly suggest. This was my second time to do a study abroad program and I can’t wait to continue to do more. 

While traveling in college, I have gained a better understanding of culture appreciation and an outlook on life. By examining and living in another culture, I was able to appreciate the beauty our world offers and has inspired me to continue traveling. After visiting Puerto Rico and traveling within a group, I decided to sign up for another traveling trip in order to explore a new environment. Traveling while your young is very important to me because it opens your eyes to new experiences and adventures that help guide your life. 

After seeing so many landmarks, museums, and important architecture in different cities, it makes me want to continue exploring the world. After seeing Samuel Lind’s paintings who is a local Puerto Rican artist to the views from the El Yunque Rainforest and The Forts, I want to travel and see more wonders of the world.

 The more you travel, the more you are going to gain knowledge and experience to help later in life. I have traveled to many different places and I think it has made me more independent and aware of our world. I can't wait to explore many more places and continue to see the beautiful creations our world has to offer.

Samuel Lind the artist 

One of Samuel Lind's paintings

View from El Yunque Rainforest

Check out:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide

http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2017

http://www.travelchannel.com

Contact Information:

Email: Andee.W.Gentry-1@ou.edu

Twitter: AndeeWGentry 

Facebook: Andee Gentry 

Instagram: andeegentry 

Artifacts

Artifacts 

By Taylor Porchey 

The Museums in Caguas were quite interesting, not only for their historical and cultural content, but because of the role they played in the community. While at the tourism office, the sweet women in the office said that because they do not have beaches or rainforests to attract tourists like other places in Puerto Rico, they use their rich and deep culture, which they work hard to preserve, to attract tourists. They have been very successful at this endeavor and continue to look for ways to improve strategies to reach tourists and make guests’ experience in Caguas the best possible. The eleven museums in Caguas surround the central plaza and are connected by beautiful mosaic tiles in the sidewalk helping to guide guests from museum to museum. Additionally, each museum is color-coded a different color corresponding to a different color on the map so even if you are directionally challenged or do not speak Spanish well, you can match the colors and ensure that you are at the right museum that you desire to visit.

While in Caguas, we visited the Museo de Arte, Museo del Tabaco and Casa del Trovador Luis Miranda “Pico de Oro.” My favorite memory from the museums was walking into the Art Museum and being overwhelmed by the effervescent scent of lavender. It truly made the art museum feel special and separate from the outside world. Each museum encapsulated a part of culture and history from the island that could not be experienced in any other way. It is truly a special and significant experience.

 This is the mosaic tile found right outside the tourist center in Caguas. Many others are found throughout the city denoting other museums and important locations. 

Traditional dolls in the Art Museum representing the many ethnicities and races found on the island. 

Making cigars typically involves a number of steps, but this special lady makes it look like one fluid motion.  

Check Out: 

http://visitcaguas.com/route.htm

http://visitcaguas.com

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147319-Activities-c49-Puerto_Rico.html

http://www.fourpointscaguas.com/things-to-do-in-caguas

http://www.expedia.com/Caguas-Hotels.d6047341.Travel-Guide-Hotels