A Look at Puerto Rico on 21/06/10 by Alexandria Prain

When planning your next vacation spot, make sure to consider all that the beautiful island of Puerto Rico has to offer. This stunning tropical paradise offers exotic hideaways, mile and miles of soft, white sand beaches, lush mountains and valleys and much more. Come and experience this unique and culturally rich island.

The most eastern and smallest island in the Greater Antillies, Puerto Rico enjoys a mountainous topography, as well as stunning Caribbean beaches and waters. From rainforest, caves, beaches, deserts, oceans and rivers, the lands of this island have a little something for everyone.

The culture of this charming paradise can truly only be described as colorful and full of complexity. Ethnically, the island is composed of a mixture of Spanish and indigenous peoples. In the 18th- century, the first Spaniards, in order to populate the area, took many Taino Indian brides. As time progressed, more and more labor was needed to maintain crops and build up infrastructure. As a result, African slaves were brought to the island, to then be followed by Chinese immigrants. Immigration of all types continued to swell as many French, German, Italian and Lebanese people began residing on the island. Immigration of all groups and ethnicities has long been a cultural tradition in Puerto Rica and has thus resulted in a populace almost completely devoid of racial problems.

The cuisine of Puerto Rico is by far one of the most delectable in all of the Caribbean. Featuring a unique blend of Spanish, Cuban, Mexican, African, Taino and American flavors, there is no doubt that visitors will fall in love with the flavors of the "cocina criolla."

The idea behind Cocina Criolla can be traced all the way back to the original inhabitants of the island, the Arawaks and Tainos tribes, who dined on mainly corn, tropical fruit and sea food. Today, one can expect to enjoy sizzling appetizers such as the bacalaitos, a crunchy cod fritter, empanadillas, empanadas filled with lobster, crab, conch or beef, as well as a number of scrumptious soups, particularly the Frijoles negros (black bean soup). For main courses expect a flavorful stew, especially the carne guisada puertorriqueantildea. Puerto Ricans also love chicken and you will surely find yourself enjoying Arroz con Pollo, Pollo al jerez or Pollo agridulce. For desert, make sure not to miss their sinful custards or nisperos de batata (sweet-potatp balls rolled in coconut, cloves and cinnamon. Make sure to wash it down with an incradible and aromatic Puerto Rican coffee and of course a traditional Rum.

With so much land, culture and areas to relax, there is no doubt that Puerto Rico is the best spot for your next vacation destination. Come dive in!

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