Where I Come From – Blogtember

Today is the first day of Story of my Life‘s new blogging challenge: Blogtember! After participating in Jenny’s – Blog Every Day in May challenge i was so excited to hear that she was working on a new one for September 🙂 This time around she decided to put prompts only for the days of the week, that way we have the weekends off! Stick around this month and read my take on the daily topics. Today’s prompt asks us to: describe where or what you come from. The people, the places and/or the factors that make up who you are.

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I am Puerto Rican, which means i was born and raised in a small island in the caribbean, i lived there my whole life (until recently). Being Puerto Rican means my ancestors are European, Taíno (Indian) and African. Spanish is my first language, we call ourselves “boricuas”, derived from the Taíno word Boriken, which means “the land of the valiant and noble Lord”. Almost 4 million people live in Puerto Rico, making it one of the most populated islands in the world! We love a good party and we can dance Salsa and Merengue anywhere, anytime! Rice and beans are part of every balanced meal. It is hot/humid 365 days a year back home. We are a Commonwealth of the United States, which means nobody agrees about the political and international status of Puerto Rico, should we become a state, should we stay like we are or should we become independent? These are the biggest questions that nobody seems to be able to answer. We may consider ourselves “Americans” but we are fiercely proud of our island and our culture. 

You may have heard some things about us but all in all we are kind and caring people :). To me being Puerto Rican means that no matter where you find yourself you keep your family, your heritage and your traditions close to your heart. It also means you pass this on from generation to generation. You share your culture with others, either through stories or by introducing them to our delicious food, it also means that whenever you meet other puerto ricans you treat them like family, because in a way they are.

Okinawa has our hearts because it reminds us a lot of home. The people are extremely nice and welcoming, the humidity, the beaches, the mountains, the shaved ice (YUM!), the horrible drivers (haha!) and also the fact that they are so proud of their unique island culture which makes them different from mainland Japan.