The Real Puerto Rico

Mofongo is a native dish to Puerto Rico. Bourdain explains in his "anti-conquest" form of travel writing that Mofongo is a dish that describes the "real" Puerto Rico, while the natives prefer simpler tastes like rice and beans.

By Clint Sloan

Anthony Bourdain was searching for the “real” Puerto Rico down the streets of San Juan. He started his search at Barrachina, the home of the Piña Colada. This would give him a glance at the traditional Puerto Rican culture. He soon became skeptical of how traditional it was after the drink was made from canned pineapple juice and delivered through a fountain station.

So Bourdain bragged about how he was destined to find this traditional Puerto Rico. He hires a guide to take him to various sites, because Bourdain cannot speak Spanish. He finally finds the perfect drink at a old beaten food stand next to a beautiful beach. “This is it,” Bourdain stated.

Even though Bourdain said he was going to present the real Puerto Rico to his viewers, he was actually presenting a view of the aristocratic tourist; he was not presenting a view of a middle-class curious individual wanting to explore the real Puerto Rico.

For example, in order to communicate with the local residents, Bourdain had to acquire a translator. Everyday people could not afford to hire a translator, especially in these hard economic times. It also leaves one without the experience of having to personally contact local people for essentials like food or lodging. An individual must go in there without a translator. Preferably, one should learn some basic Spanish phrases like ¿Comó Estás? and Buenos Dias. This would give one that communication experience needed to appreciate one’s stay in Puerto Rico.

Also, Bourdain seems to think Mofongo is the main dish in Puerto Rico. But actually it is not what most Puerto Ricans prefer. Traditional Puerto Rican food usually just consists of a meat such as pork or chicken mixed with rice and beans. Tourists are the main ones who like Mofongo; so, if one wants to enhance their experience, try some of the food Puerto Ricans themselves enjoy.

In the end, Bourdain’s portrayal of Puerto Rico is good for entertainment, but should not be misconstrued to be an accurate portrayal of the “real” Puerto Rico. This can be experienced by talking to locals, and one would see what makes this beautiful island so great.

Caution! Beware of Preconceived Notions

By Vince Winston

Watching a guy get punched in the face by boxing champion Miguel Cotto, walking around eating the native food such as mofongo and searching for the legendary Chubacabra monster is probably not one’s first perception of what is meant by anti-conquest travel writing. But this is the essence of what it means to look at a culture from their perspective; immersing yourself within the culture headfirst. And Anthony Bordain’s “No Reservation” episode showcasing Puerto Rico was just that, a headfirst adventure into the world of the United States most diverse commonwealth. He may have taken it a little too literal when he took a right jab to the face by Cotto, but it was a good show of his dedication!

It was a good learning lesson for us to have a preconceived notion from a travel writer before arriving. This helped us understand how easily knowledge can be misconstrued if only one point of view is taken into account. Yes, Bordain did a good job of exploring the island, but since being here and being an active travel writer myself, I have only experienced a few of the local customs he pointed out. The amazing bio-luminous bays, the El Yunque National Rain Forest or visiting the El Morro Fort are things that have equal validation to the uniqueness of Puerto Rico.

It is impossible to visit every place that makes a culture unique, which is why it is so important to have different perspectives when reading about a place. The more views and opinion you have will only enlighten yourself to the different areas that make a place special. But be careful though, you don’t want to get your “lights knocked out!”

Unity In Puerto Rico

Unity In Puerto Rico

Zaina Al Ghabra

January 10, 2010

Traveling today has changed drastically when you compare it to the agendas of those who traveled before us. Back then travel was dedicated to advancing certain agendas. Those traveling to far away places were a minority who were assigned to certain tasks. Luckily today, more people associate traveling with leisure and as a way to learn about our world and all its complexities. Anti-conquest is a word coined by Mary Pratt, which refers to the innocence of travel rather than traveling for conquering and dominating other people and cultures. Many of us find ourselves traveling to far away places simply to fulfill a curious obligation within ourselves; thus reiterating the notion of anti-conquest.

Anthony Bourdain is a well-known author and chef who travels documenting his experiences and broadcasting them on the Travel Channel for the world to see; a luxury that was not readily available in the past. His series integrate Pratt’s notion of anti-conquest, as he travels to different parts of Puerto Rico and offers his own account based on what he has seen and experienced. More so, he offers pointers to those who plan on following his footsteps into unknown lands. Bourdain also emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with the local population, gaining a “real experience, rather than being immersed in tourist destinations with other tourists.

