Puerto Rico Tribute Site

(Texto en inglés para el beneficio de los amigos fuera de P.R.)
Many centuries ago...
... along the coast of what we now call Puerto Rico, a woman rose eagerly from her hammock as the first rays of sunlight pierced the loosely slatted bamboo walls of her little round bohio house. Her heart was light because today she would climb the hill above the growing village where she lived to the special pool in the stream where she always found the best flat rocks, the perfect materials she needed for the amulets she made for herself and for others to wear. She liked the performance of stone, the way it felt like it would last forever, like the earth itself, like her mountainous green island, Borikén. So she set off between the clusters of bohios for the water stream.
As soon as she began climbing the hill, she stopped for a long drink of water and for a view of the fields below.....Imagine the "Eden" called Borikén. A tropical island ruled by nature. A place that was almost completely a rain forest from shore to shore. A place filled with colorful flowers, orchids, over 100 species of palm trees, bamboo, giant philodendron, giant ferns, fruit trees. Natural water from high mountain streams of unusual purity, clarity, and beneficial mineral contents, natural pools and water falls. A place where wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, whales, giant sea turtles, colorful parrots, and many different species of exotic birds lived undisturbed by man. Giant fish jumped out of both, the rivers and the beautiful turquoise blue oceans. Each evening Borikén was cooled by the breezes of the Caribbean Sea and serenaded by trillions of Coquíes.....Realizing she had daydreamed too long, she turned and hurried up the little path by the stream. Except for the little settlement she called home, and the blue sea spreading off to the horizon, everything she could see of the land was green, trees and vines and plants of a thousand hues barely varying the same theme. So much green everywhere. Sometimes she felt as if her eyes ached from the richness of the color.....
It was a beautiful island, her Borikén!
This was the “Island of Enchantment” during the reign of the brave Taíno Indian people. They called the island Borikén. Today Puerto Rico is an archipelago of over 100 islands. The archipelago includes the main island of Puerto Rico, and a number of smaller islands and Cays. Vastly rich in beauty and history.
Welcome to the rain forests!....and welcome to the desert zones, and the mountains, and the coast, and the caves, and the cliffs, and the canyons, and the bioluminescent bays, and the karst country, and the mangroves, and the salt flats, and the cloud forests, and the rivers, and the “you name it.” The islands are very exotic in nature. Impressive array of natural wonders:
Stunning nature reserves, including the Caribbean's best: Desecheo, Mona, and Monito islands, this area probably has the highest density of Hawksbill sea turtles anywhere in the world. Mona Island is home to the world's largest marine-originated cave system.
The largest reserve in the Caribbean: Vieques Island.
( Click Here )
Among other important Reserves for many rare and endangered species.
Internationally recognized and protected tropical forests:
Rain Forests like El Yunque Forest - one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere - with its cloud covered peaks, thundering waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. According to some scientists this is the most efficient forest in the world. No other forest produces more oxygen per square kilometer as this one.
To the other extreme we find - Dry forests, one being the Guanica Forest - considered the world's best example of a dry forest - So important, in fact, that it has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
In between those two extremes - many other forest systems, including the Caribbean's largest mangrove forest reserve.
Puerto Rico is home to gorgeous sandy beaches, and its hundreds of miles of coastline harbor an almost endless selection for the beach connoisseur. These breath-taking beaches come in every size, color, and form. ( Click Here and Here )
Home to some of the most astonishing geological creations of nature in the planet! Including some of the largest underground rivers in the world, one of which runs through the world's 3rd largest cave network. ( CLICK HERE )
The most ancient hot thermal baths in the Americas. According to legend the springs are the fountain of youth that legendary explorer Juan Ponce de León was seeking.
The Bermeja Mountain Chain - Fantastic forests, magnificent views and unique geology, with some of the oldest rocks in the region this place holds the key to the origin of the Caribbean. A great historical site and jewel of nature.
The San Cristóbal Canyon, the largest canyon in the Caribbean. Rivers flow through it creating several natural pools at the bottom, intense vegetation, dramatic cliff walls and a number of waterfalls including the highest waterfall in Puerto Rico(around 1,000ft). A stunning nature place.
The largest submarine cave network in the Caribbean. A site full of incredible formations and marine life!
The world’s best Bio-lagoons and bays, imagine the excitement of swimming in water that sparkles like diamonds! ( Click Here )
Puerto Rico offers astonishing variety!
The culture is just as impressive. Puerto Rico is a melting pot of cultures with 3 "Key Ingredients" -- Taíno (Native Indian), Spanish, and African. It is a rich, unique, and wonderful fusion. They converge in the food, music, language, architecture, religion, lifestyles, arts, and crafts. You can't help but feel the pulse of Puerto Rico – it breathes all kinds of rhythms. life on Puerto Rico pulsates to a constant mix of sound and movement. It is the soul of the islands. Puerto Ricans have music in their genes. It surrounds them and pervades every aspect of their lives. Nobody ever lacks a reason to celebrate! The rhythms invite you to discover the full breadth and depth of the music with sights and sounds that will bring alive the vibrant world of a musical people.
Islanders are united by an intense pride in being “Boricua", referring to Puerto Rican identity, which means "The Valiant People of the Sacred House". Derived from the Taíno Indian name for Puerto Rico, Borikén: Land of the Brave Noble Lord.
Represents a proud sense of identity. The island’s original Taíno name continues to serve as a password for the spirit of the islands.
Many islanders of all walks of life, poets, writers, actors, scientists, musicians, athletes and more have achieved world recognition. As a people, Puerto Rico has a distinct culture and history. Separated from the rest of the world by miles of water, Puerto Ricans unify their diverse heritage to create a vibrant culture all their own!
Famous Boricuas - (This is by no means a complete list)
This page is a tribute to Puerto Rico, the people, and the culture. Dear friends from around the world, THANK YOU very much for honoring us with your visit. Please feel right at home. You can browse through the Pics / Videos Galleries and take a look at the images of the little dots in the sea we call home. Feel free to check out The Blog for informative articles about the islands. Additional articles will be posted on a periodic basis.
Puerto Rico! Beautiful little country , huge and unique in beauty, history and culture! I will never cease to marvel at what a treasure chest Puerto Rico is!
It's All About Uniting Cultures and Sounds!
Welcome and Enjoy!!!
Paz!
Un Lugar Especial - Las Islas de Puerto Rico
Espectacular Puerto Rico!
Borikén : Cradle of Warriors...
The brave Taíno warriors of Borikén(Puerto Rico)
Guazábara - Means “warrior / combat” in the native Taíno language of Puerto Rico. It is also a 21st century Martial Art with origins dating back to pre-Columbian Puerto Rico(15th century and before). Although Taíno indigenous peoples were known for their peaceful culture, they were also fierce warriors who fought to protect their families and their island nation.
http://www.guazabara.com
Ciudad Capital San Juan, Puerto Rico
Capital City San Juan, Puerto Rico
body, div, p, strong, td, .text,