There are 20 of us here in San Juan, living in the dorms. 14 college students (Whittier College, "Fear The Poets!"). 12 young women - smart, savvy in all things baseball, and lovely. 2 young men - taller but just as smart and savvy - and (don't tell them) so sweet. 6 adults came along for the ride. Each morning we meet for a 2-hour Puerto Rican history and culture class taught by a charming and knowledgable teacher from the college - Universidad del Sagrado Corazon. His name is Juan and he has strong feelings about the history and status of Puerto Rico. We now use the Puerto Rican status to measure things. The political phrase is that Puerto Ricans are "part of but not of" the US. A commonwealth, not a state. Citizens, but can't vote for president. Representation in Congress, but this "Commissioner" has no voting rights. They don't pay federal taxes (they pay state taxes) but are eligible for military service.
"So," we asked, "Are the 6 adults in the group the Puerto Ricans to the Whittier College students? Aren't we part of the group but not really of it, given that we don't have any official status with Whittier, we don't get any course credit but we also don't have to do the assignments?" "No," he said, "Not unless Whittier also dictates what you can and can't do in your life here in San Juan beyond the classroom. Right now you can do anything the kids do." Hmmmm. We keep searching but have not found an equivalent.
Just like Whittier, Sagrado (as the college is known) has a long break between Christmas and mid January. Our course is part of the January term at Whittier but here at Sagrado, there are few students around. When we arrived 10 days ago, we were the only residents in the dorms. Students are now just starting to trickle back in. Classes start next week (we leave Friday morning). Faculty have also begun appearing. The cafeteria serves maybe 30 other people beyond our group.
When in session, there are about 5,000 students; most are commuters. The 2 existing dorms are enough to house those whose homes are farther away. It is a relatively small campus - 2 large classroom buildings with up-to-date facilities, an historic (and gorgeous) administrative building, a large gym, beautiful outdoor Olympic-sized pool and many other small support buildings scattered around the campus. The grounds are lovely.
What is unusual? The fauna! We have watched iguanas tussle (and scamper up trees - beware the tail, we are told.) There are also lots of small chickens - and cheeky roosters - and cats meandering around campus, often seen together. The cats are well fed and petted. The best sound? The chirping noises that come from the small green frogs called coqui. They make a lot of noise (charming - I will miss it) for their diminutive size!
The former Econ teacher in me is fascinated by prices here. If the product is grown or made here on the island it is inexpensive but if it is imported from the mainland, that is not the case. Given that 90% of products (and that includes most food items) are imported, you can see the problem. Breakfast in the cafeteria is a good example. A large plate of 2-3 eggs (prepared as you like), with ham and island toast is $2.00 and this includes a small cup of the best coffee imagineable. If, instead, I want a small carton of Danon yogurt OR a small prepackaged container of very hard melon chunks and grapes plus a cup of the wonderful coffee it is about $3.25. I think one of the big surprises is the relative rarity of fruits and veggies offered in the cafeteria - they are all imported and, therefore, expensive.
We still have several days of classes, another baseball game, a farewell dinner and chances to see a bit more of Puerto Rico. However, 4 of the 6 adults (including me) are skipping class tomorrow to go snorkeling on the northeast coast of the island. Thank goodness we aren't among the young college students responsible for all those classes and assignments!
"So," we asked, "Are the 6 adults in the group the Puerto Ricans to the Whittier College students? Aren't we part of the group but not really of it, given that we don't have any official status with Whittier, we don't get any course credit but we also don't have to do the assignments?" "No," he said, "Not unless Whittier also dictates what you can and can't do in your life here in San Juan beyond the classroom. Right now you can do anything the kids do." Hmmmm. We keep searching but have not found an equivalent.
Just like Whittier, Sagrado (as the college is known) has a long break between Christmas and mid January. Our course is part of the January term at Whittier but here at Sagrado, there are few students around. When we arrived 10 days ago, we were the only residents in the dorms. Students are now just starting to trickle back in. Classes start next week (we leave Friday morning). Faculty have also begun appearing. The cafeteria serves maybe 30 other people beyond our group.
When in session, there are about 5,000 students; most are commuters. The 2 existing dorms are enough to house those whose homes are farther away. It is a relatively small campus - 2 large classroom buildings with up-to-date facilities, an historic (and gorgeous) administrative building, a large gym, beautiful outdoor Olympic-sized pool and many other small support buildings scattered around the campus. The grounds are lovely.
What is unusual? The fauna! We have watched iguanas tussle (and scamper up trees - beware the tail, we are told.) There are also lots of small chickens - and cheeky roosters - and cats meandering around campus, often seen together. The cats are well fed and petted. The best sound? The chirping noises that come from the small green frogs called coqui. They make a lot of noise (charming - I will miss it) for their diminutive size!
The former Econ teacher in me is fascinated by prices here. If the product is grown or made here on the island it is inexpensive but if it is imported from the mainland, that is not the case. Given that 90% of products (and that includes most food items) are imported, you can see the problem. Breakfast in the cafeteria is a good example. A large plate of 2-3 eggs (prepared as you like), with ham and island toast is $2.00 and this includes a small cup of the best coffee imagineable. If, instead, I want a small carton of Danon yogurt OR a small prepackaged container of very hard melon chunks and grapes plus a cup of the wonderful coffee it is about $3.25. I think one of the big surprises is the relative rarity of fruits and veggies offered in the cafeteria - they are all imported and, therefore, expensive.
We still have several days of classes, another baseball game, a farewell dinner and chances to see a bit more of Puerto Rico. However, 4 of the 6 adults (including me) are skipping class tomorrow to go snorkeling on the northeast coast of the island. Thank goodness we aren't among the young college students responsible for all those classes and assignments!
Thanks so much for your blogs. They are so interesting and you are both funny and surprising. Love! Bev
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