When it comes to the amount of things I have witnessed and been a part of on this lovely Island, I can definitely say I was offered a well-rounded experience. Bourdain stresses on tasting a Piña Colada when in Puerto Rico, and I can walk away assured I was lucky to find and indulge in the freshest Piña Colada on the Island. More so, Bourdain emphasizes a little restaurant in Old San Juan called “Raices,” of which myself, Dr. Subervi and Dr. Carstarphen, along with a few other classmates had the wonderful opportunity of eating at. Not only did we eat there, but we indulged in the all famous Mofongo. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican delicacy composed of mashed triple fried plantains topped with your choice of meat, chicken, shrimp or vegetables. Bourdain also made sure visitors know the relevance and love people in Puerto Rico have for rice and beans.

Lastly, visiting Vieques, The Three Kings Festival, El Yunque Rainforest and the Bioluminescent Bay just last night, truly offered a tourist experience like no other. I feel as though I can walk away from this trip with a personal account of the Islands rich beauty, history, food, culture and people; Anthony Bourdain would be pleased. Of course none of this would have been possible without our amazing tour guides who gave us their all, our professors who are the backbone of the trip, and of course my fellow students who filled our journey with laughter and fun.

Travel for travel's sake.

By: Lauren Hale
The idea of anti-conquest is a narrative term coined by Mary Pratt. It referred to the innocence of travel and going into a land with the intentions to learn and observe the beauty of a culture as its own. These ideas of anti-conquest were the opposite of going into a land to change the culture and become a dominant power source. In the beginnings of travel writing, a major component of the genre was the idea that learning and taking accounts of a new place could lend aide to its conquer. With new world discoveries being an important part of the time period, travel writing gave a sense of familiarity with these unknown regions. In the present day, we see more travel for anti-conquest reasons. This idea of "leisure" and "culture learning experience" are prominent reasons for people to extend their temporary locations to other places.
Looking at Anthony Bourdain series on the travel channel, you witness a person traveling to different lands solely to learn about a new culture and having an immersed experience. His segments incorporate some of the travel ideals that Mary Pratt set forth with her idea of anti-conquest. At the beginning of his Puerto Rican segment, he said he wants to see the "real Puerto Rico." This being the areas of the island that are not advertised as tourist attractions and are more local hangouts. Locations such as these throughout a city are usually the most beneficial to immersion into a culture. He begins his segment by tasting local cuisine, something that I was keen on doing while I was here. The one thing I wanted to eat on this whole trip was the typical rice and beans dish, along with tostones. How the women of Puerto Rico stay svelte, I have no idea. I would not have the willpower to not eat these fried and carb loaded delicacy's every day.Anyways, viewing Bourdain's series made me realize that I am apt to doing anti-conquest traveling myself. I like to explore areas and culture and apply them to my own life. Seeing a new place for its existing beauty, rather than trying to make it into something else, is a rewarding experience. Take tonight for example. We were able to witness a beautiful, natural underwater world at the bioluminesence bay. I have never seen anything as remarkable as that and it was literally a life changing experience. Taking in that site as it was, a beautiful Puerto Rican treasure, was made possible by existing as a visitor, a tourist. Jn my opinion, traveling to a new place would not have been the same if I had an agenda such as those who existed in the beginning of travel writing. I enjoy being a participant in new cultures, not a advocate for changing them. To me, one of the biggest luxuries in life is being able to submerge yourself into a new place and take in all it has to offer.

Central Texas Landscape in Puerto Rico

By Bianca Davis

We arrived at Guanico Dry Foresst in the morning however the heat of the ‘desert’ sun made it seem like high noon. Surrounded by small shubs, cacti, and familiar trees I felt like I was at home in the Central Texas Hill Country.
Francisco, our guide from Aventuras Puerto Rico, knowingly led the way down a rocky path noting that the rocks here were not native to the area but had been imported to create a trail of sorts. We made frequent stops to learn about the various vegitation and how they have adapted in order to thrive in such an aridd climate. The further down towards the coast the more the cool breeze from Guanico Bay could be felt giving relief from the scorching sun.
Having made our way all the way to our destination, an 850 year old Guyacan Tree, we stoped for a group photo. I was able to talk to Francisco on the walk back because there were fewer stops since he had already pointed out most of the points of interest on the trip in.
Francisco, who owns his own tour company Aventuras Puerto Rico, has been giving tours for 5 years now. However, tourism was not his original choice in career. Francisco said he used to work as an acountant, but was unhappy with his work. On a recommendation from a friend and a big leap of faith, Francisco studdied for two and a half years more after already graduating from college in order to earn his certification from the Puerto Rican Tourism board, a task he said that was not easy. Eventually he bought a van, and as time progressed he has been able to operate a successful tourism company out of Ponce. Francisco said prior to the cration of his company, all the tour guides in the south were sent from San Jaun because there were no tour guides from Ponce, he found his niche.

