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Health & Fitness

She's Away with the Fairies (or Isablea, Puerto Rico)

Mildewed skulls in this climate if you do not move and experience the rough sea adventures.

Dazzling beaches in Isabela (NW Puerto Rico) are hemmed by limestone headlands that channel the Atlantic waves onto the shore. But I can't help but think we are living in a Spongebob Squarepants' World. 

The family enjoys jelly fishing and hanging out with friends; like Pat, Sandy and their pet snail... Gary. We are going to investigate and understand the amazing world by the sea. Even so, we're having a hard enough time just figuring each other out...barnacles, cowries, corkscrews, urchins, crabs and corals.

  Introduction of the characters now living in Puerto Rico for the year.

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The ol' fellah, Rick the husband: is The Flying Dutchman—laughs hard and loud; a ghastly green pirate who haunts Bikini Bottom.

The missus is me... playing Squidward—finds peace in music and finds things to do that Sponge Bob and Patrick DON'T!

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Our oldest son, is Spongebob, enjoying simple art work and with his buck-tooth smile, lightens any mood.

The wee daughter is Mr. Krabs who is tight with the coppers, but is always loyal. The youngest son is Patrick.  Always present for crazy mishaps—the perfect sidekick and quipster.  

This isn't the United States in many ways—this ain't Minneapolis or Green Bay. The power goes out often. You need patience, it is a small place. Trying to find a cash machine in working order or trying to avoid queues at the Banco Popular is a chore.    

When we checked into this apartment complex and saw no TV, no phone, no clock... a wee bit of panic set in. Then, I turned around and saw why—the ocean was literally steps from our beachfront door. Why would you want a TV or a clock when you can look at the sea and reef instead?

I want to live life with gusto and some might assume I may be faking my enthusiasm. Others may wonder if I am insane or worse—what would be wrong with those of us who relish being the "bride at every wedding, the corpse at every funeral."   

This was Friday's prayer before meal.   "...And, please Lord do not let mom (me, Squidward) bully us into sightseeing this Saturday." This request came from the ol' fellah, Rick the husband. The three sea urchins  (Spongebob, Mr. Krabs and Patrick) who'd put the heart crossways in ye, were happy with this prayer!  

I postponed the sightseeing until Sunday, the following day. 

You have to learn to tune into the island, the people, what's going on.   Currently we are in the midst of celebrating the quincentennial of the Governorship of Puerto Rico—no better way to honor the legacy of the first Governor, don Juan Ponce de Leon. Tantalizing treat to be present in the celebration year (I don't care how the family are praying!!!).  I am just waiting to be asked to play Ponce in something—I have this outfit back in MN and have worn it to Woodury Senior Living for fun!

It would be a waste of energy finding too much fault with the cultural differences. The differences are amusing most of the time. 

The natives have a strong impression/vibe on how it is supposed to be in Puerto Rico; if you try to change it, it shakes you off fast! But, by golly, the lines at check outs in stores are exhausting. Puerto Ricans kiss, hug, catch up with their buddies and socialize at the supermarket, the restaurants, the schools... no desperate rush on anyone.   

The people accept each other, and this is heartwarming. 

I'm sociable, I really am... but not starved for talk... especially when I want to pay for my groceries and get some work done.

I have heard at home over the years, that you should not put on airs or think too highly of yourself. "What kills a skunk is the publicity is gives itself."

So, clearing the air... we did purchase one TV, and, I dropped into Wal-Mart the other day to use the Loo (the Powder Room) since most lavabos servicios (lavatories) are wimpy—except for the one at Wal-Mart! I just desired to use an American cistern that had a forceful flush (in all I've seen, you have to hold down that handle for quite a time, hoping, pleading, waiting for water to come. It arrives, but again... like the natives there is no desperate rush on the Puerto Rican people or... the water.  

I also looked forward to using their hand dryer. This one could blow my 120lb body to the other side of the room. 

A little bit of American Ingenuity. It felt GREAT!         

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