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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!howland.erols.net!gatech!news-relay.ncren.net!nntp-xfer.ncsu.edu!news From: zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano) Newsgroups: soc.culture.puerto-rico,soc.culture.latin-america,soc.answers,news.answers Subject: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO: Introduction and FAQ Followup-To: soc.culture.puerto-rico Date: 9 May 1997 17:45:48 GMT Organization: North Carolina State University Lines: 1690 Sender: zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano) Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Distribution: world Message-ID: <5kvnsc$51a@uni00nw.unity.ncsu.edu> Reply-To: zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano) NNTP-Posting-Host: styx.csc.ncsu.edu Summary: This document contains information about SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO (charter, netiquette, and related questions), PUERTO RICO (festivities, national symbols, and Internet resources) and about VISITING PUERTO RICO (where to go, where to stay, and where to get more information). Originator: zortizl@styx.csc.ncsu.edu Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu soc.culture.puerto-rico:36709 soc.culture.latin-america:58375 soc.answers:7786 news.answers:102089 Archive-name: puerto-rico-FAQ Posting-Frequency: monthly ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ S O C . C U L T U R E . P U E R T O - R I C O Introduction and Frequently Asked Questions June 6, 1996 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Welcome to soc.culture.puerto-rico! This article contains information about this group, about Puerto Rico and about visiting Puerto Rico. I hope that the information provided is useful to you and that you decide to participate in the group and contribute with your ideas. ! In this issue I have corrected the information about "Where to stay in ! Puerto Rico?" that was missing from previous postings. Also, the ! section on "Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web?" ! is constantly updated. New area code for Puerto Rico: Effective March 1, 1996, the area code for Puerto Rico is 787. The old area code (809) can still be used until the end of the year. This posting is in Usenet digest format. If your news reader supports the digest format, press Ctrl-G (^G) to go to the next question. Otherwise, search for the next line with "Subject:" at the beginning. Changes to this file are now marked with an exclamation mark (!) at the beginning of the line. You can read a hypertext version of this document in the World Wide Web at< http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/puerto-rico-FAQ/ faq.html > or retrieve the most recently posted version from < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/puerto-rico-FAQ >. The information is correct to the best of my knowledge. If you find an error, let me know the correction. Contributions from other people are also included and I have tried to give proper credit to the authors. If you have any comments and wish them to be included, send me a message. Also, if you want to change any of the comments you have provided, let me know and I will make the changes accordingly. You can copy and redistribute this file in whole or in parts only for personal and/or non-commercial purposes as long as you give proper credit to the sources including information on contributors at the end of each section and the following information: Document: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO: Introduction and FAQ Distribution Date: June 6, 1996 Maintainer: Zeydy Ortiz Laureano <zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu> Archive: < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/puerto-rico-FAQ > If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments on how to improve this file (or just want to say hello), please, send me a message. Also, if you find any information on the Internet that may be included here, let me know. Zeydy Ortiz Laureano <zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: TABLE OF CONTENTS: ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO -> Charter - Topics of discussion - Posting Policy - Language - BORIKEN -> What is BORIKEN? -> Reminders -> Summary of things to remember -> I do not understand Spanish. Why don't you write in English?!? -> I am trying to practice Spanish. Will I get flamed if I write to this newsgroup in my poor Spanish? -> Can't you write proper Spanish?!?! -> Why don't you use diacritical marks (accent marks, tildes, dieresis) in soc.culture.puerto-rico? -> How do I create a kill file? PUERTO RICO -> Patron Saint Festivals -> Christmas Celebrations -> National Symbols -> Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web? -> Where can I get image files of Puerto Rico? -> Who is providing Internet services in Puerto Rico? TRAVEL INFORMATION -> Do I need a passport? -> What places should we visit in Puerto Rico? - San Juan Metropolitan Area + Old San Juan + Metropolitan San Juan - Northeast and Offshore Islands - South Coast - West Coast - Northwest - Mountains -> Where to stay in Puerto Rico? - San Juan Metropolitan Area - Northeast and Offshore Islands - South Coast - West Coast - Northwest - Mountains -> What are Paradores Puertorrique~nos? -> Where can I get more tourist information? UNANSWERED QUESTIONS -> Other festivities -> What to do with an annoying person? ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Soc.culture.puerto-rico was proposed for creation in the BORIKEN mailing list some time in January of 1994 by Mauricio A. Hernandez <mauricio@cs.columbia.edu>. After the initial period of discussion and the voting (YES: 355, NO:23) the group was created in April 6, 1994. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Charter Name: soc.culture.puerto-rico Status: unmoderated Description: Puerto Rico's culture, politics, and society - Topics of discussion: Soc.culture.puerto-rico will be a newsgroup dedicated solely to the discussion of issues related to the life, culture, and politics affecting the nearly 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the island, in the mainland USA, and around the world. - Posting Policy: Soc.culture.puerto-rico will be unmoderated. Contributors must use their own judgement to decide the relevance of their articles to the topics discussed in soc.culture.puerto-rico. Discussions that are only relevant to a very few individuals should be moved to e-mail. - Language: Spanish is Puerto Rico's principal language. Thus we expect Spanish to be the dominant language in the newsgroup. Nevertheless, a large part of Puerto Ricans who have access to USENET know and use English as a second language. Therefore, articles written in English will be as welcomed as those written in Spanish. - BORIKEN: Soc.culture.puerto-rico will not be initially gatewayed to the list server BORIKEN (BORIKEN@ENLACE.BITNET). However, the possibility of a link will remain open and will be decided later by the members of the BORIKEN list server. Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <mauricio@cs.columbia.edu> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: What is BORIKEN? BORIKEN is a mailing list administered by the University of Puerto Rico to exchange information about the society and culture of Puerto Rico. If you want to participate in the discussion, send a message to LISTSERV@ENLACE.BITNET with the message: SUB BORIKEN Name Last Name. You can leave blank the Subject line. Messages to the group should be sent to BORIKEN@ENLACE.BITNET. If you are having problems trying to subscribe to BORIKEN, try sending your subscription message to LISTSERV%ENLACE.BITNET@uga.cc.uga.edu and messages to the group to BORIKEN%ENLACE.BITNET@uga.cc.uga.edu. Some readers of soc.culture.puerto-rico are or were in the BORIKEN mailing list. