I've just returned from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, where the Bahamas baseball team participated in the Little League Championships for the Caribbean.
Although the Bahamas fell short of expectations, (congratulations to a fantastic Curucao team that won the whole thing), the island of Puerto Rico was a very pleasant surprise. It was my first trip there.
View of the Puerto Rico northern coastline along San Juan, looking east from El Morro fort to San Cristobal fort in the distance
The Puerto Rican people were helpful and friendly. They enjoy what I found to be the near-perfect mix of United States amenities (such as good roadways, well-stocked shops and stores, and good communications) and a healthy dose of native Caribbean soul.
The topography of the island consists of both mountains and a fantastic shoreline. The history of island boasts Spanish influence, pirates, and US intervention.
Looking down one of the avenues in Old San Juan, complete with colorful facades and blue brick streets
The Puerto Ricans have maintained much of their history and kept alive the rich past that forms a large part of their modern character.
The Bahamas--with an equally interesting and significant history--could do many of the same things with its forts, holdovers from the bygone days of pirates and privateering.
The renovation and maintenance of many beautiful colonial structures in the country could also become part of the nation agenda, rather than an unfortunate mistake of history that should be ignored and forgotten.
The benefits to tourism and national identity could be tremendous.
Keep your eyes on this space for additional write ups on Puerto Rico in the coming days.