Sorry, TLC, I Will Go Chasing Waterfalls

By Karen Hudson

For someone who once lived in Hawaii, I have a very sad number of memories of that gorgeous landscape. The only thing I remember about spending my toddler years in Hawaii is having nightmares about The Incredible Hulk.

I’m so excited to be here in Puerto Rico so I can have real, long-lasting memories of time in an exotic land. Thanks to our wonderful tour guides in El Yunque, Papo, and Jose, I finally have those memories that will last a lifetime.

When we arrived at El Yunque, we were excited to see Papo again. He has to be one of the best tour guides in Puerto Rico; I’m convinced that there is nothing he doesn’t know about his native land. When we entered El Yunque, he showed us how to make cheap postcards from the leaves of a cupey tree. He pulled a pen from his pocket and wrote a short note. “Just put a stamp on it and put it in the mail,” he said with his signature grin.

Jose led us on the trail and we hiked for about half an hour until we reached a waterfall with a swimming area. I was hot and tired; a dip in the water sounded like the perfect remedy. Always a gentleman, Jose helped all of us navigate the slippery rocks. He laughed as we shrieked in reaction to the temperature of the water. He put a thermometer in the water and told us, “It’s 78 degrees! That’s not cold!”

I finally worked up the nerve to get into the water with Marisa. We held hands and shrieked just like the girls before us. Emily encouraged us to dunk ourselves. “You’ll feel better once you get in, I promise!” she said. I wasn’t sure if that was possible but I took her advice anyway. She was right. I found a place to sit in a large rock and enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall and laughter. I tried to swim to the waterfall with my roommate, Zaina, but the force of the water knocked me off my feet. Emily helped me return to my seat on the rock, where I rested until it was time to leave.




As I crawled over the rocks to the edge of the water, I saw two women holding hands and shivering. “Just get in!” I yelled. “It’ll get better, I promise.” They smiled and said, “You’re crazy! It’s so cold!” We laughed and they helped me out of the water. When we returned to the trail, I looked back at the waterfall. The women were splashing around and encouraging their friends to get in. “It gets better, you just have to get in!” they yelled. I smiled and continued on with our hike, wondering if the same was true for my time in Puerto Rico. I don’t know how if could get any better, but I’m ready to find out.

Business As Usual

by Vince Winston

Casually watching television a few years ago, I remember a commercial ad about crazy laws in the United States. It was publicity for a new website called dumblaws.com that would showcase unusual, uncommon and/ or silly laws. Things such as “one cannot catch a fish with their bare hands (Kansas),” “you may not drive barefoot (Alabama)” and “no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour (California) were some of their showcased laws. Never thinking such laws as this truly were enforced or given any credibility, I found this not to be evident in Puerto Rico.

It was roughly 10am on the 6^th day of January, a particularly warm and cloudy morning in Juana Diaz, when it began to rain. A small group of my classmates and I, hoping to gain protection from the rain, rushed into Walgreens to purchase an umbrella so that we could enjoy The Three King Parade without getting wet. We approach the aisle that had umbrellas and other similar items, but it was blocked by a small portable aisle on both ends. Not thinking more than this being a simple barricade due to a spill (or something related), we carefully entered and retrieved a few umbrellas. While at checkout, we were told that it was against the law to sell “commerce” to customers at that time. We were dumbfounded by this information.

After speaking with our tour guide, Francisco Jusino, we were informed that it was against the law for a business to sell non-essential commerce to a customer before 11am on Sundays and Holidays. Additionally, most non-essential businesses were to not open until 11am on these days, but Walgreens evaded this law as this were deemed a pharmacy. Upon further conversations with our tour guide and a little research, we found this law to be true. Religious groups enacted these “blue laws” as they did not want people to have distractions from going to church and spending time with their family. With this law in place, it would give them ample time to do so.

This strong religious influence on the law shows the presence and importance that religion still plays in the Puerto Rican culture. For a tourist this may seem as an inconvenience, but to the people of this island it is business as usual.