This is a story about a young girl named Esmeralda who was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City when she was six years old. It chronicles her experiences growing up as a Puerto Rican in a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in the Bronx.
The book begins with Esmeralda's family moving from Puerto Rico to New York City in the summer of 1972. They move into an apartment in the Bronx and are the only Puerto Ricans on the block. Esmeralda is immediately drawn to the Dominican girls who live nearby and begins to emulate their style.
As she grows up, Esmeralda struggles to find her place in the world. She is teased by her classmates for being Puerto Rican and Dominican, and she doesn't feel like she belongs to either group. She turns to books and music for solace and finds comfort in the works of Puerto Rican authors like Julia Alvarez and Miguel Piñero.
Esmeralda eventually discovers her own voice and becomes a successful writer and poet. She tells her story with humor and candor, and it is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and belonging.
Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will relate to this book. It is a powerful story about finding your place in the world and embracing your own identity.
What is your favorite Puerto Rican food?
Puerto Rican food is some of the best in the world. From the simple but delicious mofongo to the more complicated paella, there is something for everyone. My personal favorite Puerto Rican dish is asopao. Asopao is a soup/stew that is traditionally made with chicken, but can also be made with shrimp or beef. It is full of flavor and very filling. I always get asopao when I am visiting Puerto Rico and it never disappoints.
What is your favorite Puerto Rican music?
My favorite Puerto Rican music would have to be the music of my homeland, which is a mix of African and Spanish influences. I love the energy and passion that is put into the music, and it always makes me feel connected to my roots. I also enjoy listening to contemporary Puerto Rican music, which often has a more pop or hip-hop influence. Some of my favorite artists include Ozuna, Bad Bunny, and Anuel AA. I think that Puerto Rican music is unique and can offer something for everyone.
What is your favorite Puerto Rican holiday?
There are many holidays celebrated in Puerto Rico throughout the year. Some of the more popular ones are Three Kings Day, Easter, and San Juan Bautista. However, my personal favorite is Christmas.
Christmas in Puerto Rico is a very special time. The island is decorated with lights and banners, and everyone is in a joyous mood. On Christmas Eve, families gather together for a large feast. The table is usually laden with traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as arroz con gandules y pernil, as well as turkey and ham. After the meal, people spend time together singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts.
Christmas Day is a time for family, friends, and fun. What I like most about it is that it is a time when everyone is happy and celebrating. There is a feeling of love and happiness in the air that is truly magical. I am always looking forward to Christmas in Puerto Rico and it is definitely my favorite holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Puerto Rico?
Not a lot of people actually live in Puerto Rico. It's more like a tourist destination now because most people are not in a hurry in Puerto Rico, so expect long lines practically everywhere you go. BUSY SHOPPERS. One thing we never expected is how many beautiful beaches there are around the island now. Puerto Rico is an island so it's going to have a lot of beaches.
Why is the cost of living so high in Puerto Rico?
The main reason the cost of living is high in Puerto Rico is because the Jones Act of 1920 requires that everything that comes to the island must first be shipped to the States and then reshipped to the island by US transport, thereby increasing cost. Additionally, taxes on products in Puerto Rico are higher than those in mainland United States.
What should I know before moving to Puerto Rico?
1. Puerto Rico is an island. You will need a passport to move to Puerto Rico. 2. Living in Puerto Rico does not require a US citizenship or green card. However, you will need a driver's license from your home state or country. 3. Puerto Ricans are required to have health insurance. 4. The island has its own currency, the Puerto Rican dollar (PUR), and prices are generally higher than on the mainland United States. The U.S.'s Internal Revenue Service allows residents of United States territories like Puerto Rico to qualify for some tax deductions and credits, which can reduce your taxes by up to 30%. 5. Puerto Rico is known for its hot weather and lush tropical rainforest-lines as well as its richulture, cuisine, and heritage which make it a culturally rich destination. You can find plenty of English-speaking jobs in the hospitality industry or on smaller businesses such as small stores or restaurants, but
Why should I visit Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a beautiful place with rich culture and history. The people are warm and friendly, and you will quickly feel at home in their island paradise. There is plenty to see and do, from sandy beaches to world-renowned art museums and attractions. You'll never run out of things to do or see in this enchanting island paradise!
Is it good to live in Puerto Rico?
The weather is hot all year round. There's always a breeze blowing and rain showers in the summer time that never last long! The island has a great climate because it's not like Florida which is really humid all year round. Living on an island means that you'll get to see a lot of nature which can be great for your health. You could also enjoy the many festivals happening on the island each year! Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable places to live in the world. The cost of living is quite cheap especially when compared to other popular locations such as Manhattan, London or Paris. One reason for this is that there is no developed infrastructure yet so everything needs to be built from scratch like in other developing countries. This makes things cheaper since it takes less money to build something new rather than repairing or rebuilding something already standing. Additionally, taxes are low which helps offset some of the housing costs and other expenses associated with living on an
Sources
- https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/holiday-traditions-puerto-rico
- https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/timeless-puerto-rican-tradition-three-kings-day
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv3gkyEqpMg
- https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/puerto-rico/
- https://booksvooks.com/when-i-was-puerto-rican-a-memoir-pdf.html
- https://rateyourmusic.com/list/LatinAmericaList/the-150-greatest-puerto-rican-songs-all-time/
- https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/guide-to-traditional-puerto-rican-food
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcgltofNeKo
- https://loudpressview.com/?p=602
- https://www.tastingtable.com/669332/popular-puerto-rican-foods-you-have-to-try-at-least-once/
- https://101audiobooks.net/esmeralda-santiago-when-i-was-puerto-rican-audiobook/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-your-favourite-traditional-Puerto-Rican-song
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