Baliando con la gente en Puert Ricooo!

It's so not anymore all about visiting stunning places and doing all the activities. Of course traveling is usually based on that, but my main focus is on people. Sure, I'm amazed about the attractions that Puerto Rico has to offer. How can you not be impressed by the fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal, who played the important role for almost 400 years protecting the Caribbean from invaders. And the tranquility of tropical forests and refreshment of rain on your skin while on a hike. Or the crystal clear ocean with waves breaking pretty much perfectly. It's a big fairytell around every corner. But basicaly, people you ran into, bring the real WoW to the whole adventure. 

"Andale mami, bailamos!!!" was yelling the seller to her friend, ''Au, au, auuuuu" was screaming the old lady when she heard a song she liked, at the fiesta I randomly ran into. They don't know what the old age is and they look and act like young people. What a passion and what characters!!

Our sweet Francisco and his hostel, which became such a comfortable shelter for me, I decided to live here for the rest of my stay in Puerto Rico. Francisco is extremly dedicated and impressive person, who is very passionate about bringing the budget tourism combined with volunteering, to Puerto Rico. He says in joke that with my knowledge of traveling, he would  love to employ me to help him.

The people you meet on the street help you all the time, with information and directions, even when you're not lost. When they notice you're looking at them them, they give you this warm and respectful look. Tomas and Alen, local surfers, we met today, loved to explained to us, about life in Puerto Rico and how everything works around here. Even tho the country is under the dependence of U.S. it's amazing how they have kept the culture and don't let the U.S. to take over. They stay loyal to their roots.

At the beginning I thought it will be a bit of a struggle to travel around, because nevertheless Puerto Rico is not a budget destination! But when you infiltrate into the local life, people will hook you up with some pretty good deals. Or they will introduce you to a friend who would take you somewhere for free. The traveling is just about nothing without people. They represent the essence of traveling itself. The majority don't understand the backpacking. It's not about the budget traveling. Maybe some part, but basically, is living it up with the culture, meeting people, who will unintentionally change the flow of your thoughts and help you realise the things you would missed if you haven't met them. It's about sharing life stories. Getting to know them and their way of life, their struggles and their happiness. That helps to start living in the symbiosis with the mankind and understand each others lives.  

Mayita