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!”