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Reminders Due to differences in the experiences in the life of every person, disagreement and misunderstanding are very likely to occur. We can learn from each other and broaden our knowledge if the arguments are kept in focus and not as personal attacks. Before posting to soc.culture.puerto-rico, please read the newsgroup news.announce.newusers to understand the Usenet community. The following documents describe what is expected to be the proper behavior in newsgroups. * Rules for Posting to Usenet by Mark Horton <mark@stargate.com> < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/posting-rules/part1 > * A Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community by Chuq Von Rospach <chuq@apple.com> < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/primer/part1 > * Hints on Writing Style for Usenet by A. Jeff Offutt VI <ofut@hubcap.clemson.edu> < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/writing-style/part1 > If you like sarcasm, also read: * Emily Postnews Answers Your Question on Netiquette by Brad Templeton <brad@looking.on.ca> < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/emily-postnews/part1 > ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Summary of Things to Remember Never forget that the person on the other side is human. Don't blame system admins for their users' behavior. Never assume that a person is speaking for their organization. Be careful what you say about others. Be brief. Your postings reflect upon you; be proud of them. Use descriptive titles. Think about your audience. Be careful with humor and sarcasm. Only post a message once. Please rotate material with questionable content. Summarize what you are following up. Use mail, don't post a follow-up. Read all follow-ups and don't repeat what has already been said. Double-check follow-up newsgroups and distributions. Be careful about copyrights and licenses. Cite appropriate references. When summarizing, summarize. Mark or rotate answers or spoilers. Spelling flames considered harmful. Don't overdo signatures. Limit line length and avoid control characters. Please do not use Usenet as a resource for homework assignments. From: "A Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community" by Chuq Von Rospach <chuq@apple.com> < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/primer/part1 > ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: I do not understand Spanish. Why don't you write in English?!? For most of us, Spanish is our native language. We are more comfortable communicating with each other in the language that is most natural for us. I am sorry that you may not understand our postings. However, if you have a question feel free to post in English. It is very likely that you will get a kind response in English. Read the section on "Language" in the charter for more details (see "Charter"). ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: I am trying to practice Spanish. Will I get flamed if I write to this newsgroup in my poor Spanish? I have noticed that some people that claim to speak Spanish as their first language do not write Spanish correctly in this newsgroup for different reasons (see also "Can't you write Spanish correctly?!?!"). So, I don't think you will get flamed for your writing. Most people appreciate your efforts in learning our language and will try to get the idea of what you are trying to say. However, if you feel that your message may not be understood, include the English version in your post. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Can't you write Spanish correctly?!?! Yes we can, thank-you-very-much. However, spelling flames are not appreciated in Usenet groups and soc.culture.puerto-rico is not an exception. Please consider the following facts: - Not all the participants in this group have the time to correct every single word we type. - Spanish automatic spelling checkers are not widely available. - There exists a great number of Puerto Ricans who lived most of their lives in the mainland USA and whose first language is English. - For some, this newsgroup is one of the few places where they can practice writing in Spanish. Trying to embarrass people because of their spelling tend to inhibit them, as well as others reading in the sidelines, from participating in the group. Please, do not embarrass yourself by trying to embarras others with spelling flames. But if you must become a speaker for the "Real Academia de la Lengua Espa~nola", please do so by e-mail. Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <mauricio@cs.columbia.edu> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Why don't you use diacritical marks (accent marks, tildes, dieresis) in soc.culture.puerto-rico? Not all terminal support the Extended Character Set needed to display the special characters (e.g., vowels with accent marks). Some terminals will simply not display the character or replace it with another making your message very difficult to understand. For example, if I were to write "Hernandez" using an 'a' with an accent mark, some terminals might show this as "Hernndez" or as "Hern@ndez". To work around this situation, some people have adopted the following strategies: - Accent marks:* Place the mark after the letter (Mari'a, Jose'). * Use upper case (MarIa and JosE). * Don't use an accent mark. - Tildes: * Place a tilde (~) before or after the n (puertorrique~nos). * Place a circumflex (^) before the n (puertorrique^nos). * Use "ny" instead (puertorriquenyos). * Use "nn" instead (puertorriquennos). * Use "nh" instead (puertorriquenhos). * Use upper case n (puertorriqueNos). * Don't use a tilde (usually not recommended) - Dieresis: * Place a colon after the letter (Mayagu:ez). * Place a double quote after the letter (Mayagu"ez). * Don't use a dieresis. Your posting will be more readable if you use characters that can be displayed at every terminal type. If you can see the characters correctly in your terminal, it does not mean that everyone will be able to see them as well. Those who wish to read an article that includes special characters, refer to the document by Jorge Donato available at < ftp://vision.ee.tulane.edu/pub/donato/spa.html >. Also, a filter to to eliminate the special characters (for Unix systems) can be found at < ftp://vision.ee.tulane.edu/pub/donato/ascfil >. Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <mauricio@cs.columbia.edu> and Jorge Donato<donato@burgundy.ee.tulane.edu> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: How do I create a kill file? Some news readers support the creation of a file, called "kill file", to limit the articles that are accessed. The main purpose of the file is to mark as read some articles based on some pattern. You can eliminate all messages from a particular subject or a given person. The following information is specific to the rn/trn news reader. [If you have information for other news readers, send me a note with the instructions. <zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu>] Pressing a 'k' when reading an article you can mark as read all articles with the same subject as the current one. Pressing 'K' will do the same but will also add a line to the local kill file such that the every time you read the group, articles with the same subject are marked as read. You can edit directly your kill file using control-K (^K). You can add a line such as: /unwanted subject/:j to eliminate all articles that contain the string 'unwanted subject' in the Subject: line. To discard articles from a particular person, add /^From:.*e-mail address/h:j to the kill file where 'e-mail address' is the login name and the complete site where the person is posting messages. You will need to add a backslash ('\') before each dot in the site address. For more information, read the "rn killfile FAQ" in news.answers or < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/killfile-faq > and the manual pages for your news reader. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: PUERTO RICO ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island located about a thousand miles southeast of Miami between the Dominican Republic and the U. S. Virgin Islands. It is roughly 100 by 35 miles with a population of about 3.8 million people. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States of America and we have common citizenship, currency and defense. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, residents of Puerto Rico do not pay federal income tax (but neither can they vote in presidential elections). Over 2 million Puerto Ricans live in the United States, primarily in the northeast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Patron Saint Festivals Every year, each town celebrates patron saint festivals (fiestas patronales) in honor of the area's patron saint. The festivities include religious processions since they were originated as a Catholic tradition. However, they have adopted other elements of African and local origin. They also include games, regional food, music and dance. Following is a list, ordered by date, of the festivals that are celebrated in each town. The festivities last ten days, including the date listed, and activities are held evenings on weekdays and all day on weekends. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOWN PATRON SAINT DATE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aguas Buenas Los Santos Reyes Jan. 6 Corozal La Sagrada Familia Jan. 9 A~nasco San Antonio Abad Jan. 17 San Sebastia'n San Sebastia'n (of course) Jan. 20 Lajas La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2 Manati' La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2 Mayagu:ez La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2 Coamo La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2 Coamo San Blas Feb. 3 Loi'za Aldea San Patricio Mar. 17 Ciales San Jose' Mar. 19 Gurabo San Jose' Mar. 19 Luquillo San Jose' Mar. 19 Pe~nuelas San Jose' Mar. 19 Lares San Jose' Mar. 19 Patillas San Benito Mar. 31 Guaynabo San Pedro Ma'rtir Apr. 29 Arecibo Apo'stol San Felipe May 1 Bayamo'n La Santa Cruz May 3 Trujillo Alto La Santa Cruz May 3 Maunabo San Isidro May 15 Sabana Grande San Isidro Labrador May 15 Carolina San Fernando May 30 Toa Alta San Fernando May 30 Barranquitas San Antonio de Padua June 13 Ceiba San Antonio de Padua June 13 Dorado San Antonio de Padua June 13 Guayama San Antonio de Padua June 13 Isabela San Antonio de Padua June 13 Maricao San Juan Bautista June 24 Orocovis San Juan Bautista June 24 San Juan San Juan Bautista June 24 Toa Baja San Pedro Apo'stol June 30 Arroyo Virgen del Carmen July 16 Barceloneta Virgen del Carmen July 16 Cata~no Virgen del Carmen July 16 Cidra Virgen del Carmen July 16 Culebra Virgen del Carmen July 16 Hatillo Virgen del Carmen July 16 Morovis Virgen del Carmen July 16 Ri'o Grande Virgen del Carmen July 16 Villalba Virgen del Carmen July 16 Aibonito Santiago Apo'stol July 25 Fajardo Santiago Apo'stol July 25 Gua'nica Santiago Apo'stol July 25 Loiza Aldea Santiago Apo'stol July 25 Santa Isabel Santiago Apo'stol July 25 San Germa'n San Germa'n (of course) July 31 Comerio El Santo Cristo de la Salud Aug. 6 San Lorenzo San Lorenzo (of course) Aug. 10 Cayey Ntra. Sra. de la Asuncio'n Aug. 15 Adjuntas San Joaqui'n & Santa Ana Aug. 21 Rinco'n Santa Rosa de Lima Aug. 30 Juana Diaz San Ramo'n Nonato Aug. 31 Hormigueros Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8 Jayuya Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8 Moca Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8 Salinas Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8 Cabo Rojo San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29 Naranjito San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29 Utuado San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29 Yabucoa Los Angeles Custodios Oct. 2 Aguada San Francisco de Asi's Oct. 4 Naguabo Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7 Vega Baja Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7 Yauco Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7 Cano'vanas La Virgen del Pilar Oct. 12 Ri'o Piedras La Virgen del Pilar Oct. 12 Quebradillas San Rafael Arca'ngel Oct. 24 Aguadilla San Carlos Borromeo Nov. 4 Guayanilla La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Humacao La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Juncos La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Las Mari'as La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Las Piedras La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Vega Alta La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Vieques La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8 de Mari'a Ponce Ntra. Sra. de la Guadalupe Dec. 12 Contributions: Jimmy Gonzalez Luna <ai282@freenet.carleton.ca> from the book of Jennie Sosa de Remy, "Etiqueta y Tradiciones Puertorrique~nas", Art Printing Inc., pp. 242-243, 1980. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Christmas Celebrations In Puerto Rico, as well as most of Latin America, Christmas traditions have their roots in Catholicism. Due to contact with other cultures, some of these traditions have evolved and changed through time. Some customs have lost their religious meaning and become secular events where everybody, regardless of religious affiliation, participate. Here is the calendar of celebrations for the Christmas holidays in Puerto Rico. MISAS DE AGUINALDO [Nine consecutive nights before Christmas Eve] - In the Catholic tradition these masses are celebrated with music and carols. They are celebrated at dawn (between 5:00 and 6:00am) during nine days before Christmas Eve. - The favorite music instruments to use during these masses, and throughout the season, are: "el cuatro" (a small guitar); the guitar; "el gu:iro" (a hollow wood shell made from the skin of a fruit called "higuera"); and "maracas" (made from the same fruit as the "gui:ro", but smaller and round). - These masses originated in Mexico and Central America, to motivate the Native Americans to join Christianity. Native Americans in Mexico used to celebrate the birth of their Sun God during December, with music and dancing. Catholic missionaries incorporated these custom to their masses to make them more appealing to the Natives and facilitate the transition from one faith to another. - From Mexico, this custom spread to the Caribbean. It is unknown in South America and Spain. MISA DE GALLO [December 24 at midnight] - In the Catholic Church, this mass is celebrated on December 24 at midnight. Its purpose is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like in the "Aguinaldo" mass, there is music and singing, but the atmosphere is more solemn. NOCHEBUENA [Christmas Eve - December 24] - A special dinner or party is organized by many families to celebrate the birthday of Jesus at home. - The menu varies from one family to another, but it usually includes a special dish, like baked chicken or turkey, and roasted pork or ham. - The main dish is accompanied by Spanish rice with pigeon peas, local vegetables like cooked green bananas, fried plantains or cooked yam. Another Holiday dish is called "pasteles". It's made of mashed green bananas, filled with meat and other vegetables, wrapped in the leaves of the banana tree (the leaves are only for wrapping, we don't eat them). They are cooked in boiling water. - We also have Holiday desserts like: "arroz con dulce" (rice cooked with spices, sugar, milk, and coconut milk) and "tembleque" (a custard made with cornstarch, sugar, and coconut milk). They taste better cool down or cold, when its consistency becomes more solid. - The nougat, imported from Spain, is another popular sweet dish during the Holidays. Nuts are also popular. NAVIDAD [Christmas - December 25] - Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday. - Santa Claus brings gifts to the children who had been