Fifty-One Nifty States

By: Wes Ward
May 28, 2007

I now realize why it is that the United States is so interested in Puerto Rico, and why Puerto Rico has so much trouble deciding whether to be annexed into the union. After spending almost two weeks on the island, I have developed a theory.

Picture 1: El Capitolio houses the Senate and Representatives in separate wings.

In simple terms, Puerto Rican days and nights are full of life. Drinking, dancing, and ambiguity pack each sun filled day with a myriad of events and conflicting beliefs. The social standard in Puerto Rico is vastly different from that of the United States. The standards that have become familiar in the states seem to evoke Puerto Rican life as an illicit atmosphere.

In Puerto Rico, any day is acceptable to go out with friends and mingle with complete strangers while carousing the night away. Of the countless establishments on every street, people have the ability to choose where and when they will go, and are not limited in any way. Crowds of people, which are compromised of every generation, begin to dissipate long after midnight has passed and disperses entirely as the sun rises, dawning a new day.

Picture 2: A view of Old San Juan from Fort San Felipe del Morrow

There is no question of the carefree lifestyles being socially acceptable in Puerto Rico. The United States and Puerto Rico remain linked as a commonwealth because of the immense conflicting social taboos that push and pull each society into the unique relationship that has stagnated of late. Puerto Rico has been “given” the ability to choose its future, whether or not it includes a relationship with the U.S. In creating this link the U.S. government has created a fail-safe scenario in which every outcome becomes a win-win situation and has yet to be concluded. The lazier-faire attitude of America tugs on the foundations of which the U.S. was built and evolves into yet another accomplishment that the “greatest country in the world” may boast. Failure of the creation of an independent Puerto Rico is at fault of the Puerto Ricans, while annexation would mean the salvation and embrace of Puerto Rico and its heritage. I eagerly await the end result, which still looms in the unbalanced air.

Picture 3: The Puerto Rican Flag flies next to the United States Flag.

Mixing it Up in Puerto Rico

By: Wes Ward
May 26, 2007

Picture 1: Statue that overlooks the Capitol building next to the ocean.

Puerto Rico is a melting pot of cultures, ages, and beliefs. Like the United States, this island is mixed heavily between diverse cultures and ethnicities. Architecture, dancing, and music are all entrenched with multiple identities, which blend into one vast and prideful identity.
The colors are rich and vibrant. Bright blue ocean waves splash the rocky coastlines that quickly become filled with abundant fields of green grasses that further inland transform into lush vegetation.

Picture 2: Mountains in El Yunque National Rain Forest.

The abundance of colors that the island displays creates a beautiful image for anyone’s delight. The people are as pale as the sun bleached sand that surrounds the island, but others have become as dark as the shadowy encasement of an underground cave. Although it is obvious that color and race are not as large a problem as it is in the United States, I do believe that this issue is a clear and defining symbol of Puerto Rico. I am not just describing the color of the people or the landscape, but of the culture itself.
Walking down a street in Puerto Rico a realization will hit you very quickly. The architecture is flooded with stylistic aesthetics influenced from countries throughout the world. Giant stone walls fortify the city of San Juan, not only creating a picturesque scene, but telling the story of its history and people. The language is different from the country to which it pays tribute, and the music is an eclectic mix of combined sounds heard throughout the world. The architecture paints a visual picture of what the world was, is and can be. One building will be painted a vibrant Easter egg blue, contrasting the adjacent building, which is composed entirely of a bright burning orange.

Picture 3: Calle de San Fransisco in San Jaun, Puerto Rico.

The colors and styles of the buildings brilliantly display the energy and abundance of life that floods the streets. Streets rumble with Reggaton as thundering bass and the incessant beat of drums blares from the odd assortment of cars on the streets. Off the streets and inside the beautiful buildings that house the cobbled streets, salsa and merengue music is softly echoed throughout the halls and plazas.
Flamenco dancing and Spanish revival architecture showcase the Spanish upbringings, while the influx of Burger Kings, Starbucks and gas guzzling Ford pickups showcase the industrial and commercial influence of the United States. The struggles of slavery through which Puerto Rico has endured, to the constant clashes over Independence or statehood; this island has prevailed and will continue to shine brightly in the Caribbean Seas.

Picture 3: Flamenco dancer performs for an audience at the local restaurant, Barrachina.

So...I'm not from around here

By Wes Ward
May 19, 2007


During the early hours of the last night in Ponce, a few of us decided to investigate the night scene. So today began with a bang at a popular nightclub called "Bar Code" and the surrounding establishments. Throughout my life I have always believed most Puerto Ricans to be admirable dancers and in search for another celebration. We quickly gathered that many Puerto Ricans rarely act in such ways in the southern portion of the island; the partiers are mainly focused in the north and this division has existed for some time. This inspired new inquiries that had to be considered and realized.

Picture 1: View of Ponce from Seralles Castle.

We ran into three gentlemen, Felix, Norman, and Louis who shared their insight into a world of taboo concerning Puerto Rican politics and the differences between north and south. Like many places throughout the world, Puerto Rico too is geographically divided among its people.
The three men each expressed their hopes and desires for the future of Puerto Rico as a state and concluded this to be the majority belief among all native. Their main concern seemed to be that of humanity and its incapability to rid itself of discrimination and the dire conditions it imposes upon others. Each of the three men stated hopes of one day becoming annexed into the United States because of the opportunities that have already been created. They have become unimpressed and disheartened by the process in which D.C. has incorporated and functions. Very few living on the island represent the alternative idea of becoming an independent state. Remaining a commonwealth is rarely associated with enthusiasm that thrives on this Caribbean island, but remains the harsh and unchanging truth in which they live. Puerto Ricans continue to debate and voice their opinion daily in hopes of one day become a true state.
Later that day I found myself fighting over possession of a bath towel in my room and soon discovered that the towel I had been fighting over was indeed a floor mat. I obviously know the truly important things over which to fight.

Picture 2: Puerto Rican man carries his belongings down the street.

So...I Want to be Around There

By Wes Ward
April 1, 2007

Travel is an imperative experience to have, especially when new cultures are introduced. I enjoy communicating with people and experiencing new thoughts into which I can rediscover myself. Although I am not majoring in journalism I believe my experiences from this trip will be applied daily when I do become an architect and hopefully start my own firm someday. I expect to travel often throughout my life and must be proficient in effectively communicating in numerous ways.
For as long as I can remember I have been extremely fascinated with Latin American culture. I have taken several trips to Mexico and was once fortunate enough to sail on a cruise which explored the Caribbean and its diverse islands. The intense and brilliant sun exudes the energy displayed through the rhythmic lifestyles that many Latin Americans display so casually. Gracious and warming natives generate a rich environment filled with optimism and copious pleasures that I eagerly hope to experience.
Having studied architecture and history at the University of Oklahoma for three years now, no other area in the world has intrigued me more than that of Latin America. The history extends back thousands of years along with the architectural brilliance that contains influences from countless regions of the world. Like the countryside and surrounding waters, the history and architecture is full of life and discovery. I cannot begin to fathom the experiences I may have or whether I am fully capable of absolute appreciation of this opportunity but, the opportunity does greatly excite me.