Day One

We began the day with Spanish language lessons. The instructor immersed us right into it! So now, when my math students look at me with that "What are you talking about?" look, I may remember my first thoughts of "I don't understand this". By the end of class, it was much better. Imagine how ELL students feel in our classrooms!

Learning about the Puerto Rico diaspora was extremely interesting. We spent two hours discussing the history of this country and the reasons for immigration and emigration. We toured Old San Juan, the oldest city within United States territory, not to be confused with St. Augustine, the oldest city on the mainland. We visited St. Joseph's Square, home of the oldest church in Puerto Rico. The church is being renovated, as has been much of Old San Juan. The plaza was built over a cemetery, which was located around the church. This is like St. Patrick's Church in York, which built a parking lot over its cemetery.



Tax incentives are part of the reason that 80% of Old San Juan has been remodeled. Many streets in the old city are named for saints, correlating with the strong presence of the Catholic Church. The homes are colorful. Many have balconies, and shutters provide protection from the weather. It was warm--in the 80s--but a breeze from the ocean helps to cool you. An afternoon rain shower is predictable. Streets are narrow and cobblestoned.

The port of San Juan is the first port in and the last port out of what was Spanish America, which made it an important stop and the reason for the fortifications.

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. The US Post Office delivers the mail; the EPA tests the water (it's safe to drink); you don't need a passport, because you are traveling in the US. People in Puerto Rico vote every four years, but do not vote for the president of the US. No Child Left Behind affects education here, as it does on the mainland. You can find the same stores and restaurants: Starbucks, Auto Parts, Penneys, Domino's Pizza.