good during the year. This custom originated in the USA, but since the 1940's has become part of Puerto Rico's Holiday traditions. In other Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Mexico is also becoming popular. - The Christmas tree is another custom imported from the USA. We decorate a pine tree (natural or artificial) with lights and adornments. The houses are also decorated with lights. - People build "nacimientos" (also called "Belens" or "pesebres", known in English as cribs or creches). These cribs recreate the story of Jesus' birth. They are made with scale figures made of wood, plastic or porcelain. The complexity of the crib varies from one place to another. Some are simple, with the figures of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. Others include the three Wise Men, shepherds, animals, buildings, etc. In some Catholic churches, large and elaborate cribs are built as altars for people to visit them on Christmas Eve. DIA DE LOS INOCENTES [Day of the Innocents - December 28] - During this day, Catholics remember the children killed by Herod, as it is told in the Gospel. - People used to celebrate this day like a carnival, where some men dressed as the "evil soldiers of Herod", and went house by house, "kidnapping" the first-born boy from every family. To recover their children, the families had to offer the soldiers gifts, and when the children returned to their homes, a big party was organized to celebrate the return of the "lost boys". - In Puerto Rico, this carnival still takes place in one small town called Hatillo. The whole town joins in the parade and later on in a big party at the public square. In another town called Morovis, a similar event takes place, but in a smaller scale. This carnival originated in the Canaries isles, and were brought to Puerto Rico by immigrants from that place. - Today, this day is celebrated in a different way. People make tricks and stories to fool others, resembling the April Fool's Day in the USA. A~NO VIEJO [New Year's Eve - December 31] - People celebrate the end of the year with relatives and friends, or going out. The end of year is a symbol of a new beginning, when people make changes to improve their lives. The major event occurs at midnight, when everybody greets each other and wishes good luck and happiness to everyone. - Some people eat 12 grapes, one for every time the clock rings its bells to tell time. It is supposed to bring good luck if you can eat all 12 grapes before the clock stops ringing the bells. Of course, not everybody have wall clocks with ringing bells, so the custom varies. - In Puerto Rico, right at midnight, TV and radio stations broadcast a famous poem called "El Brindis del Bohemio", which tells the story of a group of friends together in a bar celebrating the New Year. - The celebration continues all night long. VISPERA DE EPIFANIA [Epiphany's Eve - January 5] - Catholics meet in a neighbor's house to pray the rosary and to honor the three Wise Men (saints in the Catholic faith). This custom is almost forgotten by the younger generations. - The children get ready to receive gifts from the three Wise Men by collecting fresh cut grass in a shoe box. The grass is for the Wise Men's camels, who are tired and hungry from their long journey. Some people also put pastries, food and drinks for the Wise Men under the Christmas tree or along with the grass under the children's bed. DIA DE REYES [Three Kings' Day or Epiphany - January 6] - The children get to open the gifts left the night before by the three Wise Men (or Kings). - A party similar to the one celebrated in Christmas day is organized by the family, with the same Holiday menu and music. - The Orthodox Church celebrates Jesus' birthday on this day. OCTAVAS & OCTAVITAS [January 15] - According to tradition, if you received a visit from a friend or relative on Three Kings' day, you are supposed to return the visit eight days later, playing live music and singing songs. The name "Octavas" comes from the word "octavo" (eighth), since the event takes place eight days after January 6. - People still remember this tradition, but is not practiced as much. Some families choose this day to take off the Christmas decorations and "officially" end Christmas. Contributions: Jimmy Gonzalez Luna <ai282@freenet.carleton.ca> from - Kennedy, Pamela, "A Christmas Celebration: Traditions & Customs from Around the World". Nashville: Ideals Publishing Corp., 1992. - Ross & Lopez, "Christmas In Mexico". Chicago: World Books Inc., 1983. - Sosa de Remy, Jennie, "Etiqueta & Tradiciones Puertoriquen~as". San Juan: Art Printing Inc., 1980. - "BOLETIN ARTES POPULARES: LAS FIESTAS TRADICIONALES DE PUERTO RICO". San Juan: Instituto de Cultura Puertorrique~na, 1980. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: National Symbols |\###########| Puerto Rico's flag has a white star in a light blue | \ | isosceles triangle. It also has five horizontal stripes, | * >########| three red and two white stripes. | / | |/###########| o_o The Coqui <Eleutherodactylus portoricensis> is a tiny tree ( o ) frog native of Puerto Rico. Its name is derived from the ( | | ) sound of its song that is pronounced <ko-kee>. The coqui coqui is about one inch long, its skin is smooth and almost transparent but can be blended with its surrounding. They hide in moist and dark places. Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/coqui.gif > Sound: < http://www.shadow.net/~talicea/coqui.wav > Contributions: Javier Santos <jms@mc.com>. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web? ! Every day more information is added to the World Wide Web. Information ! about Puerto Rico can be found in many different places that are ! described in the next few paragraphs. Remember that most of this ! information is provided by voluntary effort of the people that set up ! the page. This section is constantly updated. If you find other ! places with information, send me a note. Also, if there is any change ! in the location of a page, let me know of the change to be able to ! make the update accordingly. A World Wide Web (WWW) server sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico is maintained by Jose Pietri. You can find facts about the island, the latest weather report, images of Puerto Rico, recipes and other interesting things about our people in there. The URL of this site is < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/ >. The University of Puerto Rico maintains information about their programs of study. The UPR-Rio Piedras campus WWW server is at < http://www.upr.clu.edu/ > and < http://www_rum.upr.clu.edu/ > for the Mayaguez Campus. The Inter American University also maintains information at < http://coqui.metro.inter.edu > for the Metropolitan Campus and at < http://ponce.inter.edu > for the Ponce Campus. You can find news from Puerto Rico in their gopher server at < gopher://ponce.inter.edu > There is also information and images of the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center at < http://ponce.inter.edu/tibes/tibes.html >. Information about Universidad del Sagrado Corazon can be found at < http://www.usc.clu.edu >. Mailing addresses of Puerto Rico's universities are maintained by the World Wide Classroom at < http://www.worldwide.edu/ci/puerto_rico/ >. You can find information about cultural activities in "El Cuarto del Quenepon" at < http://www.upr.clu.edu/cuarto/quenepon.html >. The page features Puerto Rican artists around the world, articles, electronic publications, calendar of activities, and call for participation for cultural events. A lot of information on Puerto Rico is maintained by Magaly Rivera ! <maggy@prairienet.org> at < http://www2.ashd.com/~maggy/pr/ >. Note ! the new change of location. The CIA World Factbook Sheet about Puerto Rico can be also accessed on- line at < http://www.odci.gov/94fact/country/196.html > or at < gopher://hoshi.cic.sfu.ca/0/dlam/cia/all/Puerto_Rico >. Results from the 1992 general elections, the 1993 status plebiscite, and the 1994 Constitutional Amendments referendum are maintained by Manuel Alvarez-Rivera <alvarez+@pitt.edu> and presented at < http://info.pitt.edu/~alvarez/elecciones.pr/ >. At < http://www.where2stay.com/islands/islands/puertorico.html > you can find some information about where to stay in Puerto Rico. The Institute for Puerto Rican Policy maintains information about Puerto Rican issues at < http://www.iprnet.org/IPR/ >. Included are listings of Puerto Rico's holidays and upcoming events for the community. They also included statistics about Puerto Ricans in the United States and a directory of Puerto Rican organizations. Edgardo Garayua <boricua@sirius.pixi.com> maintains a page with music ! from Puerto Rico at < http://www.gld.com/personal/boricua/ >. You can search GolfWeb < http://www.golfweb.com/gws/tgws.html > for information on golf courses in Puerto Rico (Search for state: PR). The Government of Puerto Rico now has a Web page. You can find some statistics about crime and elections, and general information about Puerto Rico at < http://fortaleza.govpr.org/ >. ! News from Puerto Rico are written weekly by Red Pab and published in the ! gopher server of the Inter American University < gopher://ponce.inter.edu > ! They are sometimes posted by a third party in soc.culture.puerto-rico. ! Orlando Pla <76732.3125@compuserve.com> provides news headings and ! summaries from different newspapers in Puerto Rico at ! < http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/luxor/LUXOR19.HTM >. Also, ! WAPA-TV is setting up a server for Noticentro On-line at ! < http://noticentro.coqui.net >. El Nuevo Dia is also setting up a ! page at < http://www.elnuevodia.com/ > or < http://www.notiaccess.com/ >. ! La Cadena Salsoul has a page at < http://www.salsoul.com/ > with the ! top 10 hits of the week, current events, and information about their ! programs. ! Luis Negron Hernandez <LNegronH@prodigy.com> maintains a page on ! historic investigations. The page includes information about our ! political, social, and economic history based on studies of the Records ! of the Spanish Governors of Puerto Rico. Visit "Puerto Rico: ! investigaciones historicas" at < http://pages.prodigy.com/PuertoRico/ >. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where can I get image files of Puerto Rico? You can find more than a 100 image files of Puerto Rico using a client of the World Wide Web. The site is maintained by Jose Pietri and sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico. The URL of this site is < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com >. ! Carlos Gutierrez <webmaster@gutierrez.com> has a Photo Gallery at ! < http://www.gutierrez.com/ftp/tourism/ >. This page is still under ! construction but it contains many different photos of San Juan, the ! airport and other locations around the Island. Contributions: Jose Pietri <jpietri@hpprdk01.prd.hp.com>. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Who is providing Internet services in Puerto Rico? Caribbean Internet Service is an Internet service provider in San Juan. You can contact them at (787) 728-3992 or 1-800-59-CISCO. Also, you can check their Home Page at < http://www.caribe.net/ >. Datacom Caribe, Inc. is now offering Internet services. Check their Home Page at < http://www.coqui.net/ > for information about their ! services. You can contact them at (787) 753-1771. Some bulletin board services in the USA can be accessed in Puerto Rico. The following is a list of providers with their contact phone numbers that were reported to give service in Puerto Rico. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SERVICE PROVIDER TELEPHONE NUMBER REMARKS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- America Online (800) 827-6364 3 local access numbers in San Juan and 1 in Mayaguez-Ponce CompuServe (800) 848-8199 San Juan access number Delphi (800) 685-4005 Access to Internet Genie (800) 638-9636 Local access number in PR Imagination (800) IMAGIN-1 No local access number Prodigy (800) 776-3449 No local access number The Well (415) 332-4335 Access to Internet Local access number in PR You may want to check the article "PUERTO RICO: INTERNET & BBS RESOURCES" posted in our group by Carlos M. Gutierrez. This document contains many useful information on Internet providers and resources in Puerto Rico. [Version 1.1 was posted on May 1, 1995] From: The San Juan Star, May 16, 1994. Contributions: Carlos M. Gutierrez <74453.3064@CompuServe.COM>, Karen Larson <kmarazzi@caribe.net>, ! and Fernando Cervoni <staff@coqui.net> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: TRAVEL INFORMATION If you are going to visit Puerto Rico, the following sections will (hopefully) help you planning your stay. You will find information on places to go and to stay while you are in the island and where to find additional information. Plan ahead, relax, and have fun! ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Do I need a passport? Traveling to Puerto Rico is as if you were going to any other state within the USA. You will only need a passport (and a visa if you are not a citizen of the USA) if you are coming from another country. At the airports in Puerto Rico, your luggage will be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure you are not carrying prohibited fruits and plants to the mainland. Travelers carrying undeclared prohibited items will be fined on the spot. If you want a copy of what is and is not permitted back on the mainland, write to the U.S. Agriculture Department, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room G-110, Federal Building, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Consult your travel agent for more details. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: What places should we visit in Puerto Rico? There are many places to visit in Puerto Rico. You can stay in San Juan and visit many historic places dating back to the days of the colonization. You may also want to go around the island and discover many other interesting places such as El Yunque - our National Rain Forest - in Rio Grande, the Arecibo Observatory and the Rio Camuy Cave Park in and near Arecibo or Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce. In the following sections you will find a partial list of the many places you can visit arranged by region. Whenever available, I have included a telephone number where you can get more information about the place, the hours of operation and a brief description. Some of these places charge a fee and the schedules are subject to change. From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico" and "AAA Travel Book - Bermuda, the Bahamas and Islands of the Caribbean - 1995" ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the SAN JUAN METROPOLITAN AREA + OLD SAN JUAN The old capital city (pop. 438,000) of Puerto Rico has always fascinated, but now, after all the restoration work that was done for the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage, it's a must-see. Projects included restoring the Esplanade along the waterfront to its 19th-century splendor and adding new shops and restaurants opposite the cruise ship docks. The original town, Old San Juan, founded in 1521 (the oldest capital in the USA), sits on a small peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/oldsj.gif > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > LA CASITA (787) 722- 1709 Open daily Puerto Rico Tourism Company information center > LA PRINCESA (787) 721-2400 Gallery of island art: Open M-F 9:00am-noon, 1:00pm-4:00pm Headquarters of the Tourism Company Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/princesa.gif > > LA FORTALEZA (787) 721-7000 M-F 9:00am-4:00pm (the fortress) ext. 2211, 2358 except holidays Tours in English every hour and in Spanish every half hour; proper attire required. Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/fortalez.gif > > CASA BLANCA (787) 724-4102 Tu-Su: 9:00am-noon, (white house) 1:00pm-4:30pm Museum of family life in 16th- and 17th-century Puerto Rico and an ethnographic museum with a miniature re-creation of a Taino village. > FUERTE SAN FELIPE (787) 729-6960 Museum Open Daily DEL MORRO (El Morro fort) 9:00am-5:00pm One of the city's military fortifications, contains a small museum; tours, orientation, and video presentation available in English and Spanish Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro.gif >, < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro2.gif >, and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro3.gif > > ASILO DE BENEFICENCIA (787) 724-5949 Galleries Open (home for the poor) (787) 724-5477 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm Headquarters of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and several changing exhibition galleries > CUARTEL DE BALLAJA (787) 724-5052 Tu-F: 10:00am-4:00pm (Ballaja barracks) Sa-Su: 11:00am-5:00pm The Museum of the Americas (in the second floor) features changing exhibitions, archaeological finds of the Ballaja area and an exhibit of crafts in the Americas > IGLESIA DE SAN JOSE (787) 725-7501 M-Sa: 8:30am-4:00pm (San Jose church) Sunday mass: 12:15pm Second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/sanjose.gif > > CONVENTO DE LOS DOMINICOS (787) 721-6866 M-Sa: 9:00am-5:00pm (Dominican convent) Institute of Puerto Rican Culture book and music book store > MUSEO DE PABLO CASALS (787) 723-9185 Tu-Sa: 9:30am-5:30am (Casals museum) Collection of memorabilia from the master cellist's legacy to the people of Puerto Rico holds manuscripts, photographs and videotapes of Casals Festival concerts > CASA DE LAS CONTRAFUERTES (787) 724-5477 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm (house of buttresses) Periodic exhibitions are held in its Museum of Latin American Prints (second floor). The small Pharmacy Museum displays a 19th-century drugstore complete with scales and old bottles > CATEDRAL DE SAN JUAN (787) 722-0861 Daily: 8:30am-4:00pm (San Juan cathedral) Contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor Juan Ponce de Leon and the relic of San Pio, a Roman martyr > CENTRO NACIONAL DE (787) 722-0621 M-F: 9:30am-5:00pm ARTES POPULARES Y ARTESANIAS (Popular Arts and Crafts Center) A variety of island crafts are displayed and offered for sale > CASA DEL LIBRO (787) 723-0354 Tu-Sa: 11:00am-4:30pm (house of books) except holidays Small museum and library devoted to the art of printing and book-making > CAPILLA DE CRISTO Tu: 10:00am-3:30pm (Christ chapel) Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/ccristo.gif > > MUSEO DE ARTE E (787) 724-1875 M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm HISTORIA DE SAN JUAN (museum of art and history) Galleries for changing exhibitions > CASA DE LOS DOS (787) 724-5477 M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm ZAGUANES (house of the two foyers) > MUSEO DEL NINO (787) 722-3791 Tu-Th: 9:30am-3:30pm (children's museum) Sa-Su: 11:00am-4:00pm Educational exhibits for children > MUSEO FELISA RINCON (787) 723-1897 M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm DE GAUTIER (Rincon de except holidays Gautier museum) Former home of one of San Juan's most popular mayors > EL ARSENAL (787) 724-5949 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm (the arsenal) Center for changing art exhibitions > TEATRO TAPIA (787) 722-0407 Call for information (Tapia theater) Setting for cultural events > EL CAPITOLIO (787) 721-7305 M-F - Reservations (the capitol building) requested Seat of the bicameral legislature of Puerto Rico with galleries, friezes, mosaics and exhibition of Puerto Rico's constitution Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/capitol.gif >, and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/capitol2.gif > + METROPOLITAN SAN JUAN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * GREEN PARKS: > BOTANICAL GARDEN (787) 763-4408 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:00pm > CENTRAL PARK OF BAYAMON (787) 798-8191 Tu-Su: 9:00am-6:00pm > MUNOZ MARIN PARK (787) 763-0568 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:30pm > MUNOZ RIVERA PARK Daily * RECREATIONAL PARKS: > CENTRAL PARK (787) 722-1646 M: 2:00pm-10:00pm Tu-Th: 8:00am-10:00pm F: 8:00am-9:00pm Sa-Su: 8:00am-6:00pm > PLAZA ACUATICA (787) 754-9500 Water Park & passive areas open Sa-Su: 10:00am Passive Areas also open F: from 3:00pm > PUBLIC BEACHES (787) 722-1551 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:00pm Beaches in Escambron, Puerta de Tierra; Isla Verde, Carolina; Punta Salinas, Cata~no * RECREATIONAL AREAS: > CABRAS ISLAND (787) 729-6960 Daily > CONDADO LAGOON > PIN~ONES FOREST (787) 724-3647 Daily: 8:00am-4:30pm * MUSEUMS: > CAPARRA RUINS (787) 781-4795 Daily: 9:00am-4:00pm > FRANCISCO OLLER AND (787) 798-8191 M-F: 8:00am-noon, HISTORY MUSEUM 1:00pm-4:00pm > HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF CAGUAS (787) 746-0669 M-F: 8:00am-3:00pm > JOSE CELSO BARBOSA (787) 798-8191 M-F: 8:00am-noon, MUSEUM 1:00pm-4:00pm > LUIS A. FERRE (787) 740-6868 W-F: 8:00am-4:00pm SCIENCE PARK Sa-Su: 10:00am-6:00pm Museums of geology/physical sciences, archaeology, transportation and natural sciences, health pavilion > LUIS MUNOZ MARIN (787) 755-7979 Tu-Sa: 9:00am-3:00pm ARCHIVES, MUSEUM AND GARDENS > MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY (787) 268-0049 M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm PUERTO RICAN ART at the Sacred Heart University > SAN JERONIMO FORT (787) 724-5949 W-Su: 9:30am-noon, 1:00pm-4:30pm Includes a small military museum > MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY, (787) 764-0000 Sa: 8:00am-3:30pm HISTORY AND ART Ext. 2452 at the University of Puerto Rico * OTHER SITES: > BACARDI RUM PLANT (787) 788-1500 M-Sa: 9:00am-11:00am noon-4:00pm Expanded tours of plant, small museum and grounds > CLUB GALLISTICO (787) 791-1557 Sa: 2:00pm-9:00pm Cockfighting > EL NUEVO COMANDANTE (787) 724-6060 W,F,Su, holidays: 12:30pm RACETRACK (horseracing) races from 2:15pm > PUBLIC MARKETPLACES Daily Local fruits, vegetables, and products ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the NORTHEAST AND OFFSHORE ISLANDS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > VEJIGANTE CRAFT SHOPS Daily: 10:00am-6:00pm in Loiza > EL YUNQUE (787) 887-2875 Visitor Centers open Caribbean National Forest (787) 766-5335 daily: 9:00am-5:00pm Field Office open M-F Mountain surrounded by a 28,000-acre/11,332-hectare bird sanctuary and rain forest. El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system. Bring shoes to take a hike on one of the many trails. Allow about a half-day for your visit. Talks and tours by request, camping by permission. Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/elyunque.gif >, and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/yunque2.gif > > LAS CABEZAS DE SAN JUAN (787) 722-5882 Open to groups: W-Th NATURE RESERVE (787) 860-2560 To general public: F-Su (also known as El Faro) Reservations required Coral reefs, mangrove swamps, beach and forest can all be visited in this newly-created nature preserve on the northeast corner of the island. Visitors may also climb up the old El Faro lighthouse. > CASA ROIG (787) 852-8380 W-F, Su: 10:00am-4:00pm > VIEQUES An island just off the eastern coast, Vieques (along with its smaller neighbor Culebra) is a quiet place with little commercial development; those who just want a relaxing beach experience will be quite satisfied there. The main town is Esperanza, and there's a lighthouse in the old port town of Isabel Segunda. There's not too much in the way of accommodations on the island; most people stay in guest houses or in the Parador near Sun Bay beach. Vieques can be reached by air from San Juan or Fajardo, and there is also ferry service from Fajardo. Nearly 70% of the island is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. > FORTIN CONDE DE MIRASOL (787) 741-1717 Sa-Su: 10:00am-4:00pm Vieques (787) 741-8651 Open weekdays for groups by request > FARO PUNTA MULAS (787) 741-5000 Daily: 8:00am-4:30pm (lighthouse) Isabel Segunda, Vieques Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/fuerte.gif > > CULEBRA This island and the surrounding islets are a national wildlife refuge accessible by ferry from the east coast or by plane from the International Airport in Carolina (SJU). Used by the U.S. military for bombing practice until 1975, these coral-reef-fringed islands are home to dozens of species of sea birds, four species of sea turtles, and mangrove forests. Daytime excursions may be made to Culebrita (old lighthouse, rare flora and fauna), Cayo Norte and Cayo de Luis Pena. Accommodations are simple--Culebra is for those who want to get away from the development and faster pace of the main island. > CULEBRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE (787) 742-0115 Culebrita and Luis REFUGE Pe~na islets open daily: sunrise to sunset No camping allowed > ESPERANZA MUSEUM (787) 741-8850 Tu-Su: 11:00am-3:00pm ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the SOUTH COAST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ARROYO TROLLEY BUS (787) 866-1609 Weekends and holidays Arroyo from 8:00am Group trips available > CASA CAUTINO MUSEUM (787) 864-9083 Tu-Su: 8:00am-4:30pm Guayama > CENTRO DE BELLAS ARTES (787) 864-0600 W-F: 1:00pm-6:30pm (Fine Arts Center) Ext. 2306 Sa-Su: 10:00am-6:00pm Guayama - open Wednesday > JOBOS BAY NATURE RESERVE (787) 864-0105 Daily: 7:30am-4:00pm Guayama > ALBERGUE OLIMPICO (787) 824-2607 Grounds open daily: (Olympic Lodge) (787) 824-2608 8:00am-10:00pm Salinas > COAMO MUSEUM (787) 825-1150 M-F: 8:00am-noon Coamo Ext. 206 1:00pm-4:00pm > EL VIGIA HILL - Ponce > CAJA DE MUERTOS ISLAND (787) 721-5495 Ferries leave from La Guancha Pier, Ponce (service temporarily suspended) Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/c_muerto.gif > > SERRALLES MUSEUM (787) 259-1774 Tu-Th: 9:30am-4:30pm Ponce F-Su: 10:00am-5:00pm Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/seralles.gif > and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/c_serr_2.gif > > CASA PAOLI - Ponce (787) 840-4115 M-F: 10:00am-noon 2:00pm-5:00pm > MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN (787) 844-9722 W-Su: 9:00am-noon MUSIC - Ponce 1:00pm-5:30pm > PONCE HISTORY MUSEUM (787) 844-7071 M, W-F: 10:00am-5:00pm Sa: 10:00am-9:00pm Su: 11:00am-7:00pm > PONCE MUSEUM OF ART (787) 848-0511 Daily: 10:00am-5:00pm (787) 848-0505 Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/museo.gif > > TIBES INDIAN CEREMONIAL (787) 840-2255 Tu-Su: 9:00am-4:00pm CENTER Bilingual tours available Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes.gif >, < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes2.gif >, < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes3.gif >, < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes4.gif >, < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes5.gif >, and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes6.gif >. > HACIENDA BUENA VISTA (787) 722-5882 Groups: W-Th Ponce (787) 848-7020 General Public: F-Su Reservations Required ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the WEST COAST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > GUANICA Site of the first U.S. troop landing in 1898, is now noted for the Guanica Forest Reserve. It has 48 rare tree species, earning it a place on UNESCO's list of Biosphere Reserves. Several beaches are also part of the reserve. Also interesting are the abandoned buildings of a sugar mill near the town. > CABO ROJO WILDLIFE REFUGE (787) 851-7258 M-F: 7:30am-4:00pm > EL FARO Cabo Rojo lighthouse Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/elfaro.gif > > SAN GERMAN An old town with colonial buildings, San German (pop. 35,000) can easily be seen in a few hours. Be sure to visit the Porta Coeli Chapel and religious art museum. > PORTA COELI CHURCH (787) 892-5845 Tu-Su: 9:00am-noon San German 1:00pm-4:00pm Oldest church in the USA to remain intact. It's museum display wooden statues, paintings, ornaments and liturgical objects. > RAMIREZ DE ARELLANO Y (787) 892-8870 W-Su: 10:00am-noon ROSELL ART MUSEUM 1:00pm-3:00pm San German Art museum and library displays collections of religious art and objects. > MAYAGUEZ If driving around the western end of the island, stop in this bustling town (pop. 100,000) to look around and perhaps purchase the locally-made embroidery. Sights include the Federal Agricultural Experiment Station, the university and the zoo. Side trips are also possible to Monte del Estado, Phosphorescent Bay and San German. > MAYAGUEZ ZOO (787) 834-8110 W-Su: 9:00am-4:00pm > BOTANICAL GARDENS OF THE (787) 831-3435 M-F: 7:00am-4:00pm TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION - Mayaguez > MONA ISLAND (787) 723-1616 (787) 721-5495 Reached only by chartered boat, primitive camping permitted with reservation Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/mona.gif > > MUNDILLO SHOPS Downtown Moca, Isabela, Aguada and Aguadilla > LAS CASCADAS (water park) (787) 882-3310 Daily: 10:00am-6:00pm Aguadilla (during the Summer) ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the NORTHWEST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > LAKE GUAJATACA WILDLIFE (787) 896-7640 Tu-Su: 6:00am-6:00pm REFUGE For fishing > CAGUANA INDIAN CEREMONIAL (787) 894-7325 Daily: 9:00am-4:30pm PARK - Utuado (787) 724-5477 Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/caguana.gif > Raytrace: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/Cpark.gif > > ARECIBO OBSERVATORY (787) 878-2612 Tu-F: 2:00-3:00pm Su: 1:00-4:30pm Open to the public for self-guided tours (visits limited to an observation deck in front of the dish); grounds closed Monday, Saturday and holidays; group tours must reserve in advance. Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/radiotel.gif >, and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/radiot2.gif > Information at < http://www.naic.edu/ > > RIO CAMUY CAVE PARK (787) 898-3100 W-Su: 8:00am-4:00pm last tour at 3:50pm or when the park reaches its daily capacity of 1500 visitors These 16 caves in a rain forest, accessible via a guided tram/walking tour, offer a chance to see the world's third-largest underground river. (Those with proper equipment are allowed to explore on their own.) > LA CUEVA DE CAMUY (787) 898-2723 M-Sa: 9:00am-5:00pm Su: 9:00am-8:00pm ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to go in the MOUNTAINS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > MUNOZ RIVERA LIBRARY MUSEUM (787) 857-0230 F-Su: 8:00am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm > MUNOZ MAUSOLEUM Daily: 8:00am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm > MARICAO FISH HATCHERY (787) 838-3710 M-F: 7:30am-noon 1:00pm-4:00pm Sa-Su: 8:30-4:00pm Tours by appointment ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in Puerto Rico? There are many places to stay around the island. The following is a list of some of them arranged by region. The list includes telephone numbers to obtain more information and make reservations. Legend: * Paradores (Country Inns) # Guest Houses + Resorts Information about some of these places can be found in the Web at < http://www.christwh.com/islands/islands/puertorico.html >. From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico", and R. Paniagua, "Puerto Rico Winter '94" Contributions: J. W. Chardine <chardinej@crusher.gan.nf.doe.ca> ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the SAN JUAN METROPOLITAN AREA OLD SAN JUAN, SAN JUAN # Casa San Jose (787) 723-1212 # Escenario (787) 721-5264,721-5286 Gran Hotel El Convento (787) 723-9020 PUERTA DE TIERRA, SAN JUAN Caribe Hilton (787) 721-0303 Radisson San Juan (787) 729-2929 