Loiza blew me away. It took awhile to get there, the buses weren't running on a regular basis, we considered getting a scooter; would of if the cheap place had available ones. But Enrique, his girlfriend, Amin of the Dominican Republic, Melody and I headed to Loiza in a taxi we finally flagged down. Only Amin and Enrique spoke Spanish and English so it was hard to communicate with Erique's girlfriend, I wanted to be able to fluently communicate with everyone I saw. I need to runaway and learn Spanish.
Enrique added much ease to the trip, translating and guiding us along the way. We were greeted with hi's and santeria statues adorned the street as we entered into Loiza. Warmth Melody and I hadn't fully felt since entering Puerto Rico, was here. I question if culture is the only thing pulling certain people apart? (because I'm sure other people have different experiences)
Although Enrique was from Loiza he seemed a bit hesitant to walk the streets, telling us that bad stuff happens at night and the violence was no joke. A party was going on, La Bomba traditional dance was going to be taking place in about an hour or two. I wanted to stay, hearing the sounds allowed me to forget about all the caution signs Enrique was throwing up but we had to solicit a ride from Enrique's Aunt so we had to leave early. His aunt told us we now have a home in Loiza. :) Although I do think she was a bit hesitant with me and not Melody because I do come off as rather masculine/boyish. The car ride back to Santurce proved to be good and at the end she shook my hand, hugged and kissed us both. Yup, she didn't do that before; she only shook Melody's hand. (kinda hurt my feelings)
*I can't help but feel that things would be different if I didn't resemble somebody who was confused. I am not. I wear what I like, which fits no boundaries. I am a woman and sometimes the energy that others project out to me causes me to feel bad about who I am but I am strong. The souls that I meet that are worth while will accept me for who I am, not write me off because of what I "seem" to be.
Enrique added much ease to the trip, translating and guiding us along the way. We were greeted with hi's and santeria statues adorned the street as we entered into Loiza. Warmth Melody and I hadn't fully felt since entering Puerto Rico, was here. I question if culture is the only thing pulling certain people apart? (because I'm sure other people have different experiences)
Although Enrique was from Loiza he seemed a bit hesitant to walk the streets, telling us that bad stuff happens at night and the violence was no joke. A party was going on, La Bomba traditional dance was going to be taking place in about an hour or two. I wanted to stay, hearing the sounds allowed me to forget about all the caution signs Enrique was throwing up but we had to solicit a ride from Enrique's Aunt so we had to leave early. His aunt told us we now have a home in Loiza. :) Although I do think she was a bit hesitant with me and not Melody because I do come off as rather masculine/boyish. The car ride back to Santurce proved to be good and at the end she shook my hand, hugged and kissed us both. Yup, she didn't do that before; she only shook Melody's hand. (kinda hurt my feelings)
*I can't help but feel that things would be different if I didn't resemble somebody who was confused. I am not. I wear what I like, which fits no boundaries. I am a woman and sometimes the energy that others project out to me causes me to feel bad about who I am but I am strong. The souls that I meet that are worth while will accept me for who I am, not write me off because of what I "seem" to be.