MIRAMAR, SAN JUAN Excelsior (787) 721-7400 Miramar (787) 722-6239 Olimpo Court (787) 724-0600 Toro (787) 725-5150, 725-2647 CONDADO, SAN JUAN # Aleli by the Sea (787) 725-5313, 723-3895 Ambassador Plaza (787) 721-7300 # Arcade Inn (787) 725-0668, 728-7524 Atlantic Beach (787) 721-6900, 721-6901 Best Western Pierre (787) 721-1200 # Canario Inn (787) 722-3861 Canario by the Lagoon (787) 722-5058 # Canario by the Sea (787) 722-8640 # Casablanca (787) 722-7139 La Concha (787) 721-6090 Condado Beach (787) 721-6888 Condado Lagoon (787) 721-0170 Condado Plaza (787) 721-1000 Condado San Juan (787) 724-5657 Dutch Inn & Tower (787) 721-0810 # Embassy (787) 725-8284, 725-2400 Portal (787) 721-9010 # Prado Inn (787) 728-5925, 728-5136 Radisson Ambassador Plaza (787) 721-7300 Ramada Condado (787) 724-5657 Regency (787) 721-0505 Tanama Princess (787) 724-4160 # Wind Chimes (787) 727-4153 OCEAN PARK, SAN JUAN # Beach Buoy Inn (787) 728-8119 # Condesa (787) 727-3698, 727-3900 # Hosteria del Mar (787) 727-3302 # Numero 1 on the Beach (787) 727-9687 # Tres Palmas (787) 727-4617, 727-5434 ISLA VERDE, CAROLINA # Borinquen Royal (787) 728-8400 Carib-Inn (787) 791-3535 Casa de Playa (787) 728-9779 # Casa Mathiesen Inn (787) 726-8662, 727-3223 Don Pedro (787) 791-2838 # El Patio (787) 726-6298, 726-6953 Empress Oceanfront (787) 791-3083, 791-4950 ESJ Towers (787) 791-5151 # Green Isle (787) 726-4330, 728-5749 Holiday Inn Crown Plaza (787) 253-2929 International Airport (787) 791-1700 Mario's (787) 791-3748 Playa (787) 791-1115, 791-5945 Sands (787) 791-6100 San Juan (787) 791-1000 Travel Lodge (787) 728-1300 DORADO Hyatt Regency Cerromar (787) 796-1234 Hyatt Dorado Beach (787) 796-1234 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the NORTHEAST AND OFFSHORE ISLANDS CEIBA # Ceiba Country Inn (787) 885-0471 FAJARDO + Conquistador (787) 863-1000 Delicias (787) 863-1818 # Fajardo Inn (787) 863-5195 * Familia (787) 863-1193 HUMACAO + Palmas del Mar (787) 852-6000 LUQUILLO * Martorell (787) 721-2884, 889-2710 PATILLAS Caribe Playa (787) 839-6339 # Villa del Carmen (787) 839-7536 CULEBRA # Posada la Hamaca (787) 742-3516 Villa Fulladoza (787) 742-3576 VIEQUES # Casa del Frances (787) 741-3751 # Crown's Nest (787) 741-0033 Ocean View (787) 741-3696 # Sea Gate (787) 741-4661 # Water's Edge (787) 741-1128 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the SOUTH COAST GUAYAMA Posada Guayama (787) 866-1515 PONCE Days Inn (787) 841-1000 Holiday Inn Ponce (787) 844-1200 Melia (787) 842-0261, 842-0262 Ponce Hilton (787) 259-7676, 259-7777 SALINAS Marina de Salinas (787) 752-8484, 824-3185 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the WEST COAST AGUADA * J. B. Hidden Village (787) 868-8686 AGUADILLA Cielo Mar (787) 882-5959 Cima (787) 890-2016,890-2017 * Faro (787) 882-8000 Hacienda El Pedregal (787) 891-6068 CABO ROJO * Boquemar (787) 851-2158 Boqueron Beach (787) 851-7110,851-7100 Cuestamar (787) 851-2819 * Joyuda Beach (787) 851-5650 * Perichi's (787) 851-3131 GUANICA Copamarina Beach (787) 821-0505 GUAYANILLA Pichi's (787) 835-3335 LAJAS # Nautilus (787) 899-4565 * Posada Porlamar (787) 899-4015 # Viento y Vela (787) 899-4698, 899-3030 * Villa Parguera (787) 721-2884, 899-3975 LAS MARIAS # Gutierrez (787) 827-2087, 827-3453 MARICAO * Hacienda Juanita (787) 721-2884, 838-2550 Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/hacienda.gif > MAYAGUEZ Embajador (787) 833-3340 Holiday Inn Mayaguez (787) 833-1100 Mayaguez Hilton (787) 831-7575, 724-0161 Palma (787) 834-3800 * Sol (787) 834-0303 RINCON Horned Dorset Primavera (787) 823-4050 * Villa Antonio (787) 823-2645, 823-2285 SAN GERMAN * Oasis (787) 721-2884, 892-1175 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the NORTHWEST ISABELA Costa Dorada Beach (787) 872-7255 QUEBRADILLAS * Guajataca (787) 721-2884, 895-3070 * Vistamar (787) 721-2884, 895-2065 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where to stay in the MOUNTAINS ADJUNTAS Monte Rio (787) 829-3705 Villas de Sotomayor (787) 829-5105, 829-1717 COAMO * Ba~nos de Coamo (787) 721-2884, 825-2186 JAYUYA * Hacienda Gripi~nas (787) 721-2884, 828-1717 UTUADO * Casa Grande (787) 721-2884, 894-3939 ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: What are Paradores Puertorrique~nos? Paradores Puertorrique~nos (Puerto Rican Country Inns) is (officially) an organization sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company that promotes the use of the "paradores" around the island. The "paradores" are inexpensive compared to the hotels and are located outside of the San Juan Metropolitan Area. If you need more information you can call 721-2884 in San Juan, 1-800-981-7575 outside the San Juan Metropolitan Area or 1-800-443-0266 from the USA. You can also contact them individually. See "Where to stay in Puerto Rico?" for the phone numbers and locations of the Paradores (they are marked with *). ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Where can I get more tourist information? The best source of tourist information is the free, quarterly magazine "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico" produced and distributed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. You can get a copy of the publication at airports and hotels in Puerto Rico or by contacting the office or representative nearest to you mentioned below. You can contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Company in San Juan at (787) 721-2884 or call toll free (800) 223-6530. There are representatives of the Tourism Company around the USA in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Hartford, CT, Houston, TX, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, San Francisco, CA, St. Louis, MO, and Washington, D. C. Also, there are offices of the PR Tourism Company in the following cities: > Los Angeles, CA 3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd. Suite 560 Los Angeles, CA 90068 (213) 874-5991 Fax: 874-7257 > Madrid, Espa~na Calle Serrano 1 2 izda. 28001 Madrid, Espa~na (341) 431-2128 Fax: 577-5260 > Miami, FL 200 S. E. First Street Suite 700 Miami, FL 33131 (305) 381-8915 Fax: 381-8917 > Milan, Italy Via E. Segre' 3 -- 20052 Monza, Italy (39/39) 748-820 Fax: 749-472 > New York, NY 575 Fifth Ave., 23rd floor New York, NY 10017 (800) 223-6530 Fax: (212) 818-1866 > Paris, France Express Conseil 5 bis. Rue Du Louvre 75001 Paris, France (331) 4477-8800 Fax: 4260-0545 > Tokyo, Japan Kasho Building 2-14-09 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103, Japan (03) 3272-3060, 3273-2445 > Toronto, Canada 2 Bloor Street West Suite 700 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R1 (416) 969-9025 Fax: 969-9478 > Weisbaden, Germany Kreuzberger Ring 56 D-6200 Weisbaden 32, Germany (49611) 744-2880 From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico" ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ This section includes a brief description of other questions to be included in this document. Contributions to answer them can be sent to the group or preferably to me at <zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu>. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: Other festivities In Puerto Rico we celebrate many festivities during the year in different towns. Examples of those festivities are: Festival de las Flores in Aibonito, Festival del Guineo, Festival de la Novilla, el Carnaval in Ponce. I would like to compile a list with the name of the different celebrations, dates, places and a description of the festivity. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Subject: What to do with an annoying person? One too many times I have seen this question pop up in our newsgroup. Some people have proposed different strategies to deal with annoying persons in the Internet. I plan to compile the different approaches and make suggestions on their effectiveness. -- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Zeydy Ortiz Laureano zortizl@eos.ncsu.edu